Carbon or Ali?

Scott Davis is thinking of spending some money on a new frame, he wants to know our thoughts on whither he should be buying a carbon or an alloy frame. We have covered this subject before, but here we go again.

Question:
I’m thinking of update next year to better road bike.
I am thinking of spending around £1000.00 or so.
Do I go for a carbon bike i.e. the Boardman or Planet x or shall I go for an aluminium.
I’m not a fast rider I mainly cycle for leisure and to keep my fitness up as I am diabetic.
I know you looked at this question a year or so again but I wonder what your latest thoughts are.

SCOTT

Hi Scott.

We have not changed our mind in the last year; we still think that carbon is the frame material of choice.

Carbon will not rust or corrode, although can be damaged beyond repair, then so can any frame! The great thing about carbon is the comfort value of the material over alloy. Alloy is light, but it is quite unforgiving of any rough road surfaces and can give quite an uncomfortable ride.

Carbon forks and seat post will make a difference to the ride on an alloy frame, but you should just go for the full carbon frame as they are tried and tested. It’s not important that you are not a fast rider, your pleasure is what is the most important and keeping fit. Go for the best frame that you can afford and both the Planet X and the Boardman frames are good quality at affordable prices. I had also heard that you can get the Boardman bike from Halfords through the bike to work scheme which can save you some money.

Go for carbon.