Comments on: Is A Carbon Framed 29″er In Your Future?

By: Dirt McGirt

Dirt McGirt — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 21:41:50 +0000

I think the thing that people don’t realize is that in order to make a mtn frame out of carbon fiber, the manufacturer has to literally overbuild each tube to get it to hold up to the stresses that the trail can dish out. Therefor, the frames really aren’t that light comparatively speaking. I mean, sure, that shXt is dope as hell, but if you really want a frame that will break just as soon as look at you, then go buy a Cannondale.

sick burn… nooch

By: Gary

Gary — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:40:31 +0000

No. Thanks for asking.

By: jeremy Uk

jeremy Uk — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:30:03 +0000

Titanium may be recyclable but it’s anything but enviromentally friendly

By: efried

efried — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:56:06 +0000

Why should we go to materials which are easy to burn but not recyclable?
better to stick to better aluminium grades or titanium…

By: Oderus

Oderus — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 21:00:06 +0000

After many years working in a shop, I can say that I like carbon fiber…….for a road bike. I understand the oooohs and aaaaahs and how light it is. I have yet to see a carbon mountain frame that can take a beating. I have seen a lot of high dollar carbon frames get ruined because of everyday crashes. Before you jump down my throat, understand my reasoning……I ride aluminum bikes (a Niner EMD and a Trek EX9), I ride steel as well (Zion 737). I can ride one of these any where I can ride a comparable carbon frame. Difference is, I can crash an aluminum frame and probably end up with a dent. I can replace that same frame for under $1000. I can crash the Zion in the same way and probably just tear up the paint and scratch the metal. I could replace that frame for under $300. Anyone that rides a mountain bike will crash a mountain bike. We all trash parts and frames. It’s part of the fun. I could never justify spending so much for something that can take the abuse of another frame at a fraction of it’s cost. Hell, I’ve seen a carbon 29er just this week that was destroyed in it’s original box. $3400 wrecked before it could even get built. I can’t even sell it as a scratch and dent. I think if you have the money and don’t mind replacing your frame after a serious crash, then carbon may be right up your alley. If you want durability, I would tell you to look elsewhere………Ti, Alum, Steel…..all time tested……and still going strong.

By: Fort James

Fort James — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:43:16 +0000

Will Niner release a carbon fiber frameset? That is what I want to know!

By: Sevo

Sevo — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:10:24 +0000

Properly developed carbon fiber will surprise you. The cheapo high resin content carbon weave stuff is what you should worry about, but the unidirectional less glamorous pre-preg stuff is where it’s at and much better. I’d trust a quality carbon frame done right over any other material hands down.

By: Karbaun

Karbaun — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:26:26 +0000

Excellent news ! I was wondering why only GF and Orbea have been bold enough to release a carbon 29er. It’s always interesting to see that more companies are willing to develop more great 29er bikes. Can’t wait to see a FS carbon 29 (GF HiFi could be that bike).

By: Desert9r

Desert9r — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:48:58 +0000

My fav LBS is an Orbea dealer, though I have not personally seen an Alma, I have seen the Lanza, Oiz and a number of the road bikes, …..the Alma I would chose is double the $ of the superfly, and I would pay it.

The only concern I have is that I am NOT smooth, ditch more often than I think CF could handle.