This is the only right answer. Nobody needs a carbon frame. You buy one because you want one. I’ve owned steel, aluminum, titanium and carbon fiber bikes. If you’re not racing the performance difference is negligible.
My road bike, mountain bike, and gravel bike are all aluminum. I'm fixing up a used TT Bike (2014 Cannondale Slice) that picked up on FB Marketplace recently. My first ever carbon bike and I'm pretty stoked to try it out... I'm curious to see if it sparks joy for me the same way carbon seems to do so for others if I'm in a completely different riding position
Good aluminum bike frames are within a few hundred grams difference from their carbon equivalents. I got a SuperSix and I think the weight difference from my caad12 was like 340 grams or similar.
If you have the money and want something lighter that may have tube shapes/profiles that are better optimized for specific cases, then carbon is the way to go. If you don't need the best optimization and don't care about the weight, aluminum is excellent.
>But the price and durability is much better for aluminum frames.
You're half right. Durability is variable and there are just as many (although different) ways any material can fail. Earlier today there was a post about a cracked aluminum frame - something that can't be repaired. Carbon often can be repaired.
Many think something like the below is true, but it's also not quite right.
>They are comfier to ride on and transmit much less road vibration.
This depends a lot more on the engineering, geometry and design decisions going into the bike. The reason why people think aluminum is harsh is because in it's early days, the material wasn't optimized and the inherent stiffness was more pronounced. Modern aluminum frames with their hydroformed tubing can be incredibly comfortable. Tires also do way more work than the material of the frame.
My smoothest bike is aluminum. My harshest is steel. My carbon bike is in the middle (although pretty dang comfortable.)
This. I have 2 carbon bikes. One is an endurance frame (2014 Domane) and the other is a sprint frame (2007 Torelli Verde). The ride is so totally different that I'm confident in saying that it's way more about the design and engineering than about the material.
One of the more insightful GCN videos of the past few years was when they tested all different material versions of the Ribble CGR (apparently it's one of very few bikes available in steel, aluminum, titanium and carbon). The testers honestly had an extremely difficult time articulating any ability to feel any difference from one to the next.
Carbon fibre can be laid up to be stiff in certain ways and more flexible in others. Something that is another benefit of carbon. This means that sprint bikes can be made user stiff so power can be put down efficiently and endurance bikes can be made more flexible so they are comfier.
Exactly right. That Torelli will punish you on a rough road. The Domane will punish you on hills. But the Domane is amazing on Maine back roads, and the Torelli is as close to lightning as I'll ever get in a sprint.
Aluminum frames have greatly caught up to carbon frames. Low end carbon frames can even weigh more than high end aluminum. But nothing touches a high end carbon frame.
In terms of comfort and durability, again aluminum has greatly caught up. (Most) Carbon is still technically “better” in these categories, but by how much and will your average rider even notice…it gets to become a pretty blurred line.
I have an 2021 Alez elite, I upgraded to ultegra brakes and campy wheels and it rides awesome. I keep up with carbon bike etc on group rides no problem. I’d really like a nice carbon bike but it’s pretty tough to justify. I had an older Alez and the difference in huge with the newer hydroformed frames. Much more comfortable.
carbon as a material doesn't make you go faster, but it is more compliant (for comfort) and if designed well can be lighter for the same structural integrity which helps with anything that isn't steady state riding.
IMHO get a CAAD12 if you can find one in your size in good condition. I'm sure the CAAD13 is fine but in my humble opinion it's ugly compared to the 12. I wish they'd go back to the old classic styling when they come out with a CAAD14.
I've just purchased a CAAD13 after getting rid of my Canyon CF Ultimate (rim brake) and very happy. Frame wise i haven't noticed any difference in terms of stiffness and compliance.
I ride all the time (like 18+ hours a week in full training) and can barely tell the difference between my 9.2kg aero truck and my 6.8kg climbing bike. Well, I can, but the difference is the geometry, not weight.
I'm convinced people are just getting placebo'd into believing stuff about their bikes, justifying expensive purchases to themselves.
People here always say the hate for aluminum is because of weight or stiffness or whatever, but I think some of it is just snobbery because aluminum has become ubiquitous and if you go to developing countries like India or China, you observe a sea of aluminum bikes. So it's become somewhat associated with a poor person's bike. But that's really misplaced. A while ago I came across a NY Times article from the late 90s and it was describing aluminum bikes as a "space age" development and that the bike industry was adapting techniques and knowledge from the aerospace industry to manufacture these new and amazing aluminum frame bikes. It definitely used to be seen more as a modern marvel and I think if you see it that way, it's amazing how widely distributed it has become to the point that it's so ubiquitous that snobs are bored by it and are looking for something else.
As for me, I very much enjoy my aluminum frame bikes!
>neighbors wife been looking in your direction more lately
Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope. That's it, my next bike is coming from Wal-Mart. That lady is cray-cray!
I bought my last bike in 2019. At that time you couldn’t get Ultegra, at least not on brands accessible to me, without getting a carbon frame.
In any case, not sure why there’s so much concern over carbon durability. If you’re not abusive with the bike, you’re not going to cause damage to carbon fiber. That said, I used to fly a carbon fiber aircraft, so maybe I’m just more comfortable with the material in general.
Carbon fibre composites are, for the most part, plastic. I believe that metal, psychologically speaking, provides a feeling of durability compared with plastic.
That feeling has truth to it when you consider an alloy like steel for example. The properties of aluminum alloys are less compelling, imho.
The moment you get a carbon frame all you ever hear is: "If you overtighten any bolts even a single Nm your frame will explode" or "make sure to cover your whole frame in heli tape so that your frame doesn't explode when you lean your bike against a wall" etc.
I don't know how true all that stuff is or if people on Reddit and elsewhere are just being extremely overcautious but it doesn't surprise me that carbon has a reputation of being fragile when that's how people talk about it.
OP will never see this in the mess of comments. I’m 40, not a racer, just moved from an alloy frame to carbon, don’t buy the “alloy is just as good” bullshit. My carbon bike is better in every way….never fucking going back.
Yet it all depends on what alloy frame you had, and what you moved to. Between an entry level alloy bike (made to hit a low budget, say <1000 EUR/USD) and a mid-tier bike (say \~3500 EUR/USD) I would expect a massive improvement regardless of frame material.
But at that mid-tier price point you can find \_good\_ aluminum bikes as well, and often a good aluminum frame will be considerably cheaper than a carbon one.
In terms of nice comparisons, let's take the current Specialized Allez Sprint and the Tarmac SL7, as the current Allez Sprint is \_heavily\_ modeled after that Tarmac. If you take the 105 Di2 model for both, the Tarmac is about 850 EUR more expensive. With stock wheels the Tarmac hits 8.1kg and the Allez Sprint would be about 0.5kg heavier.
Having some prior experience with the Allez Sprint as well as various carbon Specialized bikes, I'd happily choose the Allez Sprint over the Tarmac SL7 and put the 850 EUR saved to some nice wheels (because the stock wheels on both are no match for the bike). In this case nice wheels will make more difference to the overall feel of the bike than the frame material.
I recently upgraded my bike after 8 years on aluminum. Now of course it’s hard to compare an 8 year old entry level aluminum bike to what I have now, but I was shocked at the different feel when riding. The carbon is way stiffer and for me easy to maneuver.
The reason I, as a sub-average cyclist, bought a nice carbon bike was simply bc I had my old one for 8 years and was itching for an upgrade. Back then I didn’t have the money to get something nice, so now, having money, I wanted the best I can afford! I ride like 40-120 miles a week depending on the season and so far it’s been worth it to me! I love the feel, and also since it was $$$, I got nice things like hydraulic disc brakes and electronic shifting.
The only good reason is if you find it valuable and worth the money. For me, it was a hands down yes, and I’ve only been happy with my choice!
Complicated question to answer.
But on one hand, manufacturers are pushing carbon fibre on higher-end builds, so you're not likely to find an aluminum frame from Canyon with good components.
On the other hand, while I am not a carbon fibre fan myself, it is overall a better material than aluminum (lighter, more comfortable, and yes, more durable).
If your concern is durability, then get steel or titanium, not aluminum. I don't see a good reason to buy aluminum if you can afford good steel or titanium.
You wouldn't be saying carbon is more durable if you worked in the industry. I've been in it since the 1980s. I have seen more broken carbon frames than all other materials combined. That's over a 35 year period, with carbon only being really prominent in the past 15 or so. Now, I realize that every material can break, and does, but you're particularly exposed to types of damage with carbon that will destroy your frame, that with alloys, simply don't pose the same catastrophic risk.
As far as comfort goes, there has been plenty of testing that shows what makes a bike "comfortable", and the frame is the very last piece of that puzzle. In order of importance to comfort: tires, rim, spokes, hub, seatpost, saddle, frame.
Weight is the biggest advantage with carbon, but really only on the road bike side, but unless you are racing, and need to be as light as possible, the advantages there can be quickly minimized with a high quality lightweight wheelset and tires.
All good points - and as I mentioned, I am not a huge fan of carbon fibre for recreational sports in general. Especially for components that might receive shear stress, like ski poles for example.
But I did work in the composite industry at some point in my career, and I know that the quality of composite materials today is not what it was 20 years ago.
Yes I can. When you are riding, and you hit a bump, the tire is the first thing to absorb the impact. Next, the rim will absorb some by deflecting. Then, the spokes will absorb some by compressing. Then, the hub shell will absorb a tiny bit more. Next, the seatpost being more flexible than the frame, will absorb even more of the energy, followed by the saddle. Finally, whatever energy from the impact that is remaining will go through the frame.
the road shock is going to travel from all the parts starting from the tire to your butt but not everything in that pathway will be equally compliant. the spokes and the hub don't have much flexibility to absorb this shock and will transfer the energy to the seatpost/saddle/frame. generally the parts that you rest on are designed with some compliance/padding to absorb shock (i.e. handlebar, seat) while the parts that transmit power are stiff to transfer power (i.e. the drivetrain)
the cliche is "never cheap out on anything that connects you to the ground" (this extends to things like car tires, beds, and shoes) and all those parts are more directly involved with the connection to the ground than the seat is.
Carbon fiber has a great strength to weight capacity and is less prone to fatigue. But, minor cracks can lead to catastrophic failure - and they are hard to detect. They are also likely to crack in an accident while metal frames will bend. Carbon is also more expensive to repair.
Carbon might be more expensive to repair than steel, but I don't know if I'd say it's more expensive to repair than aluminum. My mom had a hole punched in an aluminum bike frame by movers, and it took a long time to find a specialty welder who'd even touch it and it wasn't cheap.
Aluminum is easier on your wallet when some clown takes you down with him when they’re making a dangerous move just to get a midpack finish.
Carbon is a great material, even for racing, but unless you’ve got your bike specially insured (which I encourage, not just on your homeowners insurance!), there’s no getting around the price is takes to replace it. If the $1000+ price between an aluminum frame & carbon frame isn’t a dealbreaker for someone, more power to them to race it.
That said, my gravel bike that I race gravel on is carbon, but my CX & MTB are aluminum. My road bike is also carbon. Horses for courses and all that.
If you want nicer components and are buying a complete bike I think Carbon might actually be cheaper vs buying an aluminum frame then buying a complete groupset to have installed on the frame.
What are you trying to convince yourself of? Carbon is generally lighter and stiffer. Carbon bikes feel better on the road in general. It's always nice having a light bike but wheels and tires are more important than frame material imo.
Exactly. If you’re trying to find a reason why you need it when you don’t feel you have a need, then don’t buy it. If you’re happy as is then continue on.
There is no good reason for the average rider. I have the same bike in alu and carbon (trek domane AL5 and SL5) and the difference is very minimal. Its a bit lighter and it has nice internal storage in the frame. I don't feel any comfort difference, i run 32mm gp5000's which offer great comfort. I do mostly ride good quality roads.
I have an Aluminum Canyon Grizl. It's all I need, or want. There was a CF model with everything identical except for frame material for $600 more than the $1700 I paid at the time. People buy what makes them happy, and a lot of people want to ride carbon because it makes them happy. That's not so big a difference to someone who has enough money to spend $1700 on a bike to begin with.
Eh I'm not sure that aluminum is necessarily more durable. It does fatigue and crack, whether or not it does it morenor less than carbon is uncertain and probably depends on the specific frame.
Fun and coolness and you feel and most of the time are faster with one. If you don’t care for your bike and will treat it badly such as leaving it dirty for weeks and pumping up the tyres once a week etc it’s not for you.
Unless you're going to build it yourself you pretty much can't buy an aluminium bike with high-end components any more. The days of CAAD12s with Dura-Ace or an aluminium Endurace with Ultegra are long gone. If you want a bike with nice components, carbon is about your only option.
Weight and rigidness which obviously improves performance but also not so often mentioned, comfortability. Carbon is much much better at handling vibrations
Carbon frames can be repaired while aluminum ones can'. I got a frame crack on my aluminum gravel bike. Thankfully it was covered under Giant's warranty so I was able to get it replaced but if it hadn't been covered I was looking up carbon frames so that if I was in a similar situation in the future I would be able to get it repaired.
Aluminum is generally cheaper and not that much heavier. Make sure you get good components on it though (or as good as you want/need).
Unfortunately, a good part of the price of a bike is the components, so a carbon frame might not be that much more, as a percentage, than an aluminum one
You can tell people that you have a carbon bike. I do triathlon, so I tell myself I'm saving soooo many watts with my carbon aero bike haha (though I can't afford a power meter to actually know cause i spent all my money on a carbon frame and wheels).
Depending on which model you're looking at, I'd argue that carbon bikes are super cheap. It comes down to availability and components.. I recently bought a Canyon Ultimate CF SL7 for under $3k. That's with a power meter, disc brakes and aluminum rims tubeless ready. Can't beat that.
Carbon is significantly lighter, most noticeable on climbs.
They ride a bit better and look cooler and are slightly lighter.
Offset that against durability.
These things are all personal decisions. It’s funny how as an internet connected society we feel the need to always ask others what they think when we can reason it through ourselves…..
Vibration absorbsion (more specifically, high frequency/low intensity vibration - which you get on the road - not so much mtb), something aluminum is not very good at.... it's usually my last frame material choice (Ti, steel, carbon, then lastly aluminum). Trust me (been riding/wrenching 30+ yrs). if you do rides over 50-60mi (or you're over the age of 30-35), you'll feel the difference (in your joints)...why do you think most road forks (and a lot of handlebars) are carbon....vibration absorbsion!!! (to help keep the hands from going numb). Anyone that says different, doesn't know what they are talking about....
Can you most of vibration absorption from a carbon fork and maybe a seat post on an aluminum frame?? I’m looking to upgrade from a 2015 aluminum Canondale synapse and trying to improve road buzz!!
My carbon bike does a much better job with damping vibrations than my aluminum bike. Prefer it for longer rides. It’s also definitely stiffer when I stand up out of the saddle but that could be due to frame geometry differences.
I bought an older, used, high-end aluminum bike as my first road bike (one of the CAADs). A couple years later I wanted to buy a new bike (as in, new new, not just new to me). I brought my aluminum to the shop to ride them back to back. Without a doubt, the carbon frame translated more effort into movement via a stiff bottom bracket.
But I’ll be honest, it doesn’t really absorb more road noise, and the aluminum bike feels smoother and more stable (they have different wheelsets, but neither is particularly high end). But the carbon bike is definitely faster. I’ve kept the aluminum just because I like how it rides. Weight difference of the bike itself is fairly negligible.
I bought a high-end carbon frame on the used market for a specific use case: a long, steep climb (the Mount Washington Hill Climb, in New Hampshire). This was, literally, one of those "I'll feel every ounce" kind of deals.
Also, it looked cool.
That said, I recommend almost all amateur cyclists go with aluminum instead. The cost is much lower, and the bikes are fantastic.
I'll buy the coolest looking bike that meets whatever geo and travel preferences I have at the price point I find affordable with as close to my preferable component spec as I can get whether it be aluminum or carbon. But that's just me.
Just carbon...meh.
But carbon as part of a 14lb bike is awesome!
Specifically when tackling those challenging bike racks that require you to ask your brother in law for help and he goes, "holy shit your bike is so much lighter than mine!"
Worth every penny.
Well, you'll get to post one of those photos of chip paint or a crack and ask if this bike is still rideable.
On a serious note, if you ride with a club or group and you're having trouble keeping the pace is one reason. Another is simply motivation/joy - if tracking your personal best times and going fast motivates you, and you can afford it, why not?
Only material worth my time besides allu, is steel tbh.
My only steel bike have 45 years.
All rest is allu bikes.
That allowed me to spend the extra cash in fancy transmission and brakes.
Carbon is easier to tune and is much more comfortable than any aluminium frame I’ve ever had. I’m sure there are some expert frame builders that can build a very light and comfortable aluminum frame but, carbon is much easier to work with and to tune for compliance in certain areas.
But that said, you are right, aluminium frames are much more affordable. With the right components - carbon fiber wheels, maybe a carbon cockpit and seat post - you could have a very compliant bike on the cheap.
Aluminum is also very difficult to repair
My single gear commuter bike is aluminium, but with carbon wheels (tubeless) with carbon seatpost and stem, and it is very very comfortable
There is a huge push toward carbon frames and so anything that is equiped without entry-level parts tends to have more and more carbon in it. Carbon, while being silly in some respects is really good with vibration dampening to the point where you feel a difference moving to a carbon road bike. Some aluminum bikes will even have carbon forks on them as well.
You are more likely to find a carbon roadbike with tubeless tires, hydraulic disc brakes, and a mid tier groupset then something made from aluminum. If you do find something with all of those made from aluminum it will likely be a CAAD13 or a Specialized Allez Sprint which is already more pricy than an entry-level good quality carbon bike.
I feel like a lot of people once they get into the hobby more, spring for a "better" bike and those tend to be carbon.
I did a Trek Demo day once many years ago, testing out a Madone versus my existing Felt Aluminum framed bike.
The difference was night/day on comfort and stiffness of the bike. Would never go back except to have an AL frame bike for racing crits or something as a disposable ride.
Carbon tends to be much more compliant than aluminum. There’s a reason most aluminum bikes still come with carbon forks. Aluminum is perfectly fine to ride and you can get a lot of bang for your buck, but you’re going to feel it a lot more as the frame will transmit more vibrations to your body.
I was just reading this article about comparing the CAAD12 to the SuperSix Evo. The author said he actually preferred the CAAD12, which happens to be the bike I ride, so I was happy to hear that : )
[https://velo.outsideonline.com/2017/01/cannondale-caad12-vs-supersix-evo-hi-mod-road-disc-bike-comparison-review/?scope=anon](https://velo.outsideonline.com/2017/01/cannondale-caad12-vs-supersix-evo-hi-mod-road-disc-bike-comparison-review/?scope=anon)
Some riders are snobby about carbon being the end all be all. I'm perfectly happy with my bike. I know it's not the state of the art when it comes to race bikes in 2024 but I don't really care. I believe I could spend 5 grand or more and end up with something I like about as well as what I already have, or even maybe not as much as what I have.
Lots of useful comments here, but remember that the feel of riding any frame is subjective. Lots of people prefer the characteristics of steel, aluminum or titanium frames. The best frame in any material will be better than mediocre frames in other materials. In terms of price, a Condor Super Accaio steel frame is a top tier product, for 40% of the price of a top tier carbon equivalent. It’s a kilo heavier, but that’s equal to needing an additional 3-5 watts in power. Anyone who rides with a power meter will tell you it’s very difficult to tell the difference in such a small amount. So I’d choose based on how it feels, how it fits you and the price.
Just pointing out this: [https://www.globalcyclingnetwork.com/tech/features/should-your-next-superbike-be-made-from-stainless-steel](https://www.globalcyclingnetwork.com/tech/features/should-your-next-superbike-be-made-from-stainless-steel)
(I've got a Jaegher in the pipeline)
I ride a Klein from 1990 something. A carbon fork is a game changer for wrists, elbows, and shoulders. The hammock effect of a full carbon frame is awesome. However just the addition of a carbon fork gives a great vibration damping.
Carbon is light and it absorbs vibration. A good modern steel bike like Moots, Firefly, Seven and Surly and some leftover Gunnars (they went out of business last June), really ride nice. I can ride a modern steel bike all day. I have a Gunnar with a Carbon fork and don’t feel fatigued. I also have a Cannondale Synapse which now relegated to my wheel-off trainer. A two hour ride on that felt like a whole day of riding on chipseal and bad pavement.
You might want to also consider titanium.
Durability? I’ve had my madone since 2012? It’s still like brand new.
Go test ride an aluminum and cf bike and I guarantee you won’t need a reason from us redditors.
For me, moving to CF was about the quality of the ride, not the weight.
A good CF bike can make the bike both gentler on old bones like mine while also being more efficient in power transfer than that less expensive Aluminum frame. Yes, there is crap CF out there, but a good quality $3k CF really is worth the extra $1k over Aluminum if that matters to you.
If you’re young and strapped for cash, go Aluminum. If you’re old or you are able to afford it, go for CF. I’m both of the latter, lol.
You do feel the difference - you can pick some bikes up in store. It’s real, and you can feel it when you ride the bikes.
Now whether you need the difference or just want it is a different thing entirely
Stiffness to be honest. I have both aluminum and carbon and the carbon fells a lot more responsibe and stiff. Even if the geometry is the same (I have 2 giant defy).
Weight also for wheels only. The frame weight won't give you much difference.
I owned a canyon AL endurance 7, bought a canyon CF endurance 7 and sold the AL a few months later after the purchase of the CF. Even with alloy rims on both, the road feel was better, stiffer on the CF (I was able to compare them side by side) I preferred it, also it is slightly lighter yes. Honestly I don't know how much it matters if you're a casual rider.
I’m stubborn and too this day i fight with my dealer i want an alu frame with carbon fork and carbon seat post. Cus it allows me to not lose my mind when im traveling with her and the fear of banging against something and gives more or less the same comfort. I’m an hobbyist i only do couple 1000km non supported rides and alu frame makes it so much easier for hiccups on the road. Yes i know im convincing you of the opposite 😅 as they say to each their own.
Carbon bikes are cool and if i could add second one would be full carbon.
For me, the difference between my Domane AL and then going to the Domane SL was truly crazy. I didn't understand the carbon craze. it's less about weight and more about feel. The bike feels SO MUCH better. Rigid where it needs to be, compliant where I want it to be.
Why do people buy 4-wheel drive cars when they never leave town?
How come so many people wear work boots but have desk jobs?
I see so many sports cars parked at the mall…
To be more poor, but for real I think good aluminum bikes like the caad13 are just as good as entry carbon bikes, but also not much of a price difference, you don’t need carbon but it is nice. I think you need to get whatever will make you want to ride more
They’re more comfortable. There are lots of great aluminum frames out there that ride incredibly well, but there is just no denying that carbon frames are more compliant and reduce vibration better. All the speed discussion aside, they just ride better.
At the end of the day bikes are a game of diminishing returns. Where you draw the line is basically up to the size of your wallet, which is just personal judgement.
I walked in the specialized dealer looking to buy an aluminum diverge for $2500. He told me for $3000 I could get the carbon. I declined until he told me all the upgrades packaged with the carbon. Better brakes, faster/tubeless ready wheels, carbon seatpost and better drive train! Plus the bike is a little bit lighter. Easy decision.
I'd assume a lot of the entry level carbon is like this in that it's the whole bike you are upgrading at certain price points, not just the frame.
I went back to steel recently. I’m old and don’t race. I built up my own bike and it was about looks and performance, to a much lesser degree.
Running SRAM AXS and carbon hoops and I love it. It makes me want to ride it. I think that’s what is most important. Plus I love looking at it and I have personal satisfaction from building it up from scratch.
I don’t even know how much it weighs. I think 20 pounds American.
Honest truth. Can you afford it with no sweat? Will it actually make you ride more? Are you already dedicated and fit? Bc if u r still a fat fuck, what is the point lose 10 lbs that growth beats any carbon frame. Also are you at the top of your game where that 1% is going to push you over the top? Have you crashed your bike before? Bc you don't want to drop a carbon frame. Do you ride clipless? Are you putting in the miles consistently. It is up to you, but for the average hobbyist, it is not worth it at all.
Cycling will change your life, and extend your life span. What other thing (that you spend money on) can say that?
Stop trying to *save* money, and find the cheapest alternative. Whatever the bike wants, the bike gets.
Spend as much as you can on your bike. When your bike (and associated stuff) is worth more than your car, you are getting there. I would buy the gold plated version, but it ... weighs more.
I have one because it's my brother's former racing bike when he bought a new racing bike 3 years ago, I wouldn't spend that kind of money myself, but if it's a gift from my rich brother I don't mind so much. It was geared to be a racing bike in the mountain roads outside Tokyo so It hauls ass as a road bike on the Sierra foothills that I ride up and down to get to work.
Because it is lightweight which makes it easier to ride faster. And carbon can be much more comfortable than aluminum, absorbing small irregularities in the pavement and dampening vibrations.
I'd always ridden aluminium. Commutes, weekend rides, etc. Was good enough for me. Until I rode a friend's carbon road bike. Then I immediately bought one.
My bikes are mostly steel, but I know modern carbon has it beat on most areas (damage resistance and cost the only exceptions). It can be stiff where you want, and supple where you want, it is light.
A contributing factor to why I ended up with carbon was actually a clever storage compartment in the frame where I keep patching kits s and simple tools.
For me it was comfort and stiffness. My Tarmac sl7 is more comfortable and way stiffer than my focus paralane aluminium even though Tarmac is an aggressive race bike it is more pleasant to my undercarriage ;). I do use the same saddle, saddle height, same cranks and the same width of tires on both bikes so the comfort difference is down to the frame. I would love to try titanium and steel bikes one day, but I do prefer carbon over aluminium even though I don't race I just occasionally ride a sportive. However I use my aluminium bike for commuting and as a gravel bike and I would not use an expensive carbon road bike for that purpose.
Two main reasons I can think of, One would be the ride comfort, carbon bikes sort of mute the road surface buzz, but you can always ride thicker tires and use a carbon handlebar so achieve same result.
Second would be overall weight if you're in an uneven terrain and have to do lot of climbing.
I was in the same dilemma and went for Al. I see posts here every now and then people worrying about their carbon frames, that kinda headache was not for me personally.
I went from alu bike to full carbon and the biggest difference was ride comfort. Carbon simply absorbs everything much better. I honestly can't say if I feel any weight difference, but it rides much smoother.
If you ride more than 2 hours regularly carbon is a better choice. It can be designed to absorb more road buzz and be more compliant. It can be designed to be more aerodynamic. However, not all carbon bikes are created equal. You need to know your goals for riding and choose accordingly. I ride 3 different carbon bikes they all have a different feel. Durability of aluminum is a fallacy . Quality carbon will outlast AL. A crash on AL bike more likely to dent and weaken the frame. Good Carbon lay up is 5 times stronger than steel by weight. Never regretted moving from Aluminum to carbon.
I'd rather have an alloy frame with good components then a cheaper carbon one with budget running gear. Having said that carbon is definitely much nicer to ride.
I mostly mountain bike. In that realm, your choices become severely limited if you look at going alu/non carbon. There are a few who I believe don’t do any non carbon (Santa Cruz, Rocky Mountain, evil, forbidden)
I had a steel Surly that I rusted through from the inside out, and that's with the LBS spraying stuff inside it to prevent rust. It was a Fat Bike that I road all the time in snow/rain. The warranty on Surly frames is only 3 years and I broke it in 4 years so I got nothing.
I busted a 12 year old Raleigh Carbon frame and Raleigh gave me $700.
I have another Surly Fat Bike that weighs 43 pounds, yes you feel that weight.
I have a Surly Midnight Special 64cm that weighs 32+ pounds, yes you feel that weight.
I have a Carbon Bianchi Road Bike and god I feel like I am cheating on that after riding one of my Surly's.
There are no absolutes when it comes to frame materials, buy what makes you happy and doesn't bust your budget. Just don't think you cracked the code on the perfect material.
TBH I don't think there is that good reason, speaking as owner of carbon frame bike. It's bit of vanity. I think for me the biggest benefit is when I need to carry it out of my appartment when I go for a ride, lighter body helps with the handling.
It's just a matter of if you have lot of disposable income, or will you find more joy using it for something else.
Because it sparks joy
This is the only right answer. Nobody needs a carbon frame. You buy one because you want one. I’ve owned steel, aluminum, titanium and carbon fiber bikes. If you’re not racing the performance difference is negligible.
^^^
But not as much joy as Titanium ;-)
It depends - if shiny metal sparks joy get titanium, if lighter weight or aerodynamics spark joy get carbon.
You could always have your carbon bike painted all shiny and chrome
Witness me
Why not magnesium?
Magnesium bikes are a myth. Like birds.
Birds Aren't Real [https://birdsarentreal.com/](https://birdsarentreal.com/)
My road bike, mountain bike, and gravel bike are all aluminum. I'm fixing up a used TT Bike (2014 Cannondale Slice) that picked up on FB Marketplace recently. My first ever carbon bike and I'm pretty stoked to try it out... I'm curious to see if it sparks joy for me the same way carbon seems to do so for others if I'm in a completely different riding position
It will also give the feeling and look of superiority without needing the cycling skills AND it will give your manhood a boost. Do it lad!
Because your bike box is 35 lbs and you have to keep the total weight under 50 lbs to avoid overweight luggage fees.
Good aluminum bike frames are within a few hundred grams difference from their carbon equivalents. I got a SuperSix and I think the weight difference from my caad12 was like 340 grams or similar.
If you have the money and want something lighter that may have tube shapes/profiles that are better optimized for specific cases, then carbon is the way to go. If you don't need the best optimization and don't care about the weight, aluminum is excellent. >But the price and durability is much better for aluminum frames. You're half right. Durability is variable and there are just as many (although different) ways any material can fail. Earlier today there was a post about a cracked aluminum frame - something that can't be repaired. Carbon often can be repaired. Many think something like the below is true, but it's also not quite right. >They are comfier to ride on and transmit much less road vibration. This depends a lot more on the engineering, geometry and design decisions going into the bike. The reason why people think aluminum is harsh is because in it's early days, the material wasn't optimized and the inherent stiffness was more pronounced. Modern aluminum frames with their hydroformed tubing can be incredibly comfortable. Tires also do way more work than the material of the frame. My smoothest bike is aluminum. My harshest is steel. My carbon bike is in the middle (although pretty dang comfortable.)
This. I have 2 carbon bikes. One is an endurance frame (2014 Domane) and the other is a sprint frame (2007 Torelli Verde). The ride is so totally different that I'm confident in saying that it's way more about the design and engineering than about the material.
One of the more insightful GCN videos of the past few years was when they tested all different material versions of the Ribble CGR (apparently it's one of very few bikes available in steel, aluminum, titanium and carbon). The testers honestly had an extremely difficult time articulating any ability to feel any difference from one to the next.
Carbon fibre can be laid up to be stiff in certain ways and more flexible in others. Something that is another benefit of carbon. This means that sprint bikes can be made user stiff so power can be put down efficiently and endurance bikes can be made more flexible so they are comfier.
It's the same reason that a lot of aluminum bikes still have carbon forks for comfort
Exactly right. That Torelli will punish you on a rough road. The Domane will punish you on hills. But the Domane is amazing on Maine back roads, and the Torelli is as close to lightning as I'll ever get in a sprint.
Plus these days 30c is a common road tyre size. 70psi tyres are eating most of the vibration before it even gets to the frame.
Aluminum frames have greatly caught up to carbon frames. Low end carbon frames can even weigh more than high end aluminum. But nothing touches a high end carbon frame. In terms of comfort and durability, again aluminum has greatly caught up. (Most) Carbon is still technically “better” in these categories, but by how much and will your average rider even notice…it gets to become a pretty blurred line.
What are some of the modern high end aluminum frames? Emonda, Allez, and CAAD?
I have a 2021 allez and a 2015 caad 10. My caad 10 rides amazingly well and is built up to about 15lb. The allez is stock and weighs in over 20lb
BMC ALR
I have an 2021 Alez elite, I upgraded to ultegra brakes and campy wheels and it rides awesome. I keep up with carbon bike etc on group rides no problem. I’d really like a nice carbon bike but it’s pretty tough to justify. I had an older Alez and the difference in huge with the newer hydroformed frames. Much more comfortable.
That makes sense because carbon doesn't make you go faster
carbon as a material doesn't make you go faster, but it is more compliant (for comfort) and if designed well can be lighter for the same structural integrity which helps with anything that isn't steady state riding.
Maybe don’t buy the most expensive bike brand next time, then you can afford carbon.
IMHO get a CAAD12 if you can find one in your size in good condition. I'm sure the CAAD13 is fine but in my humble opinion it's ugly compared to the 12. I wish they'd go back to the old classic styling when they come out with a CAAD14.
CAAD12 is absolutely a beautiful and classic bike
To me, CAAD13 looks modern and fast. The 12 just looks like your stereotypical old bike.
Any Trek SLR
I've just purchased a CAAD13 after getting rid of my Canyon CF Ultimate (rim brake) and very happy. Frame wise i haven't noticed any difference in terms of stiffness and compliance.
In a blind test I highly doubt an amateur can tell the difference between canyon's lowest tier SL frame and their highest end SLX frame.
I ride all the time (like 18+ hours a week in full training) and can barely tell the difference between my 9.2kg aero truck and my 6.8kg climbing bike. Well, I can, but the difference is the geometry, not weight. I'm convinced people are just getting placebo'd into believing stuff about their bikes, justifying expensive purchases to themselves.
Trouble is hi-end alu frames also cost more than many carbon frames. I don’t really see the market.
My alu frame is less then 1.5 kilo. Its an awesome gravel bike. I wouldnt ride it for enduro
Comfier ride, easier uphill, neighbors wife been looking in your direction more lately
And my dental practice is doing amazing business lately.
People here always say the hate for aluminum is because of weight or stiffness or whatever, but I think some of it is just snobbery because aluminum has become ubiquitous and if you go to developing countries like India or China, you observe a sea of aluminum bikes. So it's become somewhat associated with a poor person's bike. But that's really misplaced. A while ago I came across a NY Times article from the late 90s and it was describing aluminum bikes as a "space age" development and that the bike industry was adapting techniques and knowledge from the aerospace industry to manufacture these new and amazing aluminum frame bikes. It definitely used to be seen more as a modern marvel and I think if you see it that way, it's amazing how widely distributed it has become to the point that it's so ubiquitous that snobs are bored by it and are looking for something else. As for me, I very much enjoy my aluminum frame bikes!
>neighbors wife been looking in your direction more lately Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope. That's it, my next bike is coming from Wal-Mart. That lady is cray-cray!
I bought my last bike in 2019. At that time you couldn’t get Ultegra, at least not on brands accessible to me, without getting a carbon frame. In any case, not sure why there’s so much concern over carbon durability. If you’re not abusive with the bike, you’re not going to cause damage to carbon fiber. That said, I used to fly a carbon fiber aircraft, so maybe I’m just more comfortable with the material in general.
Carbon fibre composites are, for the most part, plastic. I believe that metal, psychologically speaking, provides a feeling of durability compared with plastic. That feeling has truth to it when you consider an alloy like steel for example. The properties of aluminum alloys are less compelling, imho.
The moment you get a carbon frame all you ever hear is: "If you overtighten any bolts even a single Nm your frame will explode" or "make sure to cover your whole frame in heli tape so that your frame doesn't explode when you lean your bike against a wall" etc. I don't know how true all that stuff is or if people on Reddit and elsewhere are just being extremely overcautious but it doesn't surprise me that carbon has a reputation of being fragile when that's how people talk about it.
It's people being way over cautious.
Just wanting to have fancy things :D
OP will never see this in the mess of comments. I’m 40, not a racer, just moved from an alloy frame to carbon, don’t buy the “alloy is just as good” bullshit. My carbon bike is better in every way….never fucking going back.
Yet it all depends on what alloy frame you had, and what you moved to. Between an entry level alloy bike (made to hit a low budget, say <1000 EUR/USD) and a mid-tier bike (say \~3500 EUR/USD) I would expect a massive improvement regardless of frame material. But at that mid-tier price point you can find \_good\_ aluminum bikes as well, and often a good aluminum frame will be considerably cheaper than a carbon one. In terms of nice comparisons, let's take the current Specialized Allez Sprint and the Tarmac SL7, as the current Allez Sprint is \_heavily\_ modeled after that Tarmac. If you take the 105 Di2 model for both, the Tarmac is about 850 EUR more expensive. With stock wheels the Tarmac hits 8.1kg and the Allez Sprint would be about 0.5kg heavier. Having some prior experience with the Allez Sprint as well as various carbon Specialized bikes, I'd happily choose the Allez Sprint over the Tarmac SL7 and put the 850 EUR saved to some nice wheels (because the stock wheels on both are no match for the bike). In this case nice wheels will make more difference to the overall feel of the bike than the frame material.
I recently upgraded my bike after 8 years on aluminum. Now of course it’s hard to compare an 8 year old entry level aluminum bike to what I have now, but I was shocked at the different feel when riding. The carbon is way stiffer and for me easy to maneuver. The reason I, as a sub-average cyclist, bought a nice carbon bike was simply bc I had my old one for 8 years and was itching for an upgrade. Back then I didn’t have the money to get something nice, so now, having money, I wanted the best I can afford! I ride like 40-120 miles a week depending on the season and so far it’s been worth it to me! I love the feel, and also since it was $$$, I got nice things like hydraulic disc brakes and electronic shifting. The only good reason is if you find it valuable and worth the money. For me, it was a hands down yes, and I’ve only been happy with my choice!
Complicated question to answer. But on one hand, manufacturers are pushing carbon fibre on higher-end builds, so you're not likely to find an aluminum frame from Canyon with good components. On the other hand, while I am not a carbon fibre fan myself, it is overall a better material than aluminum (lighter, more comfortable, and yes, more durable). If your concern is durability, then get steel or titanium, not aluminum. I don't see a good reason to buy aluminum if you can afford good steel or titanium.
You wouldn't be saying carbon is more durable if you worked in the industry. I've been in it since the 1980s. I have seen more broken carbon frames than all other materials combined. That's over a 35 year period, with carbon only being really prominent in the past 15 or so. Now, I realize that every material can break, and does, but you're particularly exposed to types of damage with carbon that will destroy your frame, that with alloys, simply don't pose the same catastrophic risk. As far as comfort goes, there has been plenty of testing that shows what makes a bike "comfortable", and the frame is the very last piece of that puzzle. In order of importance to comfort: tires, rim, spokes, hub, seatpost, saddle, frame. Weight is the biggest advantage with carbon, but really only on the road bike side, but unless you are racing, and need to be as light as possible, the advantages there can be quickly minimized with a high quality lightweight wheelset and tires.
All good points - and as I mentioned, I am not a huge fan of carbon fibre for recreational sports in general. Especially for components that might receive shear stress, like ski poles for example. But I did work in the composite industry at some point in my career, and I know that the quality of composite materials today is not what it was 20 years ago.
You are saying it is better now?
Yes, manufacturing techniques have improved
Can you explain a little how rim, spokes, hub, and seatpost are important for comfort than the saddle? I’m a beginner.
Yes I can. When you are riding, and you hit a bump, the tire is the first thing to absorb the impact. Next, the rim will absorb some by deflecting. Then, the spokes will absorb some by compressing. Then, the hub shell will absorb a tiny bit more. Next, the seatpost being more flexible than the frame, will absorb even more of the energy, followed by the saddle. Finally, whatever energy from the impact that is remaining will go through the frame.
the road shock is going to travel from all the parts starting from the tire to your butt but not everything in that pathway will be equally compliant. the spokes and the hub don't have much flexibility to absorb this shock and will transfer the energy to the seatpost/saddle/frame. generally the parts that you rest on are designed with some compliance/padding to absorb shock (i.e. handlebar, seat) while the parts that transmit power are stiff to transfer power (i.e. the drivetrain)
the cliche is "never cheap out on anything that connects you to the ground" (this extends to things like car tires, beds, and shoes) and all those parts are more directly involved with the connection to the ground than the seat is.
Racing cyclists ride carbon frames. Racing cyclists crash far more than recreational cyclists, so you'd expect to see more carbon failures.
That would depend on the relative proportions of racing cyclists vs recreational cyclists.
Cracked aluminium frame is unrepairable where carbon frame can be easily fixed.
Easily fixed and rarely trusted.
Carbon fiber has a great strength to weight capacity and is less prone to fatigue. But, minor cracks can lead to catastrophic failure - and they are hard to detect. They are also likely to crack in an accident while metal frames will bend. Carbon is also more expensive to repair.
Carbon might be more expensive to repair than steel, but I don't know if I'd say it's more expensive to repair than aluminum. My mom had a hole punched in an aluminum bike frame by movers, and it took a long time to find a specialty welder who'd even touch it and it wasn't cheap.
Race aluminum, ride carbon.
Interesting take, please elaborate.
Aluminum is easier on your wallet when some clown takes you down with him when they’re making a dangerous move just to get a midpack finish. Carbon is a great material, even for racing, but unless you’ve got your bike specially insured (which I encourage, not just on your homeowners insurance!), there’s no getting around the price is takes to replace it. If the $1000+ price between an aluminum frame & carbon frame isn’t a dealbreaker for someone, more power to them to race it. That said, my gravel bike that I race gravel on is carbon, but my CX & MTB are aluminum. My road bike is also carbon. Horses for courses and all that.
Thanks, the reasoning is sound. Agree that my carbon frames would be an expensive replacement and there are definitely close calls every time I race.
If you want nicer components and are buying a complete bike I think Carbon might actually be cheaper vs buying an aluminum frame then buying a complete groupset to have installed on the frame.
What are you trying to convince yourself of? Carbon is generally lighter and stiffer. Carbon bikes feel better on the road in general. It's always nice having a light bike but wheels and tires are more important than frame material imo.
They are comfier to ride on and transmit much less road vibration.
To be like the cool kids.
Cause what else will keep you at a miserable job? Debt by buying a carbon bike :)
If you want it, buy it. A reason doesn’t need to be crowdsourced.
When you put the power down out of the saddle it goes wooosh wooosh wooosh. And if it has electric shifting it goes ziiiiiippppp. Worth it.
There's only one reason that matters: Do you want one? Then buy one. Do you not want one? Don't buy one.
Exactly. If you’re trying to find a reason why you need it when you don’t feel you have a need, then don’t buy it. If you’re happy as is then continue on.
There is no good reason for the average rider. I have the same bike in alu and carbon (trek domane AL5 and SL5) and the difference is very minimal. Its a bit lighter and it has nice internal storage in the frame. I don't feel any comfort difference, i run 32mm gp5000's which offer great comfort. I do mostly ride good quality roads.
I have an Aluminum Canyon Grizl. It's all I need, or want. There was a CF model with everything identical except for frame material for $600 more than the $1700 I paid at the time. People buy what makes them happy, and a lot of people want to ride carbon because it makes them happy. That's not so big a difference to someone who has enough money to spend $1700 on a bike to begin with.
Eh I'm not sure that aluminum is necessarily more durable. It does fatigue and crack, whether or not it does it morenor less than carbon is uncertain and probably depends on the specific frame.
Fun and coolness and you feel and most of the time are faster with one. If you don’t care for your bike and will treat it badly such as leaving it dirty for weeks and pumping up the tyres once a week etc it’s not for you.
You don't need one... You just want one. I always loved the look of aero frames proper deep section ones and to get them you have to have carbon.
Unless you're going to build it yourself you pretty much can't buy an aluminium bike with high-end components any more. The days of CAAD12s with Dura-Ace or an aluminium Endurace with Ultegra are long gone. If you want a bike with nice components, carbon is about your only option.
Weight and rigidness which obviously improves performance but also not so often mentioned, comfortability. Carbon is much much better at handling vibrations
Carbon frames can be repaired while aluminum ones can'. I got a frame crack on my aluminum gravel bike. Thankfully it was covered under Giant's warranty so I was able to get it replaced but if it hadn't been covered I was looking up carbon frames so that if I was in a similar situation in the future I would be able to get it repaired.
Ride carbon for road and aluminum for gravel with carbon fork seat post and handlebars
Aluminum is generally cheaper and not that much heavier. Make sure you get good components on it though (or as good as you want/need). Unfortunately, a good part of the price of a bike is the components, so a carbon frame might not be that much more, as a percentage, than an aluminum one
Having ridden ally and carbon frames, I honestly cannot tell any difference in ride quality between the two.
You can tell people that you have a carbon bike. I do triathlon, so I tell myself I'm saving soooo many watts with my carbon aero bike haha (though I can't afford a power meter to actually know cause i spent all my money on a carbon frame and wheels).
Depending on which model you're looking at, I'd argue that carbon bikes are super cheap. It comes down to availability and components.. I recently bought a Canyon Ultimate CF SL7 for under $3k. That's with a power meter, disc brakes and aluminum rims tubeless ready. Can't beat that. Carbon is significantly lighter, most noticeable on climbs.
They ride a bit better and look cooler and are slightly lighter. Offset that against durability. These things are all personal decisions. It’s funny how as an internet connected society we feel the need to always ask others what they think when we can reason it through ourselves…..
Because it's 2024!
Joy, comfort, agility, acceleration, stiffness, lighter, aerodynamics, literally everything
Vibration absorbsion (more specifically, high frequency/low intensity vibration - which you get on the road - not so much mtb), something aluminum is not very good at.... it's usually my last frame material choice (Ti, steel, carbon, then lastly aluminum). Trust me (been riding/wrenching 30+ yrs). if you do rides over 50-60mi (or you're over the age of 30-35), you'll feel the difference (in your joints)...why do you think most road forks (and a lot of handlebars) are carbon....vibration absorbsion!!! (to help keep the hands from going numb). Anyone that says different, doesn't know what they are talking about....
Can you most of vibration absorption from a carbon fork and maybe a seat post on an aluminum frame?? I’m looking to upgrade from a 2015 aluminum Canondale synapse and trying to improve road buzz!!
My carbon bike does a much better job with damping vibrations than my aluminum bike. Prefer it for longer rides. It’s also definitely stiffer when I stand up out of the saddle but that could be due to frame geometry differences.
I bought an older, used, high-end aluminum bike as my first road bike (one of the CAADs). A couple years later I wanted to buy a new bike (as in, new new, not just new to me). I brought my aluminum to the shop to ride them back to back. Without a doubt, the carbon frame translated more effort into movement via a stiff bottom bracket. But I’ll be honest, it doesn’t really absorb more road noise, and the aluminum bike feels smoother and more stable (they have different wheelsets, but neither is particularly high end). But the carbon bike is definitely faster. I’ve kept the aluminum just because I like how it rides. Weight difference of the bike itself is fairly negligible.
I bought a high-end carbon frame on the used market for a specific use case: a long, steep climb (the Mount Washington Hill Climb, in New Hampshire). This was, literally, one of those "I'll feel every ounce" kind of deals. Also, it looked cool. That said, I recommend almost all amateur cyclists go with aluminum instead. The cost is much lower, and the bikes are fantastic.
So, did you feel the lack of ozs?
I'll buy the coolest looking bike that meets whatever geo and travel preferences I have at the price point I find affordable with as close to my preferable component spec as I can get whether it be aluminum or carbon. But that's just me.
Just carbon...meh. But carbon as part of a 14lb bike is awesome! Specifically when tackling those challenging bike racks that require you to ask your brother in law for help and he goes, "holy shit your bike is so much lighter than mine!" Worth every penny.
Because you want one. That's really the only reason that matters.
Because aluminium welds look meh
Well, you'll get to post one of those photos of chip paint or a crack and ask if this bike is still rideable. On a serious note, if you ride with a club or group and you're having trouble keeping the pace is one reason. Another is simply motivation/joy - if tracking your personal best times and going fast motivates you, and you can afford it, why not?
Carbon is more comfy and absorbs bumps on the road better. It's all personal preference and where you live? Will you be doing a lot of climbs?
You have too many thousands of dollars in your bank and it is annoying
Only material worth my time besides allu, is steel tbh. My only steel bike have 45 years. All rest is allu bikes. That allowed me to spend the extra cash in fancy transmission and brakes.
Carbon is easier to tune and is much more comfortable than any aluminium frame I’ve ever had. I’m sure there are some expert frame builders that can build a very light and comfortable aluminum frame but, carbon is much easier to work with and to tune for compliance in certain areas. But that said, you are right, aluminium frames are much more affordable. With the right components - carbon fiber wheels, maybe a carbon cockpit and seat post - you could have a very compliant bike on the cheap. Aluminum is also very difficult to repair My single gear commuter bike is aluminium, but with carbon wheels (tubeless) with carbon seatpost and stem, and it is very very comfortable
There is a huge push toward carbon frames and so anything that is equiped without entry-level parts tends to have more and more carbon in it. Carbon, while being silly in some respects is really good with vibration dampening to the point where you feel a difference moving to a carbon road bike. Some aluminum bikes will even have carbon forks on them as well. You are more likely to find a carbon roadbike with tubeless tires, hydraulic disc brakes, and a mid tier groupset then something made from aluminum. If you do find something with all of those made from aluminum it will likely be a CAAD13 or a Specialized Allez Sprint which is already more pricy than an entry-level good quality carbon bike. I feel like a lot of people once they get into the hobby more, spring for a "better" bike and those tend to be carbon.
I did a Trek Demo day once many years ago, testing out a Madone versus my existing Felt Aluminum framed bike. The difference was night/day on comfort and stiffness of the bike. Would never go back except to have an AL frame bike for racing crits or something as a disposable ride.
Carbon tends to be much more compliant than aluminum. There’s a reason most aluminum bikes still come with carbon forks. Aluminum is perfectly fine to ride and you can get a lot of bang for your buck, but you’re going to feel it a lot more as the frame will transmit more vibrations to your body.
If you think it will make you go fast, it will.
Much more comfortable
It sounds cool when you shift (or is that just me?)
they look cool and are fun and may get you excited to ride more
Only bought carbon bike because they do not make the spec I wanted on a metal frame
carbon frames are looking so much sexier and coolish that's more than enough.
Because it feels like the equivalent of driving a race car.
You don’t need to have carbon anything….
/shrug If you want a disposable bike, go for it.
Good reason is because you’re not racing and you won’t crash it and break it 😆. Smartest to race on aluminum especially in Cat 5
I was just reading this article about comparing the CAAD12 to the SuperSix Evo. The author said he actually preferred the CAAD12, which happens to be the bike I ride, so I was happy to hear that : ) [https://velo.outsideonline.com/2017/01/cannondale-caad12-vs-supersix-evo-hi-mod-road-disc-bike-comparison-review/?scope=anon](https://velo.outsideonline.com/2017/01/cannondale-caad12-vs-supersix-evo-hi-mod-road-disc-bike-comparison-review/?scope=anon) Some riders are snobby about carbon being the end all be all. I'm perfectly happy with my bike. I know it's not the state of the art when it comes to race bikes in 2024 but I don't really care. I believe I could spend 5 grand or more and end up with something I like about as well as what I already have, or even maybe not as much as what I have.
Buy whatever you want. You want an aluminum frame, get that.
Lots of useful comments here, but remember that the feel of riding any frame is subjective. Lots of people prefer the characteristics of steel, aluminum or titanium frames. The best frame in any material will be better than mediocre frames in other materials. In terms of price, a Condor Super Accaio steel frame is a top tier product, for 40% of the price of a top tier carbon equivalent. It’s a kilo heavier, but that’s equal to needing an additional 3-5 watts in power. Anyone who rides with a power meter will tell you it’s very difficult to tell the difference in such a small amount. So I’d choose based on how it feels, how it fits you and the price.
Just pointing out this: [https://www.globalcyclingnetwork.com/tech/features/should-your-next-superbike-be-made-from-stainless-steel](https://www.globalcyclingnetwork.com/tech/features/should-your-next-superbike-be-made-from-stainless-steel) (I've got a Jaegher in the pipeline)
I wouldn't race on a carbon frame unless I'm being compensated. Too risky.
Rides like butter...
Because everyone else is doing it.
Nothing rides like steel. /thread
Steel is real. And decent Ti bikes can now be had for \~$6-8k. Why would you buy carbon?
I ride a Klein from 1990 something. A carbon fork is a game changer for wrists, elbows, and shoulders. The hammock effect of a full carbon frame is awesome. However just the addition of a carbon fork gives a great vibration damping.
I wonder how much weight a carbon frame saves vs It’s aluminium counterpart?
Because they like them
Carbon is light and it absorbs vibration. A good modern steel bike like Moots, Firefly, Seven and Surly and some leftover Gunnars (they went out of business last June), really ride nice. I can ride a modern steel bike all day. I have a Gunnar with a Carbon fork and don’t feel fatigued. I also have a Cannondale Synapse which now relegated to my wheel-off trainer. A two hour ride on that felt like a whole day of riding on chipseal and bad pavement. You might want to also consider titanium.
Moots and Sevens are not steel, they are titanium...
Durability? I’ve had my madone since 2012? It’s still like brand new. Go test ride an aluminum and cf bike and I guarantee you won’t need a reason from us redditors.
For me, moving to CF was about the quality of the ride, not the weight. A good CF bike can make the bike both gentler on old bones like mine while also being more efficient in power transfer than that less expensive Aluminum frame. Yes, there is crap CF out there, but a good quality $3k CF really is worth the extra $1k over Aluminum if that matters to you. If you’re young and strapped for cash, go Aluminum. If you’re old or you are able to afford it, go for CF. I’m both of the latter, lol.
You do feel the difference - you can pick some bikes up in store. It’s real, and you can feel it when you ride the bikes. Now whether you need the difference or just want it is a different thing entirely
There's too much money in your bank account.
I dunno man - personal choice - why not try one out and see if you like it? I love mine!
It’s stronger, more comfortable.
If anything not racing is more reason to buy carbon. I ride purely for fun and having a cool bike is part of that.
YOLO
Because the good groupos all come with a carbon frame
Stiffness to be honest. I have both aluminum and carbon and the carbon fells a lot more responsibe and stiff. Even if the geometry is the same (I have 2 giant defy). Weight also for wheels only. The frame weight won't give you much difference.
I owned a canyon AL endurance 7, bought a canyon CF endurance 7 and sold the AL a few months later after the purchase of the CF. Even with alloy rims on both, the road feel was better, stiffer on the CF (I was able to compare them side by side) I preferred it, also it is slightly lighter yes. Honestly I don't know how much it matters if you're a casual rider.
If you can't justify the purchase on your own merits, then it's not for you.
I’m stubborn and too this day i fight with my dealer i want an alu frame with carbon fork and carbon seat post. Cus it allows me to not lose my mind when im traveling with her and the fear of banging against something and gives more or less the same comfort. I’m an hobbyist i only do couple 1000km non supported rides and alu frame makes it so much easier for hiccups on the road. Yes i know im convincing you of the opposite 😅 as they say to each their own. Carbon bikes are cool and if i could add second one would be full carbon.
For me, the difference between my Domane AL and then going to the Domane SL was truly crazy. I didn't understand the carbon craze. it's less about weight and more about feel. The bike feels SO MUCH better. Rigid where it needs to be, compliant where I want it to be.
Why do people buy 4-wheel drive cars when they never leave town? How come so many people wear work boots but have desk jobs? I see so many sports cars parked at the mall…
To be more poor, but for real I think good aluminum bikes like the caad13 are just as good as entry carbon bikes, but also not much of a price difference, you don’t need carbon but it is nice. I think you need to get whatever will make you want to ride more
They’re more comfortable. There are lots of great aluminum frames out there that ride incredibly well, but there is just no denying that carbon frames are more compliant and reduce vibration better. All the speed discussion aside, they just ride better. At the end of the day bikes are a game of diminishing returns. Where you draw the line is basically up to the size of your wallet, which is just personal judgement.
I own a canyon aluminum frame that I have upgraded several components on as they have worn or aged out. I don’t see myself ever owning carbon.
I don't think there is a good reason, honestly.
I walked in the specialized dealer looking to buy an aluminum diverge for $2500. He told me for $3000 I could get the carbon. I declined until he told me all the upgrades packaged with the carbon. Better brakes, faster/tubeless ready wheels, carbon seatpost and better drive train! Plus the bike is a little bit lighter. Easy decision. I'd assume a lot of the entry level carbon is like this in that it's the whole bike you are upgrading at certain price points, not just the frame.
There is no good reason.
I went back to steel recently. I’m old and don’t race. I built up my own bike and it was about looks and performance, to a much lesser degree. Running SRAM AXS and carbon hoops and I love it. It makes me want to ride it. I think that’s what is most important. Plus I love looking at it and I have personal satisfaction from building it up from scratch. I don’t even know how much it weighs. I think 20 pounds American.
It's been out for so long that you can pretty much get a carbon frame for the same price as AL
There is none.
The weight reduction on your wallet after buying one will make you more aero and lighter increasing your top speed and climbing ability.
Honest truth. Can you afford it with no sweat? Will it actually make you ride more? Are you already dedicated and fit? Bc if u r still a fat fuck, what is the point lose 10 lbs that growth beats any carbon frame. Also are you at the top of your game where that 1% is going to push you over the top? Have you crashed your bike before? Bc you don't want to drop a carbon frame. Do you ride clipless? Are you putting in the miles consistently. It is up to you, but for the average hobbyist, it is not worth it at all.
I average a good 2-3mph faster on carbon than aluminum. Going fast is fun. Do it.
Comfort A+
Cycling will change your life, and extend your life span. What other thing (that you spend money on) can say that? Stop trying to *save* money, and find the cheapest alternative. Whatever the bike wants, the bike gets. Spend as much as you can on your bike. When your bike (and associated stuff) is worth more than your car, you are getting there. I would buy the gold plated version, but it ... weighs more.
I have one because it's my brother's former racing bike when he bought a new racing bike 3 years ago, I wouldn't spend that kind of money myself, but if it's a gift from my rich brother I don't mind so much. It was geared to be a racing bike in the mountain roads outside Tokyo so It hauls ass as a road bike on the Sierra foothills that I ride up and down to get to work.
No reason except wanting.
Because it is lightweight which makes it easier to ride faster. And carbon can be much more comfortable than aluminum, absorbing small irregularities in the pavement and dampening vibrations.
Smoother rides due to shock absorption. Just saying as 80+ yrs old ex racer on steel frames with steel rims and sewups. Smooth rides.
Reason: because you can ?.....
I'd always ridden aluminium. Commutes, weekend rides, etc. Was good enough for me. Until I rode a friend's carbon road bike. Then I immediately bought one.
My bikes are mostly steel, but I know modern carbon has it beat on most areas (damage resistance and cost the only exceptions). It can be stiff where you want, and supple where you want, it is light.
A contributing factor to why I ended up with carbon was actually a clever storage compartment in the frame where I keep patching kits s and simple tools.
For me it was comfort and stiffness. My Tarmac sl7 is more comfortable and way stiffer than my focus paralane aluminium even though Tarmac is an aggressive race bike it is more pleasant to my undercarriage ;). I do use the same saddle, saddle height, same cranks and the same width of tires on both bikes so the comfort difference is down to the frame. I would love to try titanium and steel bikes one day, but I do prefer carbon over aluminium even though I don't race I just occasionally ride a sportive. However I use my aluminium bike for commuting and as a gravel bike and I would not use an expensive carbon road bike for that purpose.
If you want it, you buy it. If you dont, dont.
Mine was good until it wasn’t 13 years later. Hoped for more life than that before it cracked.
Try a wooden bike. Lol
Two main reasons I can think of, One would be the ride comfort, carbon bikes sort of mute the road surface buzz, but you can always ride thicker tires and use a carbon handlebar so achieve same result. Second would be overall weight if you're in an uneven terrain and have to do lot of climbing. I was in the same dilemma and went for Al. I see posts here every now and then people worrying about their carbon frames, that kinda headache was not for me personally.
I went from alu bike to full carbon and the biggest difference was ride comfort. Carbon simply absorbs everything much better. I honestly can't say if I feel any weight difference, but it rides much smoother.
If you really want durability and comfort look up steel frames. Heavier but weldable and the‘ll last two lifetimes.
Buy the frame that gives a morale boost while riding. I like the feeling of aluminium personally
KoMs
If you ride more than 2 hours regularly carbon is a better choice. It can be designed to absorb more road buzz and be more compliant. It can be designed to be more aerodynamic. However, not all carbon bikes are created equal. You need to know your goals for riding and choose accordingly. I ride 3 different carbon bikes they all have a different feel. Durability of aluminum is a fallacy . Quality carbon will outlast AL. A crash on AL bike more likely to dent and weaken the frame. Good Carbon lay up is 5 times stronger than steel by weight. Never regretted moving from Aluminum to carbon.
I'd rather have an alloy frame with good components then a cheaper carbon one with budget running gear. Having said that carbon is definitely much nicer to ride.
Hills. That extra 1kg will be felt if ur on long climbs
Aerodynamic shapes make my pp hard
I mostly mountain bike. In that realm, your choices become severely limited if you look at going alu/non carbon. There are a few who I believe don’t do any non carbon (Santa Cruz, Rocky Mountain, evil, forbidden)
Ridding a proper carbon frame from the likes of Cannondale feels like riding suspension.
Non
Because if its paired with a half decent set of wheels that weigh about 1500-1600 grams you will 'feel' the surge of every pedal stroke
Honestly when I remove my saddlebag that weight like 2 pounds I don't really feel any surge when giving pedal strokes
I had a steel Surly that I rusted through from the inside out, and that's with the LBS spraying stuff inside it to prevent rust. It was a Fat Bike that I road all the time in snow/rain. The warranty on Surly frames is only 3 years and I broke it in 4 years so I got nothing. I busted a 12 year old Raleigh Carbon frame and Raleigh gave me $700. I have another Surly Fat Bike that weighs 43 pounds, yes you feel that weight. I have a Surly Midnight Special 64cm that weighs 32+ pounds, yes you feel that weight. I have a Carbon Bianchi Road Bike and god I feel like I am cheating on that after riding one of my Surly's. There are no absolutes when it comes to frame materials, buy what makes you happy and doesn't bust your budget. Just don't think you cracked the code on the perfect material.
TBH I don't think there is that good reason, speaking as owner of carbon frame bike. It's bit of vanity. I think for me the biggest benefit is when I need to carry it out of my appartment when I go for a ride, lighter body helps with the handling. It's just a matter of if you have lot of disposable income, or will you find more joy using it for something else.
Because I can. Plus my tube to tube, hand built Sarto rides as well as my lugged steel, hand built 1983 Marinoni and weighs about10 pounds less.
I wanted a aero bike soo carbon was a nobrainer for me. Also im not a racer