New Frame or New Equipment?

Peter Burton is wondering if he should up-grade his frame to carbon or carbon alloy mix, or should he replace his equipment instead. Tricky question as a new frame might not make him go any faster, but he will feel good on a new bike

Question: I am currently riding a Giant TCR aero (2004) for ironman triathlon. I am looking at up grading and was wanting advice on full carbon or alloy with carbon forks, or just update the running gear on my TCR. How much improvement in comfort and ride would be gained on a full carbon over alloy/carbon mix or my existing alloy frame?

Hi Paul,
You have probably realised by now that we here at Bike Cycling Reviews think carbon is gods gift to cyclists, but we realise it is expensive and not everyone can afford to get the top carbon frame of there dreams, that said, there are quite a few full carbon frames that are not much more expensive than alloy/ carbon mix frames. If you’re Giant is now three years old it’s maybe time to replace it anyway, but if the equipment is also three years old it is definitely time to get some new kit as it is probably worn out by now.

Your frame is the basis to your bike, you change the other stuff as you go along, and the frame is a big change and has to be planed thoroughly. If you are happy with the TCR then maybe you should look at the Giant full carbon Advanced TCR. It has the same design and will have a similar ride to your existing frame. Swapping over the equipment should also be easy as most parts will be interchangeable and the stem and seat pin should all be the correct size.

The difference between full carbon and an alloy/carbon mix is slight, carbon has a bit of give in the frame making it more comfortable, but with an alloy/carbon mix you have the best of worlds, comfort and rigidity. Personally I prefer full carbon for many different reasons, looks and ride quality, both materials will last about the same time, so the choice is up to you, based on price? And in the end do you need to replace it at the moment or can you wait? I don’t know how much money you have spare to spend on your equipment and this has quite a bearing on what you do, what do you need to replace now and what can wait. I hope we have helped, let us know what you buy in the end.