Need opinions on carbon frame... (2008 Look 595 Ultra)
 

Hi everyone...

I have an opportunity to purchase this really nice frame and fork at a substantial discount from a friend, but I am all new to carbon and don't know what to expect. Some people I've talked to say carbon only lasts 5ish years depending on milage, and that If I were to try and resell, the people who are interested in carbon race bikes only want the latest gear... I'd like to keep the bike for a long time and I ride about 10-30 miles a week with another 75ish more on the weekends. I'm looking to enter a few amateur races in the coming year.

So I'd just like to hear the pros and cons from people other than my friends.

Details on the bike:
2008 Look 595 Ultra
Look EDH carbon handlebar
Look EDH carbon stem
integrated seat post w/ 3mm adjustment allowed
full Dura Ace 7800
brand new Fizik Arione saddle
white Hudz
NO PEDALS
Reynolds DV46C wheels
white limited edition Continental Grand Prix 4000 tires.

All for $2750

Thanks people of Bike forums!

Does it fit? Especially since it's an integrated seat post with very limited (3mm? really?) adjustment.

The best bike in the world is worthless if it doesn't fit. And by fit I don't mean that you are roughly the same height as your friend... would that mean that his shoes fit you? Probably not. It's the same with bike frames.


Carbon frames can last a long time. I have a friend who finally had to buy a new frame when her much loved team issue Trek carbon frame finally failed (not catastrophic, the BB insert came loose), after 10 years of racing and training (doing a lot more miles than you intend). It sounds like this is a recycled version of the old myth of having to replace your steel frame because it would "go soft". Bike frames, carbon or not, aren't made with a lot of reserve strength. So its not uncommon that they will eventually break, given enough riding. I've had three fail. Again, not in a dangerous way, just a small crack (steel and ti) or the bb shell coming loose (carbon).

I don't think that carbon frames are any more succeptible to age induced failure than ti.

People who buy crabon race bikes usually do want the latest stuff, but that's because they think it's lighter or more laterally stiff yet vertically compliant, or just because it's new and cool.

+1 on ericm.

Also, to note, you're talking about just over 100 miles a week? That is really nothing. If it's a good frame and it fits and you are riding it properly, it could last a long time. If it doesn't, you aren't, it probably won't.

The 595 is a sweet bike, and LOOK has excellent quality. That said, however, don't just get it for the fact that it's carbon fiber, or for the name/package. Try it out and see if you actually like it. And yeah, fit is the ultimate most important thing.

There is more then 3 mm. IIRC its either 1 or 2 cm of adjustment.

I have no clue where you get the 5 year thing from. My buddy is still rocking a 1999 Trek 5000 Series with 50,000+ miles on it and its still holding strong. One car crash and besides a new shifter and bar, its fine. Carbon frames are not glass. They are pretty durable. Everyone on my team races on CF frames. There has been plenty of crashes and I can't think of a single one that has cracked a frame.

Thanks guys! This is exactly what I need.


I'll be test riding it next weekend and from the measurements he gave me it should fit (should). (note: when he said 3mm on the seat post he meant 3cm)
I'll be riding it for a 5 mile spin over mixed terrain.

Also, what do you guys think of the price?

Thanks everyone!

It's a smokin deal, no doubt. That frame is insanely sweet. If it fits and is free of defects you should jump on it. Keep in mind that it has an integrated seat post that can only be adjusted via spacers. hopefully your buddy held on to those.

This morning I was passed by a guy on a late '80s, early '90s carbon Trek. These have carbon tubes and aluminum lugs. Carbon last a long time, it won't rust (steel), and won't oxidize (aluminum). Today's carbon frames are even greater.

Look 595 are top of the line frames. If it fits you and you get a good deal go for it!