bhdavis1978

What does the brain trust at BF think about Fuji's C4 carbon frames? How does it compare to say, Jamis Xenith Comp's Carbon Frame, or the Kestrel Talon? Similar question- if you had to pick between a Fuji C4 frame or a Cannondale CAAD9/CAAD10, Specialized Allez Comp frame, where would you go?

How much better are the frames on say a $3000 bike versus a $2000 bike?

makeitso5005

It's Fuji's entry level carbon. No different than any other brand entry level stuff. Don't even bother splitting hairs about types of carbon until you at least get into the mid range carbon levels.

pilechko

I have a Fuji SL-1 Comp, which is the C4 carbon, as well as a Specialized Allez. There's no comparison on weight and comfort, the carbon frame is far superior.

gus6464

Fuji C4 carbon does not mean it's cheap carbon. C4 is their heaviest carbon but it is still stiff depending on the bike. The SST 2.0 uses C4 carbon and it is a very stiff racing frame. The difference between C4 and C7 is weight. C7 is lighter than C4 and it is found on their SST 1.0 frame. Fuji saves their C10 carbon for their very lightweight bikes. It is very similar with Giant and their T700 and T800 carbon. T700 can be just as stiff as T800 but T800 is lighter.

If you were comparing a Fuji SST 2.0 frame with C4 to a CAAD9, I would take the Fuji in a heartbeat.

gus6464

This is not correct. The reason that Fuji did not go with C10 for their top of the line frame and instead went with C7 was because they wanted to have their frame as stiff as possible with weight being second. Their C10 carbon is very lightweight but it is not as stiff as C4 or C7. There is no such thing as C4 being entry level and C10 being high end.

makeitso5005

C4 IS cheap; it's the cheapest Carbon Fuji has. But doesn't mean it's not any good.

You reference to C7 and C10 for their builds and the reason why they use C7. That doesn't mean you can continue to imply the same logic to C7 -> C4.

Again, it's the lowest level of carbon. Very similar carbon quality / buildup as other brand's entry level carbon. It's not incredibly light, but retains the carbon characteristics of being relatively stiff and more compliant than aluminum. Compare against other brands entry level carbon and it's basically the same stuff.

OP: There's plenty of threads about entry level carbon vs high end aluminum. It's up to you to decide if lightness and stiffness are your priority as high end aluminum will generally lighter and stiffer than low end carbon.