Carbon frames?

I'm not saying carbon is more likely to fail than other materials, but there are many factors to consider - just as aluminium can fatigue, or steel, so will carbon eventually.

the main problem with diagnosis of carbon is that a seemingly slight impact could have hidden issues such as delamination etc. With a steel or ally component this damage would often be visible and can be gauged. unless you go to the expense of having carbon x-rayed you will never know the true impact.

I also have a carbon MTB frame from several years back, and although I still ride it I am always concerned about its ultimate long term durability - also having seen many carbon components (seatposts mainly) suddenly fail in a catastrophic manner, I'm always mindfull about what 'could' happen.

maybe in 30-40 years when more data is available on long term characteristics we will all be able to judge carbon composites with a better ability.

cheers - Tb

carbon wont outlive ti for sure but it will probably out-perform it - i'm going ot enjoy my planet x for the summer then sell it winter time so i can get me my custom ti frame (got to live up to my name!)

carbon wont outlive ti for sure but it will probably out-perform it - i'm going ot enjoy my planet x for the summer then sell it winter time so i can get me my custom ti frame (got to live up to my name!)

But surely the UV rays will reduce it to cream cracker like fragility.....?

I left my carbon frame outside in the rain and the next day all that was left..

I recommend waterproof suncream. Something with Aloe to maintain the frame compliance.

factor 40 will soon solve that problem - am riding in yorkshire though, we don't see much UV anyhoo

the problem with carbon is it doesnt dent, it it breaks. which is bad and as such can, i repeat can be an issue is certain crash conditions that an ali bike would survive.
cheap carbon frames are not inherently bad. the are generally made by the same people who produce the more expensive frames. they take ideas from the large established brands, incorporate them into a frame that they can produce cheaply, sell them through a random importer/direct and voila, cheap carbon fibre. most of these frames will have been fatigue tested because they have to be, they just dont have the expensive r and d to pay for as the established manufacturers have already done it.

crashes that aluminium or titanum frames would of survived.

'would have survived'.

I blame your parents...

'would have survived'.

I blame your parents...

Browsing framsets I spotted the Battaglin C13. Its made from a serious mix of high end Carbon fibers, T1200 HM / M30 HM 3K, and weighs under 800g in my size (Small , the furry bit dosent effect sizing). The HM (high modulus) is bunged on everything, but the rest sounds good. even has a full carbon BB30 shell.

Want!

Who is it made by though, that's what I want to know!? Still looks really nice, mind.

Who is it made by though, that's what I want to know!? Still looks really nice, mind.

Yeah.
The oh so original red white and black are'nt helping it either.

Probably why its designed to go so fast ;)

while carbon and is undoubtedly the wonder material of today, how many vintage carbon frames will be around for our grandchildren to rescue and repair for their leisure and pleasure..?

Care Factor 0

Those little bastards will all be driving FatGuy(tm) Hover Cars or something.

...and for my Grandson, my full carbon race frame... Hands jar of carbon ashes

I have been offered a specialized Roubaix elite with Ultegra 10 speed. Think it is 2008/9. Looks in great nick, Anyone think it's a steal at £600?
I currently have a Eddy Merckx Team Motorola 1996 Columbus SLX with 2007 Durace 9 speed.Worth changing? would I notice a huge difference?

I used to Time trial back in the 90's, 10's & 25's. Just looking to get some mileage in again and get some fitness again.

Any suggestions?

I'll give you £100 for the mercx ;)

But seriously, if you want it, get it, price sounds ok, but if you just want something for some miles then surely the mercx will do the job? Heavier bike = more fitness.
Your mercx sounds higher spec than my road bike and that does me just fine.

Sounds like a good price. If you can, test ride it and see which you prefer. Otherwise, if you've got the cash buy it and sell it on if you don't get on with it, pretty sure someone will take it for a similar price.

thanks for the offer edundro, have to say the group set is probably worth more than that alone :-)
I have a Scott MC10 with XTR and the eddy feels almost heavier!! which methinks isn't right :-) MTB's with full susp have to be heavier than the road bike, hence wanting to change :-)

Your Merckx is nearly 15 years old. If I was you I'd jump at the chance to join the 21st century at that price.
You'll probably get as much - if not more - for the Merckx from some johnny-come-lately 'hipster'...

i think if i had an offer north of 350 i'd consider it. but yes I would like to move into the 21st century certainly on the road, i got there on the mtb a couple of years ago and the difference was epic.

the Merckx sound fine, especially with the modern component.

I'm surprised by how heavy the old mid/top end frame weight from the 90's even, my Columbus SL bike is noticeably heavier than my dad's 631 Bob Jackson from 2009, they both even have the same groupset and wheels, but it's all fine when I ride it, didn't think about the weight, just the ride.

I think the best thing you can do really is to keep riding it and dialled your position in properly, as that make a huge difference, unless the Merckx isn't your size that is.

Sold the Merckx, get the Specialised tomorrow :-)