Carbon seat stays?
03-12-09, 10:22 AM
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Carbon seat stays?
What's the general consensus on carbon seat stays on an otherwise aluminum frameset? I've tested two similar bikes one with carbon seat stays and the other without and have not really noticed a difference. (This will be first bike so I'm not sure if they will make a big difference on a longer ride.) So what is your experience? Do they make a difference in the ride (race, training ride, whatever)?
03-12-09, 10:28 AM
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03-12-09, 10:30 AM
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My bike has carbon stays, I've ridden other full aluminum bikes, never noticed a difference.
Whichever is cheaper.
Whichever is cheaper.
03-12-09, 10:43 AM
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Wow it seems a common verdict has been reached. Thanks all. You made my decision much easier and saved me a couple bucks. 
03-12-09, 10:48 AM
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Carbon stays can be worse than full-aluminum. I know several people who have had frames like this fail at the carbon-metal joint. This is through normal use, not a crash.
03-12-09, 11:51 AM
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Not only do they not offer any benefit over an all alu frame, but the joints between the seat stay and alu are a significant weak spot.
03-12-09, 12:36 PM
#10
VeloSIRraptor
+1 to all the above... absolutely worthless as far as far as they go.
I usually don't even look at frames that have carbon seat stays.
I usually don't even look at frames that have carbon seat stays.
