Werent there a few EVOs that were cracking their seat tubes for a while? (Just playing devils advocate)

I have two carbon bikes and am now afraid to ride either anymore because of the carbon frame threads lately.

Not that I know of, but it's good that you bring it up.

It is?

So its as strong as this one?

Are you surprised? They're supposedly only "as" strong as aluminum.

Holy crap!! ^^

That's the exact frameset I just built up! I'd cry if I saw it in that condition.

Dude you are in Biiiiiig trouble^

Really? Just last week you stated that carbon will evolve so much in the next 2 years that it will render all current CF bikes obsolete!

Obsolete. Good one!

Neilpryde makes strong carbon fiber bikes. of course you could do that stuff with pretty much any respectable brand's top end carbon fiber bike.

also Slim Rider should most definitely be banned from participating in any frame material thread. it is awful what he does

Take this for what it is - an anecdotal tale from one person. I ride a 2-years old (2010 MY) Scott CR1, which has a fairly light carbon frame. I weigh 240, and have had zero issues with my frame. The only concession I make to my weight is to try and be out of the saddle if I see a significant bump ahead. (Without really knowing, I think that the top of the seat tube, by the seat post clamp, might represent the weakest point of my frame.)

(I have 20-spoke wheels as well....)

I don't disagree that CF frames are not all made the same way. But "could not be any larger.... you don't even have to conduct tests or do research to know this is true"??

OK I'm a dunce, please explain to me how you know this is true (yourself)? And if it is indeed true (which you will have to explain), how could you KNOW this without some evidence, i.e. research or testing.

Sounds to me you mistake your opinions as self-evident truths? But seriously, I'd appreciate an explanation because I just don't understand.

people that ask for scientific data on the differences between a real Pinarello and a fake one are bound to be disappointed.

you're asking for data that doesn't exist.

you're asking for proof that doesn't exist. because this would involve inside knowledge of china bike manufacturing processes as well as intimate knowledge of Pinarello's processes which they don't reveal (you won't get that from any manufacturer). there might be some objective testing that could be done but nobody tests the chinese frames.

the only real information that is available is that the Chinarellos weigh 300g more, have clamp on FD, different tube shapes. OBVIOUSLY they are constructed differently.

now, i don't care if you don't believe me or if you will only be convinced if you see some sort of "testing data" or if the manufacturers reveal every step of their manufacturing process to show you that the frames are different.

anybody that needs "tests or research" to be fully convinced that there are huge differences in the construction of these frames is very foolish.

One quick thing - has the OP addressed any questions about height/weight, or why, besides spontaneous asplosion, he's so concerned about STRONG crabon frames?

If it's an issue with size and weight, I'm thinking that a crabon bike with size specific tubing might be worth looking in to... or it might be all marketing, I don't know...

Here's yer weak spot.

Wait for the next generation --> self healing carbon nanotubes.

Yea, I guess we have to follow your lead and just have a simple faith that there is actual large durability or strenth differences.

Please, I wasn't questioning that there are differences in construction which is what you seem to be arguing above. I'm a little surprised you didn't understand that from what I wrote since I stated it explicitly that I agree there's differences in constuction.

HOWEVER, back to my question, and please excuse me for being so dense.... You wrote: "The difference in durability (strength) between a Pinarello Dogma and a Chinarello could not be any larger. You don't even have to conduct tests or do research to know this is true."

Again, I do not dispute there's differences in construction. But I just can't imagine how you would know that there is a very large difference in durability and strength, and why you would expect anyone to know this, without some sort of information, data, research, urban legends, stories from the road or forums, whatever you want to call it, backing it up.

Maybe what you intended to say was: "I personally have unshakable faith that the difference in durability (strength) between a Pinarello Dogma and a Chinarello could not be any larger. My personal faith in this does not require that I even have to conduct tests or do research to know this is true."

I never gave an specific number of years. However, I do believe that we will soon see a completely different type of bolstered carbon fiber, that will exemplify more advanced technology. Carbon fiber owners are going to become somewhat like laptop owners. They will continue to feel compelled to upgrade with each milestone of improvement.

- Slim

PS.

Carbon fiber bicycles five years from now, will be of much greater quality than the CF of today. You can take that to the bank!

I'm avail to spend $2k on a bike and I know I'm touching borderline to go with either CF or Alu in that price range. But since I've been reading thus far, CF and Alu frames are not that far apart as in weight. See, you guys DO help! So tomorrow I'll be riding a Felt F5, CAAD10, Specialized Tarmac and Allez...

Should I ride Alu first then CF or vise versa?

I'm avail to spend $2k on a bike and I know I'm touching borderline to go with either CF or Alu in that price range. But since I've been reading thus far, CF and Alu frames are not that far apart as in weight. See, you guys DO help! Now tomorrow I'm going to test a Felt F5, CAAD10, Specialized Tarmac/Allez ... So do I test ride a Alu first then CF or vise versa?

Test for "fit" see how comfortable you are riding the bike before deciding on the material. CF frame is no good if it don't fit you properly. Maybe try and make sure the air pressure are the same in all the bikes.

I say, test-ride all of the aluminum bikes first, then test-ride all of your CF prospects. Then finally, ride the Quest.

However, I must warn you at this time. Riding the Quest can become emotionally addictive. Remember, this will only be a test-ride. You must remember to return the bike back to the shop and not extend your trip beyond state lines.

- Slim

i never said that.

you were arguing with someone else.

Well, in his defense (not really) the difference between those two specific frames is what it is. It could not be any larger, or smaller for that matter.

And while I'm at it he did not state which frame was the stronger and more durable of the two...

#!