Al vs CF for racing
#1
Overacting because I can
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: The Mean Streets of Bethesda, MD
Posts: 4,552
Bikes: Merlin Agilis, Trek 1500
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Al vs CF for racing
Putting aside weight and assuming identical geometry - does anyone feel that CF is particularly better than Al for cross races?
I'm mentally debating the merits of Ridley's X Fire and X Ride and wondering if the extra $ for CF is really worth it (the small weight difference isn't really a deciding factor).
I'm mentally debating the merits of Ridley's X Fire and X Ride and wondering if the extra $ for CF is really worth it (the small weight difference isn't really a deciding factor).
__________________
“Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm." (Churchill)
"I am a courageous cyclist." (SpongeDad)
“Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm." (Churchill)
"I am a courageous cyclist." (SpongeDad)
#2
Team Beer
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Sacramento CA
Posts: 6,339
Bikes: Too Many
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 114 Post(s)
Liked 159 Times
in
104 Posts
If weight is not an issue then I would go with Alu. Personally, I prefer a stiff CX frame because the tires absorb so much.
__________________
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
#4
Tiocfáidh ár Lá
My AL bikes felt like jackhammers compared to my steel bike. I would think CF would be a nicer ride but is it worth the price? IDK?
#5
astrositupataphysicyclist
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Media PA
Posts: 596
Bikes: too many now
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
to me it really is about affording CF (and/or being a pro...!)....
regarding comfort, there is nothing comfortable about CX, so that isn't an issue. lessen the jackhammer feeling with tire pressure...
a carbon seatpost, maybe fork is a good mix for the aluminum ride.
regarding comfort, there is nothing comfortable about CX, so that isn't an issue. lessen the jackhammer feeling with tire pressure...
a carbon seatpost, maybe fork is a good mix for the aluminum ride.
#6
Hills hurt.. Couches kill
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Brazil, IN
Posts: 3,370
Bikes: 1991 Specialized Sirrus Triple, 2010 Trek Madone 6.5 Project One, 2012 Cannondale Caad10, 2013 Trek Crockett
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Carbon fork and aluminum frame on mine. I really like this combo simply because I don't freak out everytime I drop it, which is often. It does beat the crap out of me and makes some pretty good 'BONGGGG' sound when the front wheel takes a hard hit, but hey, that's cross as far as I'm concerned.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: San Francisco Peninsula
Posts: 768
Bikes: 1997 Trek 520
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've got an aluminum frame cross bike with all aluminum components except for the fork. It's carbon with an aluminum steer tube. The only thing that bugs me while I'm racing is the acid in my legs and the fire in my lungs.
HTFU.
HTFU.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ambro
Cyclocross and Gravelbiking (Recreational)
21
10-16-13 07:49 AM