derath

I love my OCR comp. It isn't far outside his price range. I got mine (C3) for under $1000 on a really good sale. Full retail for '06 is $1800

I was close to the Pilot, but the LBS would only knock off 5% for the remaining 05 model. This was back in februrary.

-D

HiYoSilver

Interesting thread. At first I was thrilled with the CF frames and the sexiness of the P2C or P3, but I started hearing reports of CF failing. I don't think the problem is with CF but with the bike manufactor's use of CF. Too many of the frames are simply not safe for those loads above 200 lbs. To be safe on a CF bike means spending at least a minute before each ride carefully examing frame for hairline failures. The other thing I don't like about CF, beside the need to examine before each ride, is there is usually no warning of impending failure. It's like a balloon, at some point it just pops. I've seen some photos of bike frames split in half during a ride. A few instances per year, is way too high above my risk reward comfort level.

I've noticed zipp now has clydesdale wheels to address the problem of heavier loads. I hope to take advange of their beefed up wheels. Those stronger CF I would trust, but not normal CF wheels/components.

So reluctantly there are only 2 choices for me. 1__ Al frames with harsher ride, or 2__ Ti frame with heavy hit to the wallet.

I would love to consider a strong CF frame which had been engineered to handle a 300lb load, but I haven't seen any of these. [no I don't have that much load, but for CF I'd want at least a 50lb load safety margin.] The only other option I can think of is something like the Trek one program and getting a custom stronger CF frame.

stonecrd

Here is some text on the Colnago Extreme-C on competitive cyclist:

"A few important details about the Extreme-C: (1) It has the same 4 year warranty as any other Colnago model. Colnago refused to release a featherlight bike that might be construed as overly fragile. (2) There is a weight limit of 90kg (~198lbs.) on the frame. The durability issue for heavier riders is less compelling to us than the ride quality issue -- a 200lb. rider will enjoy better drivetrain stiffness and increased resistance to torsional and lateral flex by choosing a more appropriate model such as the C50. If you weigh 95kg and you hop on an Extreme-C will it explode on contact? Likely not. But manufacturers of lightweight products post weight limits for a reason, so make your purchases (of frames and componentry) accordingly."

I have seen posted weight limits on other bikes as well, generally in the 80-100kg range. I wouldn't have a problem riding a bike rated for 198lbs when I weight 192. I assume that the mfg is going to be conservative.

pigmode

The old Colnago Technos steel frame (the lighter ver. of my MXL) and their current carbon C-50 Extreme. I've come across others.

nebby

I have to say that the bikes the pros use are subjected to some serious stress, much higher in some regards than the average rider, even with extra weight. A frame that goes from a 500 watt climb to a 70 mph decent has to be strong enough for me (200#) to ride 100 miles a week.
Plus one other thing: a sponser would be unlikely to allow a highly paid rider to use a bike that might result in his injury, for obvious reasons. Can you imagine Jan's frame cracking and costing him the Tour because it was built too lightly? It's possible, but not bloody likely.

wagathon

Additionally, manufacturers of CF frames don't just copy an old steel frame, simply substituting CF for steel along the way.

Trek's bottom bracket design, for example, is different, e.g., it's not just three tubes coming from different directions and meeting at the cranks like an old steel frame. And, the method of transitioning into the the seat stay from the seatpost area is different.

My guess is that the newer compact frame design lends itself to a sturdier triangle, irrespective of the materials used.

bbattle

Can you tell us the models they've got priced at $1500?

jcm

I also have a Sequoia Elite. CF front and back. Love the ride. I'll definitely be putting a rack on the back because I go long and sometimes don't come home for 10 or 11 hours. Gotta bring food and water - lots of it, too. I weigh 225 and I ride pretty hard. The damned thing better hold up, cuz they said it would!

SimiCyclist

Last night I looked at the owner's manuals for Trek, Giant and Cannondale bicycles on their respective websites. The only mention of weight with regard to durability was the lifetime of components in general, but not specifically frames. There were no cautions about weight limits.

bbattle

Wheel manufacturers put weight limits on their products and wheelmakers want to know your weight so they can decide on how many spokes and what spoke pattern to use and also what hubs to use.

HiYoSilver

Speedplay also has weight limits for their TI zero pedal.

Usually this is not an advertising plus, look for warranty information details.

wagathon

I think it's understood that an Eddie Merkcyx would need a new Cannondale Cad 7 every two years, no ?

stonecrd

Just for grins I e-mailed Scott, Orbea and Kestrel on this question. The replies:

Scott
> The CR1s have no rider weight limit, so your 192 lbs won't pose a
> problem. Get one!

Orbea
> Thank you for your interest in Orbea. We do not put rider weight
> restrictions on our framesets. We do however, make suggestions based on our
> experience for what would be the best ride quality for you. Depending on
> your height you may find ORCA to be a great ride. Based solely on your
> weight, we would suggest the OPAL. This is a frameset that is stiffer
> overall for the folks that race or bigger, stronger riders in general. I am
> 6’ 5” , 185lbs and the OPAL feels fantastic.

Did not hear back from Kestrel

HiYoSilver

We're talking higher weights. 225 to 260 lbs, that is where it gets to be a problem.

say 220 lb rider and 20lbs of stuff in back pack/gear and 20lbs for reserve carrying capacity. This time of year it's mostly camelbak. a 8lbs a gallon, it doesn't take long to add extra weight.

wagathon

Before the seiners, bait boats hauled in Atlantic tuna weighing over a 1,000 pounds with nothing but cane poles. They would have loved having CF poles back then.

p2000

The Specialized Roubaix is $1600 (on sale). At a different shop I asked what a full carbon Trek started at and was told $1600. I wasn't there to bike shop so it was a pretty casual conversation and, as a result, I didn't get the model.

Ok so they are both $100 over my quoted price. But it's close enough for the girls I go out with. lol

Tree Trunk

An inexpensive carbon ride that I have heard may be a good deal is a bike mfr called "Leopard". You may be able to get close to your budget number with that bike.

I didn't read through all of the posts in this thread, but what about carbon components? Last May, a guy with a screwed up face came up to me and ranted about the old Spinergy Rev X wheel I had on the front of my bike. He said carbon lasts five years or less. The reason his face was screwed up was because he was riding a bike with the same wheel and it tacoed on him while he was pulling on a group ride. He bit an oncoming car head on. The guy practically pleaded with me to get rid of my wheel immediately. Of course, this was at a rest stop at mile 90 on the Assault on Mt Mitchell, and was right before a steep two mile descent!!!!

derath

And this guy was an expert on Carbon fiber lifespans how?

There are a number of people on these forums alone with some of the first carbon bikes made, easily 10+ years old.

I also HIGHLY doubt industries such as aerospace would be utilizing as much CF as they do if it only lasted 5 years.

I would be more inclined to believe that guy had a light racing style wheel that was probably not the best choice for daily use and hit one too many potholes at high speed.

-D