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CF vs. Al vs. Steel

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Old 02-05-16, 09:02 AM
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CF vs. Al vs. Steel

I have only rode a CF bike.
Can someone explain the differences between the 3 as far as handling, comfort, durability etc.
If you are looking for an endurance type bike which of the three would be best?

thank you
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Old 02-05-16, 09:05 AM
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Heeeere we go.

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Old 02-05-16, 09:05 AM
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Awesome!
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Old 02-05-16, 09:05 AM
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What a refreshing topic.
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Old 02-05-16, 09:08 AM
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Neither. Bamboo is the best out of all the choices.
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Old 02-05-16, 09:09 AM
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It's complicated. Do some research. Go to your local bike shop and do some test rides to see for yourself.

Do it now and thank me later.
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Old 02-05-16, 09:13 AM
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Steel rusts, Carbon asplodes, aluminum cracks due to metal fatigue.
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Old 02-05-16, 09:14 AM
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Old 02-05-16, 09:20 AM
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Originally Posted by kenshireen
I have only rode a CF bike.
Can someone explain the differences between the 3 as far as handling, comfort, durability etc.
If you are looking for an endurance type bike which of the three would be best?

thank you
On the off-chance you're not trolling, I'll try to help.

Frame material makes no difference to handling, and almost none to comfort. If you don't crash or otherwise abuse them, they'll all last many tens of thousands of miles. What counts is geometry and how the bike fits you, because those are going to dictate how comfortable you are for long rides.

/thread (please?)
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Old 02-05-16, 09:24 AM
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Originally Posted by chasm54
On the off-chance you're not trolling, I'll try to help.

Frame material makes no difference to handling, and almost none to comfort. If you don't crash or otherwise abuse them, they'll all last many tens of thousands of miles. What counts is geometry and how the bike fits you, because those are going to dictate how comfortable you are for long rides.

/thread (please?)
This
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Old 02-05-16, 09:25 AM
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Originally Posted by bakes1
This
+1 Mods: Please lock this thread ASAP.

Edit: Please lock and make sticky. Please?
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Old 02-05-16, 09:27 AM
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Originally Posted by chasm54
On the off-chance you're not trolling, I'll try to help.

Frame material makes no difference to handling, and almost none to comfort. If you don't crash or otherwise abuse them, they'll all last many tens of thousands of miles. What counts is geometry and how the bike fits you, because those are going to dictate how comfortable you are for long rides.

/thread (please?)
I don't agree with what you said, but I'm still pro closing this thread.
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Old 02-05-16, 09:30 AM
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Originally Posted by kenshireen
I have only rode a CF bike. Can someone explain the differences between the 3 as far as handling, comfort, durability etc. If you are looking for an endurance type bike which of the three would be best? thank you
Comfort is in The Tires, related to Brand and PSI.
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Old 02-05-16, 09:31 AM
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****
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Old 02-05-16, 09:36 AM
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Originally Posted by kenshireen
I have only rode a CF bike.
Can someone explain the differences between the 3 as far as handling, comfort, durability etc.
If you are looking for an endurance type bike which of the three would be best?

thank you
TITANIUM! The only material!


But four cereal, this:

Originally Posted by chasm54
On the off-chance you're not trolling, I'll try to help.

Frame material makes no difference to handling, and almost none to comfort. If you don't crash or otherwise abuse them, they'll all last many tens of thousands of miles. What counts is geometry and how the bike fits you, because those are going to dictate how comfortable you are for long rides.

/thread (please?)
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Old 02-05-16, 09:36 AM
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Yay! A frame material thread! ****
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Old 02-05-16, 09:37 AM
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Originally Posted by exime
Neither. Bamboo is the best out of all the choices.
30 bananas a day is that you?
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Old 02-05-16, 09:39 AM
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Originally Posted by 10 Wheels
Comfort is in The Tires, related to Brand and PSI.
tire construction/thread count matters far more than the brand name.

Continental makes some great tires, and some that ride like rocks.
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Old 02-05-16, 09:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Stravacyclist79
30 bananas a day is that you?
They call me durianrider.
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Old 02-05-16, 09:54 AM
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As a common sewer of fine bicycles I will attest that frame design counts more than material. Test riding is the only way to find one that suits you.
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Old 02-05-16, 09:56 AM
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Originally Posted by chasm54
On the off-chance you're not trolling, I'll try to help.

Frame material makes no difference to handling, and almost none to comfort. If you don't crash or otherwise abuse them, they'll all last many tens of thousands of miles. What counts is geometry and how the bike fits you, because those are going to dictate how comfortable you are for long rides.

/thread (please?)
I am not trolling....
I always thought that CF was easier on the body the aluminum.....but that aluminum was less expensive..
I am really looking for some direction here.
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Old 02-05-16, 09:59 AM
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Originally Posted by kenshireen
I am not trolling....
I always thought that CF was easier on the body the aluminum.....but that aluminum was less expensive..
I am really looking for some direction here.
Do a search. The most common troll post topic on this site.
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Old 02-05-16, 10:00 AM
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Generally, steel bikes can be considered to ride smoothly. I ride a steel bike that is super comfortable, but took a Trek Domane 5.9 out for several long test rides and found that bike to be just as comfortable....but lighter. Not bikes are "quick" feeling, but if I had to pick a winner I would say the Domane has an edge.

It's all in how it is put together...wheels and tires make a difference.
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Old 02-05-16, 10:00 AM
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Originally Posted by kenshireen
I am not trolling....
I always thought that CF was easier on the body the aluminum.....but that aluminum was less expensive..
I am really looking for some direction here.
That's the conventional wisdom, but there's more truth in it with regard to forks than frame material. You can get harsh-riding bikes, or comfortable ones, in any material, and alu bikes with CF forks (even some with alu forks) can ride beautifully. The only real direction you can get is to consider what type of riding you want to do, choose a few bikes that seem likely to be suitable, and see how you like them, taking account of weight, price, components etc.
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Old 02-05-16, 10:03 AM
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You have to be careful to compare the different materials at similar price points (preferably your chosen price point). Aluminum can range from the ridiculous to the sublime. Low end carbon can be dead and sluggish feeling. And so on.
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