scott_junkie

I've just been googling for information to help me make a decision on a new road bike and came up with the Bike Forum, so here goes - hope you guys can help ........

I've currently got an alloy Scott AFD Pro (2005) with carbon fork and I love it. The Scott bikes seem to suit my personal geometry (slightly shorter top tube) so that's cool.

I now want to get a carbon frame and am seriously looking at the Scott CR1 Team issue or SL (same Team Issue carbon frame but spec'ed with Campag Record or Shimano Dura Ace respectively).

However another LBS came into the frame yesterday with the view that, at my size (200lbs), I wouldn't get the full benefit out of a carbon frame, and that I should go with an alloy/composite set up (alloy frame with carbon forks, steerer, seatpost and rear triangle). They recommended and will build me a bike using a 2006 Condor Squadra frame, with carbon as above and Dura Ace, for a bit less than the full carbon framed Scott.

I've done a fair bit of research on frame manufacture and metallurgy etc and seen all the info about stiffness, lightness, failure, mushiness, road buzz etc, so am aware of some of the science.

What I need to know is ..........who out there rides full carbon Scotts, and who has the last word on alloy/composites, specifically the Condor Squadra if possible, and can help me make my decision? It's quite a big money outlay where I come from so want to get it right!

I'm to do some test rides now, but looking forward to some good advice.

saintx

what are they telling you about carbon, and what benefit won't you see by buying an all carbon frame? How much do they want for the Condor?

scott_junkie

I've been given all the good stuff about carbon = lightness, stiffness, smooth ride, great climbing etc (the two Scott stockists), but the other LBS talked about the fact that there is a "weight limit" for carbon frames and that at 200lbs (I'm not your average road biker build, too much gym time!) I would be better off getting the alloy frame (for stiffness, and power translation into immediate acceleration) rather than the carbon frame.

The Condor will also come with removable rear dropouts, and in the case of a prang (which is generally going to be catastrophic for the carbon frame), you can replace the rear triangle/forks/dropouts etc.

Have you or anyone else snapped or broken any part of a carbon frame that necessitated full replacement ?

In terms of $$, I could get the Condor for about NZ$7,500 (a little less than the full carbon Scott)

rufvelo

At 200lbs it should really be "Carbon/alloy-composite" vs "newer steel" and I'd vote for steel.

DannoXYZ 

Bah, avoid that LBS! I weighed 245lbs on 1-jan-04 and I hopped on my 14-year old carbon Specialized Allez Epic and have worn through two sets of tyres since then. I'm down to 180lbs now and that bike's been through hell and back with over 10-years of racing on the clock. Two replacement forks from wrecks, 6 sets of race-wheels, etc. Don't believe the anti-carbon hype.

The CR1's a great bike and a lot of shops are blowing out leftover 2005 inventory for dirt cheap. Saw one going for $1300

james_robert

you could go for the Cannondale six13 Team frame, it encorporates Cannondales CAAD8 aluminum with high grade carbon fiber on both the top and down tubes

reneuend

See if the LBS will let you test ride the carbon for one day and the Alloy for another day. Both bikes will hold your weight, but you should be able to notice which one rides better.

Personally, I like Cromoly and Carbon the best. I weighed 195 with the Cromoly and started riding carbon at 180. But I still ride both types and find very little difference in them.

In the end, test riding should help you decide.

Good Luck! I wish I had the problem of deciding! What a pleasant problem.

bluecd

i was 200 lbs when i bought my cannondale synapse all carbon and 1,300 miles later it still works.