Ian wants to get his hands on a carbon time trial frame, but he is worried that his height and size would be too much for carbon, we put his mind to rest on the strength point and suggest either of the TT bikes from Orbea. The Ora and the new Ordu are classics of carbon aerodynamics, we hope he likes them?
Question: I am 6'3 tall and weight 275. I am to heavy to be on a carbon fiber frame? and if its ok then what type of carbon fiber TT frame should I be looking after to buy. Not to expensive.
Thanks Ian.
Hi Ian,
You are a big guy, but carbon should hold your weight, it is strong stuff, if you are worried that it is not strong enough then look at steel, but if you want the weight advantage of carbon then steel or alloy would not be as strong, so carbon is the one to go for.
You want a carbon TT frame and a strong one, so we think you should consider either of the time trial bikes from Orbea; the Ora or the new for 2008, the Ordu. Both these bikes are time trial specific bikes which have been designed for rides against the clock or for triathletes. Both are aerodynamic and strong and would fit your needs, let's look at them individually.
The Ora
The Ora is reasonably priced for what you get. The aero seat tube as well as being sleek also has a dual position seat post system. It's manufactured with a blend of M30S and T700 carbon fiber which makes it very stiff, but yet comfortable for longer rides. The frame design is fairly standard with a horizontal top tube, the down tube is wing like as is the seat pin area and the chain and seat stays are pencil thin. The seat tube is shaped around the rear wheel, but it is not exaggerated and fits in with the overall look of the bike. The bike is stylish, strong and very aero.
The Ora
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The Ordu
The Ordu is of a similar design to the Ora, but more chunky, more aero, more stylish and the tube design more exaggerated. The frame design still has a horizontal top tube and a wing shaped down tube, the seat cluster is big strong and aerodynamic, the chain and seat stays are much thicker than the Ora and the whole look of the bike is of strength and speed. With the use of wind tunnel testing, Orbea have improved the aerodynamic efficiency by 7%, the head tube has been redesigned to reduce frontal area, the seat mast now has an integral seat clamp and the bottom bracket area and dropouts have all been restyled for aerodynamics and strength. The Ordu is at the cutting edge of time trial technology, it has everything you are looking for.
The Ordu
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There are other TT bikes around but the Orbea's are top class and not too expensive, check them out Ian.
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