Gerard Magnin has got a very old (20 years old) steel frame and he has had a carbon frame break, so he needs a new frame. His question is "why should I buy a carbon frame?" We list the advantages and some of the disadvantages of steel and carbon and the most important thing to look for when buying a new frame
Question:
I have had a bicycle with steel frame for more than 20 years. I bought a carbon frame bike and the frame broke in 2 1/2 year. I have to buy a new frame. Given the different frame style, geometry and prices, I wonder how to choose. For example, what are the REAL advantages of a monocoque carbon frame?
Hi Gerard,
Yes, Gerard, a steel frame can last a long time, but a steel frame of 20 years will be a little "soft" and flexible. Steel loses its strength as it ages and as it is being used, it is more likely to break with metal fatigue, but usually it just feels like riding a rubber band, "spongy" and soft, when you climb or sprint the bottom bracket area flexes with your efforts and you loose all that you have put into the bike.
What we don't know is how carbon will stand up to the test of time; no one has been racing or doing long, hard rides on a carbon monocoque frame. There has been carbon tubed frames around for a while, probably more than 20 years, but they were connected with alloy lugs at the joints and not of Monocoque manufacture.
As the name suggests, Monocoque is made in one piece, the strengths in this design and manufacture is; the weight savings, the rigidity in the correct directions and the flex where comfort is needed, and the strength in the carbon and the solid way it has been built. Disadvantages are that if a tube is damaged you can't have it replaced like with a steel frame, but some repairs are possible. Obviously paint re-spays are not possible (or wanted) with a carbon frame.
To choose a new frame the most important thing to look for is the size, it has to fit, take the measurements of your old frame and then you need to make adaptions for sloping top tubes etc. There are still steel frames available and they can be built to your requirements. I hope this helps?
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