Bike Frames?

Tim Trogdon from Cleveland, Ohio has a very difficult question to answer. First he has some very pertenant thoughts on the choosing of a carbon frame and he wants to hear what we think on making that choice.

Question:
Carbon fibber monocoque frames are becoming the standard with professionals. Before that it was aluminum then combinations of aluminum/carbon fiber. Quality steel frames are a special category – the pleasure of the expensive rider now.

What should a person look for or ask about regarding a fully carbon fiber frame used for a Road Bike? 1) A plane frame can’t be tested (lol) & 2) A full bike with a carbon fiber frame that is affordable (has lower end components/wheels) may be hard to assess even with a “test ride” as the cheap wheels, etc. will not duplicate how the frame will feel when it is upgraded with your expensive wheels – lighter stiffer wheels. 3) fit of a store bike will be off, pedals, seat, etc… all the things tweaked over a year or several years cannot be duplicated on one “test run”. So what can you do to evaluate the difference in quality or ride feel of different carbon fiber frames before hand?

Hi Tim.

Yes, you are totally correct, it is a very hard job to pick your new frame, be it steel, alloy or carbon. Without a long term test of a new bike or frame it is really impossible to know exactly how that bike will respond to different road surfaces and courses.

Look at what the Pro riders ride, OK maybe their bikes are more expensive that yours, but the same technology goes in to the top bike and down the line. Get on the frame builders web-site and check out how the frame has been put together: the joints and lugs, and the quality of the carbon they use, the good frame manufacturers will tell you the mix of carbon and the amounts of layers etc. used in the manufacture of the frame.

On the manufacturers web-sites you need to look at the geometries of the frames, this will tell you (roughly) how the frame will perform. A frame with more laid back angles of the seat and head tubes will feel softer and more comfortable, especially on long rides and on bad road surfaces.

A more up right frame will have a more sporty and lively feel, but maybe too stiff with little give of flex in the frame, thus having a responcive ride, but an uncomfortable ride. A longer wheel base will also “deaden” the ride, but the bike will be comfortable.

We hope this all helps, but we agree it is a very difficult choice to make and one that is a great position to be in, but also a complicated and daunting one at the same time.