Hey Reginald, thought I’d give this a go. I read this story on Peter Sagan it happened just before he turned pro . Sagan knowing he was going to get a new bike from his team gave his bike away to a friend. He gets a call and was told to get ready for a race in a few days time . Peter tell them that he gave his bike to a friend ,so they said that he has to come up with one. Day of the race he shows up in full kit ,with his younger sisters bicycle. The team couldn’t believe it,they told him not to bother, he insisted and won the race. Never laugh at a steel bike.
Think you might have upset a few carbon lovers 😂 probably the same people who look shocked when i pass them on my giant peloton thats slow, heavy and has downtube shifters 😊. The bike industry has sold the emperor's new clothes for years as componants and frames get worse but people are happy to think because the pros use it, it must be better. My next purchase will be another steel frame, i love the look and feel which makes me want to ride more which after all is what we all want to do. Keep up the good work 👍
I have commuted to work on a steel and aluminium bike, hit by a scooter at low speed on my steel bike and the bike was still good to go. I remember the scooter rider had a pint of milk in his jacket and when he fell on the ground all the milk went everywhere. On my aluminium bike my pannier hit a lamppost (yes, I was riding on the pavement and misjudged space at the rear) and I hit the ground. My clothes come off worse than the bike, couple of scratches on the frame but no o major damage.
Maybe not the best option for me in your eyes but it was the right choice for me in my opinion and opinions are only important to the person making that opinion.
Important yes, but people can hold some irrational opinions. For example, it might be your opinion that your car is the best car you can buy, but perhaps there is a better car out there you didn’t consider that actually would be much better for the same price or maybe even less. Or for a more extreme example: some people hold the opinion that the world is flat… 🤔 It is there opinion, they hold onto it very strongly, but what would be better is rather than just holding opinions strongly we should look at the facts and logic and come to a rational conclusion. Anyway, I wish you happy and safe riding! ❤️🙂
I commute to work (15mi/24km round trip) on an outdated Giant Defy (not the good one.) I made the choice to go from car, to e-bike, to acoustic. Better for everyone!
I have only 2 bikes,both aluminium! My fixed gear bike (converted to the single speed) is my primary go to bike! My 29er (also converted to the single speed) is my trails and fire roads bike! The fixie can accommodate tires up to 35mm, essentially becoming the tracklocross bike! I can do gravel roads,fire roads,on that thing even on 28mm tires! No pain,no uncomfortable feeling! The only discomfort comes from the crappy, light, Specialized saddle,and the drop bars from the Ritchey, (sometimes)😅 You should see the welds on that thing...the welding is invisible, almost carbon like 😁 Aluminium doesn't have to be uncomfortable 😣 Greetings from Croatia from Kris 😎
Awesome! Yes they probably do a double pass on the welds, with plenty of filler wire and then sand down the welds after. Like my steel bike you can’t see the welds, but on titanium people want to see them. 😁 All the best and happy riding! 👍🏻
I've just bought a nearly 5k suspension carbon gravel at 3600 that sadly turned out to be a tiny bit too small for me. Since I enjoy everything else about it I'm now looking to basically rebuild it as a Ti bike but with some more top end components and bells and whistles I'd like to get like a transmission mullet setup and a suspension with a lockout. Something I've recently seen is that there's also material benefits to sticking with alu (?) wheels over carbon if you're going to ride rough and want some extra cushioning. Obviously going Ti, suspension and tubeless I'll have plenty of comfort already built in so the question would be whether I can sort of "meet in the middle" here by sticking with carbon wheels as heavier wheels for comfort could just be overkill? I don't ride super rough terrain but I certainly have had my moments where I've had to slow it down somewhat on the gravel compared to my old hardtail (which was definitely overkill as my first cheapo bike for what I actually ended up riding), and I feel like being over prepped for most of the ride in order to be able to handle the rough stuff better is the way to go for me. Also would you say there's any negatives to carbon forks, especially for suspension? I'd lean towards the rudy ultimate, I have the normal one at the moment and I like it, just want the ultimate for the lockout although I've recently found an upgrade kit that could get you that on the base version as well, it does bump up the price though to the point where they're basically the same cost and the ultimate being carbon saves you a bunch of weight. I've also checked around and some manufactureres are now slowly rolling out frames in carbon that would fit my needs (UDH for Transmission, geometry built for suspension), but those are indeed just the same cost of a Ti frame. I do commute to work with my bike when I have the time too and I've just gone and insured my bike against theft which also covers frame damage from crashes, I suppose this also alleviates some of the durability issues with carbon although a crash in itself would be gnarly for the rider. So with the insurance and an adequate lock I don't really feel too scared about taking my bike to work plus we're on a site that the public has no access too and I'm always surrounded by a dozen eBikes which I think any potential thief would probably go for first?
A few points: carbon is lighter (your friends are wrong), strong and durable enough for mountain bikes, never mind gravel, can ride as well or better than Ti or steel, not least because you can tune vertical stiffness independent of lateral, and can take on aero shapes. It appears your sole criteria for frame choice are cost and resistance to impact damage.
Cost, comfort and durability should be top of the list for out of shape consumers that pay for their own bike and maintenance. The marketing department won't tell you the pro teams throw away a scuffed 10k bike without blinking.
Carbon fiber is the worst material for most average bicycles. Like its use in F1 Motorsport, yes like in aerospace, but for everyday use and for ordinary people it is a ridiculously over engineered material.
Maybe it's because I'm almost 40, or that I don't ride as much as I used to, but I don't seem to want carbon, tubeless, or electric shifting as much as I used to. The mech Ultegra on my carbon domane is great, and the endurance geometry is easier to ride then on my aggressive TCR. I've been looking at getting a blackheart all road TI bike as a one bike to do everything. TPU tubes for the win, no tubeless sealant, no hookless wheels either. I might go with ETAP, since it's much simpler than Di2 having electric wires all through the frame. Enjoyed the video, and I subscribed.
Thank you kindly! The way you describe you needs and wants sounds like you have been watching all my videos. 😂 I also did videos on e-group sets, tubeless/hookless, why titanium bikes are the best and TPU! 😎 All the best sir and safe riding! ❤️
Carbon bikes are OK if you want to use it on good roads and maximise your potential going fast. If you want something for commuting on variable roads and something you can throw around then try titanium or steel. I think the Brompton is great as you can carrying it.
@@Leo-gt1bxmy steel touring bike is light enough for me to put on my shoulder, because I'm not a complete weedy weakling with zero upper body and core strength, unlike you
I'm an old git (60), years ago I had a Reynolds 853 steel frame built up with Suntour Superbe Pro, it went like shit off a shovel, probably one of my best ever bikes
For me, a 700 stell series, 1990’s frame with modern MECH, RIM groupset for winter training turing, amazing riding experience. For racing, climbling the CAAD 10 full Dura Ace,, a killer weapon! 6,8 kg
Well, a road bike is a poor shopping bike. You don't go grocery shopping in a Ferrari, either? Citybikes with reinforced frames won't slow you don't too much unlike cargo bikes and provide ample space on your luggage rack. @15:24 There was a time where aluminium was considered premium material. The Kettler Alurad 2600 is an example of that time period.
The only carbon bike I would choose would be a Time. A Time AdH frame is significantly cheaper than the Litespeed Specia for the same weight. Because of its superb ride quality and comfort it is really fun to ride. Yes it has disk brakes and it’s heavy, but takes absolutely no effort to brake and change gears. At the end of a 100 mile ride, I feel like that I could go another 100 mile, therefore it’s a good bike! This bike is my first choice if I were to ride for 10 hours, without group, without strapping anything on to the frame😂 There are uncomfortable Steel and Ti bikes out there. The comfort really depends on how the frame is constructed. A well made Alu frame such as a CAAD 10 is definitely more comfortable than a Canyon Aeroad or a cheap chinese Ti bike. Yes I agree that steel bikes are in general more comfortable than Carbon bikes made by big name brands.
Yes there are bad bikes and good bikes in almost any material. But over the years I have had the opportunity to ride a lot of bikes and in general they conform to a type. You might be right about Time, but they are definitely 1 of a very few exceptions when it comes to carbon. 🙂
@@reginaldscot165 Glad to hear that you don't consider Time as a bad choice like most mass produced carbon bikes. I don't consider Time as a Carbon bike. It's a steel bike made of carbon! 😁Look, Basso, Colnago, and Festka are also amazing carbon bikes with superb ride quality. Festka doesn't have proprietary components like Time, but similarly priced as Litespeed. Look and Basso has a lot of proprietary parts, which increases risk. Basso is 500€ cheaper than Look and its made in Italy. I see very little value for money with Colnago. Again comes with the same risk as Basso and Look, and it's definitely overpriced for what it is. If we compare the "good" carbon bikes to a Ti bike, then I see the reasons that a Litespeed would be a better choice in majority of cases. As for people who cannot afford a Time, or not at serious level, they should consider one of Cannondale Caad bikes or Standert Steel or Aluminium frame rather than a Carbon bike from Scott, Cube or Stevens.
My aluminium frame is reasonably new, designed only about 4 years ago, and it's much more comfortable than any of my previous alu bikes. It has lots of 27.2 mm diameter seat post sticking out and the seat tube also visibly flexes like into a bow if you know what I mean, it has dropped seat stays too. Peak Torque stated once (or more than once) in a video comparing frames that it's mainly about the design of the frame rather than the material itself. I've tried an expensive Rose XLite 6, too and the front end seemed very slightly better comfort wise, but it had all carbon fork, which I'm going to swap for soon. But it was 4 or 5 times more expensive and the rear end comfort was better on mine.
Here is my Carbon fiber experience: When it comes to carbon handlebars, you can make a quite flexy bar like Race Face SIXC35 which flexes in all directions( doesn't flex too much), or stiff bar or both like One Up components carbon bar which is horizontally stiff but vertically it has flex for vibration damping and take the edge of bumps and big hits. I had a heavy carbon fiber full face helmet, bike hit the rear of the head and nothing happen, not not even a scratch, it was a Fox Rampage Pro Carbon, I think it was around 1200g helmet, the bike that hit it was over 14 kg, but was only rear end of it. But the helmet was quite heavy, and horrible cheek pads that got permanently compressed. Was an expensive helmet, which I bought on sale. But the carbon shell on it was robust. I've seen footage of Santa Cruz, Yeti bikes snap by falling over, but that was with ride on it.
@@reginaldscot165 But still still sceptic to a carbon bike. I will likely not have one. But I think I will build a alu shopping bike. Not sure what yet, but I'm in the research stage. Will have pannier rack a rcak at the front, fast tyres, but geometry like a mountianbike. Not as extreme as my enduro bike. But has to have great fit and geometry.
Great video, absolutely flawless logic, however, i do find my carbon TCR more comfortable than my other alu bikes (less road vibration). I need to try a titanium bike next....❤
Thank you kindly! Did I say that aluminium was more comfortable than carbon? 1 or 2 people have now made that same statement you just did and I have no recollection of ever saying that aluminium is more comfortable than carbon? I do remember saying it’s more durable and cheaper, but I think I only said that steel and titanium was more comfortable than carbon? If you know where I made the mistake please to leave a time stamp for me. 👍🏻🙂 Thank you again and safe riding! ❤️
I was merely pointing out my observation that my newly acquired first carbon frame being noticeably more comfortable than my aluminium ones. My teeth are already thanking me 😆 safe riding ❤
I commute just outside your native nottingham [the tram by the way was a phenomenal waste of money] nottingham city council are idiots for doing it. My general commuter bike is a 2nd hand TCR, and then i use a propel for weekend rides and summer riding. Ive commuted using steel, aluminium and carbon and I much prefer my carbon fibre bike.
Thank you for the comment and safe riding. 🙂 It would be helpful to everyone of you explain why that is and perhaps what kind of steel and aluminium bikes you have owned. 👍🏻🙂
@@reginaldscot165 steel and aluminium were both entry level to be fair. My carbon ones are 2nd hand but far better spec. The Carbon it's pretty robust, I'm no climber either [80kg]
14:01 if you're at the skill level where you're frequently coming off a gravel bike you should just use flat pedals, you would only sacrifice like 1% in power transfer. And if and when you innevitably wipe you just stick your leg out.
Click pedals can also pull and not only push like flat pedals. It also heals to pedal in circular motion. this system allows me to theoretically double the force I put into the cranks. I think I get what you’re talking about. Flat and Click pedals nicht not make significant difference for beginners, especially the ones who need to learn how to change gears and to step in from behind and not thru the frame like on women’s bike😂
My first road bike was a “Sport touring” bike. I used it as an alternative to running. Loved that bike. I bout it new in 1987 with money I earned that summer. It was a Nashiki Olympic 12, metallic aquamarine fading into a pearl white. Beautiful bike. I recently got back into cycling and wanted a “do it all bike” and chose a steel touring gravel bike and I’m so glad I did. It’s comfortable, with modern components, and I’m running 650b wheels with 47mm tires and I was surprised at how nimble and fast it is. If I see a dirt road, no problem, if I want to just stay on the road it rides just as nice.
I tried my gravel bike on 42mm tyres this week in preparation for a planned ride and it was amazingly slow! 😂 But it does weigh 12.3kg and I’m used to riding a 6.5kg bike with 23s. 🤣
Noticed that the titanium bike you recommended (and probably have?) comes with a carbon fork. I ride a hybrid then ... frame, fork, rims, cranks, seat post, handle bars -- all carbon BUT the saddle has titanium rails 😁
Always enjoyed a good honest opinion, without any influence of sponsors. Even more so because i completely agree with said opinion. I tend to find good bikes have people that really, really loves it. Like Ritchey, and in your case, Litespeed. However, if titanium is the ultimate material (for most people) then why not titanium fork?
“…fork.” Because cost: Availability Technology limitations And because the carbon fork is sacrificial so in a crash hopefully it will snap and not transfer the energy to the frame. If it was Titanium it might impart too much force on the frame and result in the loss of both? But that’s just a theory. Mostly it’s cost and availability. 🙂
I’ve been riding my Condor Italia RC. Aluminium, rides awesome but it’s heavier than my carbon and TI. Great for flat rides but one not for the steep hills.
I have a Custom waltly road bike it Great I use it to ride to work every day Through horrible roads in Sydney Very comfortable costs about 1100 US delivered to a Door
I’m thinking about getting one to race on, I basically want this steel frame but a touch lighter and at 1/3 the price the waltly seems very appealing. However all the ones I’ve see so far seem to be the weight of steel bikes? As someone who mostly riders Litespeed Ti they seem a bit too heavy? What’s weight of your frame/size? 🙂
I never crashed on gravel. It is true that the risk of crashing is much higher on loose surface, but we are not stupid enough to ride on gravel like it’s on tarmac!
You might not be stupid on gravel but I sure am! 😂 As soon as I hit the stuff my body just wants to go as fast as I can. I enjoy the thrill of being right on the limit of grip! 😍
Really ALL CARBON?! My Time VXRS Carbon (Rim Brakes) from 2005 never had any damages or cracks HEAVILY USED, My Time Izon Carbon (Rim Brakes) from 2016 NEVER had any issues even from normal curb hop daily commuter and training and for race, My Spinergy Rev X gen 3 wheelset (Super Stiff) from 2001 ( not the exploding version) still spinning true and no damage (almost 30 years old now) or wear shown now converted and used as a single speed on my Colnago Master (Steel Bike), My Corima HR 4 from 2006 Still true and great (used on the Time Izon) My S-Works Demo 8 from 2013 troy lee design ltd edition DH with XO1 Carbon crank set been thru multiple high speed crashes with Enve M9 never breaks or cracked too... crash a few time at fort william too LOL... My Bridgestone RB-1, Shimano Sante, both steel bike bent at the top tube from 1 crash.. so i don't know why you mean tho.. also NOW carbon is repairable too and works as good after too... only steel bike i have now is my Colnago Master which i use it as a single speed commuter lol.. only aluminium bike i have is cannondale hooligan which is fun to ride but mehh~ in comfort... but its a mini velo so can't really compare to any i have a titanium gravel frameset i bought from alibaba works as good as all my Time Bikes... as smooth and comfortable too... only reason i got it was because i use it for shopping and its able to put 35mm tires I also Have a Chinese Carbon Enduro Frameset with chinese carbon rims and X01 Carbon Crank and Enve Handlebars its pretty comfortable too... and i used chinese titanium spokes for the wheels only feel parts that isn't full carbon or titanium is the fork, shock, pedal and dropper post.... but if you're talking about S-Works, Trek, Pinarello roadie carbon i do agree they are not comfortable at all... u feel ALL the vibration because their carbon is VERY VERY STIFF also overpriced and sold all of them.. own them for only a couple months each and went and back to Time ALPE D'HUEZ 2021... most Time Carbon bikes used are not expensive either... and they feels great because of the vectran line they added onto their carbon weave to absorb all the vibrations.... Maybe after trying Time Bicycles your view on carbon fibre would actually change... but i will not buy Time Bicycle from 2023 anymore as they are now own by american company now so i'm pretty sure the quality would change now...
I don’t disagree with your comments, it’s all valid information and I agree about the big brand carbon stuff. (unlike Time perhaps) But, I guess my point to simplify is: For a riders like you, (who doesn’t sound like they do any racing) you would be better off financially buying a comfortable steel or titanium bike (depending on how much weight matters to you) because it will do everything your Time does, + a few extra abilities your carbon bike doesn’t have… And, it will last longer and be more durable so if you did fall (however unlikely that is) you would be less likely to need a new frame or expensive repair. 🙂 So, yes, your Time is a good bike and I’m very glad you love it and I wish you many happy days of riding ahead! ❤️🙂
Ok so you did your video on Hambini which I agreed with much of but I find this on the same level of annoying. I have never had an issue with carbon and I prefer the ride of them.
That’s fine. But I’m just giving advice from the perspective of someone who has experience issues with carbon, has many customers who have experienced issues with carbon, and has ridden enough bikes to know that carbon bikes are not the best feeling or best bikes to ride for the majority of people. (Especially financially) 🙂 I’m trying to help people to consider better options. But if you want to stick to carbon that entirely up to you. 🙂👍🏻
Feels nice to read all those comments written by butthurt carbon fiber folks. If some schmuck says something mean at my freshly restored Colnago (which happens... NEVER, hahaha - I get compliments on my bike everywhere I go, even from people very far removed from cycling), I just chuckle and continue going my own way. Because I know the joy of riding a quality steel bike: the timeless look, the feel, the comfort, the sheer dependability of the bike. Whenever someone says something even remotely negative about carbon fiber bikes, whole hell breaks loose - you get the swarm of angry mobs sharpening their pitchforks to pillage you dead for the audacity you had to say something that goes across the notion they were fed by those in power (cough... GCN... cough...). Which says ALOT about people that tend to throw money at their problems, when the ultimate solution we had for 80 years has peaked in early 90's... and it's called the lugged steel bicycle. I ride my bike to ease the pain of living, not to make my life even MORE miserable than it already is.
That’s such a wonderful comment and I agree. I think people react badly for the perfectly natural reason that they spent a lot of money on a carbon bike and they don’t like anyone pointing out they made a big mistake! Nobody likes to be told they were foolish, so rather than suck it up and admit I’m right they would rather fight back. It’s the same reaction you always see in people. 🤷🏻♂️😅
Steel is the worst for commute and shopping because it rusts especially on salty winter roads. Steel already rusts while just standing in the garage in winter!!! For commute, city, comfort and cargo a road bike is the wrong choice in first place and 25mm tires as well. Even though carbon is fragile in some sense, it's actually more robust than e.g. aluminum. Yes, it can crack and alu and steel might just bend, but alu and steel bend way longer before carbon cracks. Even alu bikes often have got carbon forks and forks are probably the most beaten and somewhat fragile component on a bike, still it can withstand potholes with 100kg rider going downhill at 70kph. And why do alu road bikes often have carbon forks? Because carbon is fragile? Definitely not. And not for weight savings, but I guess because of their flex and with that comfort. Steel bikes are rarely made by mass market manufacturers and therefore rather sold as expensive special hand-made premium bikes. And if you buy a complete bike from mass market / popular manufacturer then typically there is not much choice because cheaper components/group sets come with alu frame and more expensive components with carbon frame. Upgrading from alu to carbon costs as much as upgrading from 105 to Ultegra, around 500$ (premium brands charge 2x or 4x for both).
You will never use your cf bike as long as I've been using my steel bike. And "steel bikes are never mass produced" is the most ignorant statement ever made about steel bikes
Chromium molybdenum alloy is very resistant to rust. Stainless steel such as Reynolds 953 and Columbus XCr is even better. Maintain your steel bike properly, give it a fresh paint every 25 years and it will serve you well for ages.
depends how tall you are, for me at 194cm Carbon is the best, and carbon seat post loong even better, last frame I got for 500$ or so, 730gr for 61cm and no chain rub. I have steel and alu also.
You don’t “need” any bike. But that’s not an argument. You say that, but what do you sacrifice to get that weight? Reliability and strength and durability and practicality and versatility. Something a light weight Ti bike has. And funny how not a single bike in the pro tour hits 6.8kg (most are 7+) and my heavier Ti bike is a fat little 6.39kg. 😅
@@reginaldscot165 But the title of your video is "Why Carbon is Never the Best Option" I'm just saying that if you want the lightest bike then carbon absolutely IS the best option. I would disagree with you about the durability too, if you treat them well a good carbon frame can last for decades. I know this from personal experience.
@@doughorner5730if you baby a carbon frame you *might* dodge ride-ending damage. That's obviously not the point though. The point is that steel (and other materials) can be chucked around and survive, and any failure is likely to come with plenty of warning (bends before it breaks). You simply don't hear about steel parts shearing off unexpectedly in normal use. Carbon epoxy crap though? Happens a lot. Caught on film. Plenty of footage, plenty of incidents, plenty of evidence.
@@kennethg9277 Kenneth my advice to you would be to not purchase a carbon bicycle. Meanwhile my 15 y/o beater carbon road bike is still awesome despite my propensity to not baby anything. I ♥my carbon bikes!
Not in the pro peloton. And not many modern ones are light with the advent of discs. Also, if you wanted comfort as a priority then carbon shouldn’t be your first choice.
I prefer old rim brake cx bikes over anything and most of the time i find myself on my alloy frames. My carbon Trek Boone on Avid Cantis is top notch, but you cant even lean that bike next to a wall without worrying about it. My most comfortable, durable, stress free bike is alloy Specialized Crux from 2012. Bulletproof frame.
Wrong. Steel bikes, if maintaned properly, are dead silent. Also, this is the reason I love low-profile aluminum rims: they don't make any wind sounds while riding.
spot on! Gravel races used to be done on 23mm tires! All bikes are gravel bikes. Bigger tires are only necessary for more control and comfort on the rough stuff. I would still prefer a proper gravel bike only if the majority of my tour is unsaved. The road bike is absolutely no problem if I’m occasionally on gravel.
Ha ha well believe it or not, the only reason I’m NOT doing it on 23mm tyres is they were out of stock when I ordered these tyres! 😂 Yes many people baby their road bikes and don’t know the true potential they have… but i wouldn’t do this on a carbon frame. 🤣
21:45 I agree with the point of young riders with alloy bikes, young people are concentered on studing and are jobless so just doesn't have the money to have the best bike of the market, but you have the time and energy to compensate the disanvantages to top of range modern bikes and tech. as a student, I have a tight budget for road racing, I have a old carbon road bike, rim brake, 22mm tubulars, most of elite riders on my area ride sworks and have lot of improvements, but I have the time to train a lot and be more fast without having expensive things. I think expensive carbon bikes its only worth when you get a good level (national or continental for mortals) and you have the sponsorship to invest on better things, in other case if you are full time job rider can be more worth buy the speed because he doesnt have the time to train for speed so you have the budget to buy the last bike and improvements to compensate a lower physic performance.
I haven't watched this video, yet. But, based on your take.of carbon... you really should check out and ride a Colnago C40. Most winning race bike. Almost all of them are still being ridden to this day, including mine which I race on and am setting new records.
I ride an aluminium bike, custom made frame. Literally the most comfortable bike I've been on. But then, the guy who made the frame asked for a while lot of information before he made the frame. Weight, measurements, how i like to ride, surfaces i ride on etc. So my bike has a really beefy downtube, chainstays, and seattube. The other tubes are slimmer. I guess that gives me more compliance. Surprisingly, i find this bike to be lighter than a lot of carbon bikes. However, i do have disc brakes, carbon wheels and 35c GP5000 tyres. I've tried 28c tyres before. I don't want to do that to my teeth, my palms, or my back ever again.
It’s aluminium and it requires 35mm tyres for road? And when you use 28s it shakes your teeth out and hurts your back? I must admit from your description it doesn’t sound like a particularly “comfortable” bike frame? For example I run 23mm tyres on my Titanium road bike and I get no issues with comfort. My I suggest a custom steel frame next time? But as long as you are happy that’s the main thing! 👍🏻🙂 All the best and safe riding! ❤️
I haven't found narrower tyres to be comfortable no matter the frame material. Not even on steel frames. But then, we have pretty bad roads where I live. Plus, I'm a tiny bit heavier than you are 😂
So all other things put aside, how cheap can you get a titanium bike for and how long will you have to wait to get it? I just don´t believe that you can get a 7, 8 og 9 kg titanium bike cheaper than an equivalent carbon bike.
How cheap? Well there are some from China that are a few $100. 🤷🏻♂️ to get a good one from china (so I’m informed) is $900. So the price of a cheap Chinese unbranded carbon frame. And I’m guessing the quality would be similar. 🤷🏻♂️ It’s difficult to compare the weight of just the bikes because that really down to components. And different bikes have different BB options and headsets and so on. But frame wise, yes a Ti frame will be heavier by a few 100g. Say 200g when comparing the lightest Ti with the lightest carbon currently available. But normally when comparing the top end carbon frame to the top end Ti frame the Ti frame is cheaper. (Also if you add value for money into the equation the Ti bike most definitely comes out on top.)
There's no equivalency between carbon fiber and titanium. Zero. I have the numbers for Specialized S-Works circa 2017: the price of the frame was $225 with paintjob applied. Specialized are happy to sell that cheapskate frame for $6000, which is 26 times more (!) that it costs the big S to manufacture one with materials, paintjob, the workforce payments and electricity bills paid off. It literally costs peanuts to produce CF composite frame. By paying $2000 for titanium frame you pay for expensive rare earth and very durable, reliable material and craftsmanship by trained, well-paid high-skill labor, contrary to sweatshop ethics you get with carbon fiber. As for how long you have to wait for the titanium frame: the same time you have to wait for CF composite frame. Because most of the time your frame is staying idle at the warehouse and these are being dispatched in batches in sea containers, therefore the waiting time is somewhere around 4 months. The same amount of time you have to wait for titanium frame to be manufactured by lesser-known manufacturer or several years if you chose a reputable master framebuilder.
I’m sorry Reginald I think it’s time for me to unsubscribe. This video is purely anecdotal and it seems like you’ve got an axe to grind on a few of your uploads. I haven’t sat through it all, I got up to gravel bikes and then gave up. You seem to completely misunderstand the strength vs weight ratio of carbon vs the different metals. Carbon is incredibly - incredibly strong, yet it is also very lightweight, this makes it the ideal bicycle frame material. Speaking from experience of thousands of miles covered on carbon gravel bikes and carbon XC MTBs it would be my preferred choice every single time and I also own steel and aluminium bikes too. Never once have I been riding my Carbon bikes thinking I’ve made a mistake on all sorts of terrain. Never had an issue. I’ve got carbon frames, carbon bars and carbon wheels. It shouldn’t be overlooked that a carbon frame can be repaired by a specialist IF it should be damaged. I think the horror stories get blown out of all proportion. Failures are a minority and usually there has been some kind of circumstance leading up to a failure. Yes carbon can be damaged it isn’t indestructible. Care should be taken in clamping forces and a bad impact in the wrong place can cause significant damage, but impact damage applies to other materials as well. The massive increase in strength over steel, yet being substantially lighter is a no brainer. Yes it’s expensive but so is titanium. The cheaper materials like alloy and steel only have one advantage and that’s cost you’d be very wrong to think either of those materials are stronger than carbon. As for ride quality, personally I find claims made for suppleness, harshness etc purely personal and largely placebo. Ride quality mainly comes down to tyre choice and tyre pressure as well as bike fit more than frame material in my opinion but I acknowledge that is just my opinion I have nothing to back that up. Put some high volume low pressure tyres on anything and it will be comfortable.
Carbon fiber is only strong in certain directions and is highly flexible in other directions. It is also “soft” and can mark and scratch easily. It also has a limited life due to its laminated construction.
@@peterwillson1355 Sorry peter it was just a quick google search... At its most basic form, carbon fiber is carbon graphite, which will last virtually forever. The material is typically not photo-degradable or biodegradable. However, some factors do influence its durability, like its matrix. Furthermore, the intense use of composites and environmental factors could affect its durability and potential applications. In general, scientists anticipate carbon fiber parts to last for over 50 years What is the service life of carbon fiber? However, the national standard sets the service life of carbon fiber structural adhesive as 50 years. As the main body of carbon fiber strengthening, carbon fiber cloth must have a life span of more than 50 years.
@@redauwg911The carbon might last but the structure it forms won't, in the same way that we have thousands and thousands of fragments of pottery many centuries old but not many whole pots, plates or whatever.
Oh no you discovered my secret blindness to white lines! (When riding, when I drive a car I’m very well behaved.) 😂 Spotting all my mistakes could be an excellent drinking game for all the family to enjoy! 🤣 All the best! 😘
I consider carbon bikes to be kinda like bike helmets: once they have any kind of impact (including being dropped to the ground), it shouldn't be used (until, in the case of the bike, it gets professionally inspected, which itself can cost quite a bit)
The last few videos you haven't been riding your T1sl :( Do you wind up not using it much because you made it so nice? What is your breakdown of how much your different bikes are ridden?
Out of my 4 bikes in rotation I normally ride the Litespeed T1SL and Cinelli Nemo the most. 🙂 I tend to ride the steel Nemo mostly for videos because normally I’m alone and not going fast and not far. Yesterday I did 70km on my T1SL with a friend of mine hitting speeds of 51kph on the flat! So don’t worry she does get used. 😉 Also, the Nemo currently has the strongest tyres on it, so I have no issues going off-road without fear of flats. When I’m training I tend to pick the less comfortable and heavier bike, so the Nemo. So when I’m out on a group ride or with friends or racing I pick the T1SL and if feels like I’m flying. 🥰 I will try to put it in the next video just for you. ❤️🙂
Check out Mapdec Cycles sort about a broken Ti frame. How easy is it to fix that? Also what about the environmental cost of Ti over steel or aluminium? I believe that carbon fibre is the worst for that?
Yes carbon is the worst for environmental pollution and recycling. Ti in theory is the best as it doesn’t corrode. Fixing Ti like fixing anything is dependent on your location and the severity of the damage. If you are lucky enough to live in country like anywhere in Europe or the US you will be able to get it fixed if it’s just a bit of damage. Obviously if it was flattened by cement truck nobody is fixing that, but that’s the same for any bike. 😉 I try to avoid Mapdik as he’s an industry shill. His first thought is to push whatever can make him money. He also has his lips welded to Hambini’s back passage. 🤢
What a total bs! Material itself is not important, design and production quality is. You can make trash frame out of titanium and a great bike out of bamboo. I own an enduro Canyon strive from 2015. Full carbon frame. It's been through everything. I hit a tree. Had more crashes than I can count. It's even fell off a cliff once. And after all this torture frame doesn't have any structural damage. Lots of scuffs but it's all cosmetic. While a friend of mine cracked his titanium hardtail within a year. due to poor welding.
True you can get bad bikes in any material. But I did say in the video that I’m generalising and I can’t talk about the exceptions. For example over the years I’ve had the opportunity to try many bicycles owing to my profession, I can say that in general carbon bikes are the least comfortable and least reliable of all the materials. There may be some which are good, but they are the exception. By the same rule some titanium bikes are not well made at all, but the vast majority especially those made in the west exceptionally good. For example I have been selling titanium bikes for seven years and not one of them has ever had any problem, not even a creaking bottom bracket. I cannot say the same for the local bike shop that only sell carbon bikes. And as for your bike without being scanned you cannot claim that there is no structural damage, if you can see cosmetic scuffs, that would be considered structural damage for a carbon frame. Because even just under the first layer of paint if you remove any carbon fibre that is structural damage to the first layer. (This is the way a carbon engineer would consider it.)
Ok last thing, the 80's steel tt bike vs the Madone is silly because one is a road racing bike and the other is a tt bike. That Madone is a rocket btw.
You aren’t listening. The point is one bike optimised body position and has a standard steel frame. The other is supposed to be a super aerodynamic bike. I’m showing that the frame aerodynamics are basically nonexistent. And the other example I give is of a steel race bike Vs a modern aero carbon bike. And the steel bike wins again.
yeah steel and titanium are definitely the best mountainbikes and just the best all round bike materials really i like alu for being cheap and light but it just dissolves away i swear im hoping my steel mtb will last me forever and it feels so plush even without suspension my mums been riding the same steel mtb for like 20 years too lol i think im going to get a steel touring bike myself at some point because my alu one is also dissolving
For performance and racing bikes, carbon IS the best choice, period. Otherwise pro peloton would ride titanium or alloy bikes. If you are not a professional cyclist, then carbon is no longer necessary.
Titanium is not included in the big races because it doesn't brake down within under 5 races, so they can't resell it. You are being suckered. Watch Reginald Scot's video on Titanium.
Hi! Thanks for the comment! Please do check out my previous video on this subject, you might find the answer interesting and informative. All the best! Reg. ❤️
I spoke to an F1 carbon specialist who has his own team, a member of the cycling club. Carbon is 100% not durable. It will only take a certain amount of punishment. He rides steel and can afford anything. Another expense: don’t forget to insure the carbon frame, that’s if you don’t already have poor QC More BS Carbon frame manufacturers are laughing their heads off. Worst time ever in cycling
Reg. When riding sport motorbikes on the racetrack, you mount crash bobbins (as I believe the Britishly inclined call them). It's not a fucking deal. You refit the parts damaged on you go on. The big deal is getting run over on a road cycle IF you ever fall off. THAT's the thing that should worry you. So get the best handling bike you possibly can! I have a very simple carbon bike. Now it may be the best ever produced, what do I know. It's the Scott Metrix 10 Disc 2018, the blue one. Still looks better than any other 'leisurely' bikes out there, never going to sell. I've crashed it, twice (once at nigh, running straight over a fallen tree, once over a sign some speeding car had mown down). In its 7th season the bike is still KILLING other road bikes, even fitted with Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires. Carbon is a fantastic material. It 'sings' at speed. And seems to last forever.
“My grandfather smoked 3 packs a day and he lived to the ripe old age of 93…” 😉 Not sure I follow your first point however? 🤔 All the best and happy riding! 😃👍🏻
You can get fit on any bike. But would you go to the gym and lift up super lightweight carbon wights? The more effort you put in the more you get out. A heavier steel bike cost less but take more effort to ride which is what you want, if you wish to get fitter and stronger.
@@JeffShepherdphotos I mean I get your point mate, but you can train on your light bike and go faster and put out the same watts as if you went slower on a heavier bike
With all respect, you show a complete lack of knowledge about carbon fibre and its strengths and weaknesses. Forget the mass-produced far eastern frames and look again at the material - 'pre-preg' carbon, as opposed to 'wet lay' can be made to satisfy virtually every requirement. It can be flexible, it can be stiff, it can withstand extreme cold and heat, it can be long-lasting, it can be deliberately weak or incredibly strong - and all dependent upon how it's laid. Having spent much of my life in motorsport I know. One of our bikes even used carbon conrods for a time. Now apply that to a well thought out and hand-made bicycle frame from Italy. It's as close to perfect as can be had IMO and every bit as good as Ti (and far more comfortable to ride).
I was going to be charitable to your comment until you said carbon is as good as Ti. 😂 Tell you what, no point in me picking apart your points here, let’s just meet up in a car park, you bring the carbon frame of your choice and I will bring a Ti frame. Then we will have a frame sword fight ⚔️ and the loser is the one who’s frame snaps first. 😜
If you spend $6,000 NZD on a carbon bike, you're going to actually spend $12,000+ because you'll have to replace it in a year or two. Spend it on titanium or steel and you'll hand it onto your grandkids.
I call bs. I have a alu bike from 2016 with carbon fork, handlebars and seatpost. The carbon parts are still all fine, I haven´t been very careful with that bike. I also have a couple of carbon bikes from 2016 and 2018. Both are still fine. So stop spreading nonsense about carbon bikes breaking just looking at them.
@@boc-tonysyklist2145 you cannot be sure unless you ultrasonically check your carbon components. Small cracks propagating through the material are easy to spot visually in metals. Impossible to do so in carbon fiber composite. So stop spreading nonsense about carbon bikes being able to survive years of every day abuse.
@@tweed0929 So let´s just say you´re right. How come 5-10 year old (or even older) carbon bikes don´t fall apart an mass? Because it´s an overexaggerated fear. So stop y o u r nonsense.
"Why Carbon is NEVER 100% The Best Option?" "Never" is too strong a word. BTW you wound your bar tape the other way which overlaps incorrectly in my books. I guess you'll need to splurge on electrical tape winding the other way. Maybe your road bike tire is too thin; go with a 28-32cm wide (more grip, stable, and faster).
Reginald’s rim brake bike are more compliant than disc brake bikes, that’s why fatter tires are not necessary to achieve the same comfort as on disc brake bikes. The geometry on rim brake bikes are also more tuned towards skinny tires, and fatter tires only make them ride more sluggish!
I agree that Performance cycling part of this Video is a bit biased. I totally agree that Carbon is the worst choice for non performance cycling such as commuting and fitness. All bikes are good as long as they satisfy the users needs. Carbon bike owners should be happy if they are getting the performance they are expecting from their bikes.
No, I stand by “Never” if you are buying your own bike. Whatever carbon bike you can buy I will be able to buy something in metal that rides better or performs better for the same price or less. The metal bike will also last longer. If you are a pro then it’s different. But, we aren’t pros. The tape is wrapped in the way all tape was wrapped in the 70s and before. This way of doing it is much better and requires no electrical tape. I have a video on this on my page if you would like to learn more about it. 🙂 it’s called: “How to wrap bar tape the better “wrong” way.” I find fatter tyres slow me down, more weight, more drag, more rolling resistance. Normally I’m on 23s as normally I only ride Ti and Steel bikes. 👍🏻🙂
Then you would be wrong. Because objectively some bikes are “better” than others and part of what makes them “better” than others for a particular task is partly down to frame material. For example, if I’m making a bridge I’d make it out of steel not cardboard. Don’t matter how “perfect” I think a cardboard bridge is, reality and physics is not going to agree with my material choices.
Yu know why you couldnt ride youre bike in the wet over tram tracks?? CUZ you ride 23 mm tyers lmao goofy BTW you shouldnt just dmand ppl like share and sub within the first 1 second of the video if the content is poor
My friend. The tyre size has nothing to do with it, my tyres didn’t go into the gap in the tracks, because I always ride over the tracks at an angle. The reason they slip is the surface is polished by the tram and it’s wet! It’s literally like ice and you don’t have any traction. 23/25/28 literally no difference. It’s the same reason you are advised to avoid wet manhole covers. Only worse, because at least they don’t have a polished surface. It’s not a demand, it’s a reminder and request. Perhaps English is not your first language and you find it difficult to tell the difference. 🙂 Safe riding. 👍🏻
Not true, my friend who started cycling on carbon (Boardman C7, Giant TCR, Cipollini One, Canyon cf slx, Factor Vam O2) has now switched to a Allez Sprint and says is the fastest bike he has and prefers to race on that. 🤷🏻♂️ Also if you ask the people on the Litespeed owner club on Facebook they will tell you they would not trade their Ti bike for ANY carbon bike. I know because I asked. 😉
@@reginaldscot165 he downgraded basically. The great Peter Sagan tried that Allez Sprint in TDF few stages, he did not last long and parked it forever 😁
@@michaels8607 He did have a choice to ride allez alloy professionally but why would would he? its quite a downgrade, I bet the fastest dude in your local group ride does not ride steel but carbon. If you want to enjoy cycling sure go ahead with steel or whatever you please but to do competitive cycling carbon is quite an advantage.
@@reginaldscot165 he is quite new if he started on carbon bikes and he seems to be just a collector, don't believe him mate, his knowledge is quite limited on cycling.
Aggressive? You ain’t seen nothing yet! 🤣 That’s me on a chill ride. 😇 I think the ones I ticked off probably don’t like cyclists anyway. (Like the guy who pulled out on me and then tried to stop me getting by) Some are too brainless to even know i am there and the rest don’t care. 🤷🏻♂️🙂
Hey Reginald, thought I’d give this a go.
I read this story on Peter Sagan it happened just before he turned pro .
Sagan knowing he was going to get a new bike from his team gave his bike away to a friend.
He gets a call and was told to get ready for a race in a few days time .
Peter tell them that he gave his bike to a friend ,so they said that he has to come up with one.
Day of the race he shows up in full kit ,with his younger sisters bicycle.
The team couldn’t believe it,they told him not to bother, he insisted and won the race.
Never laugh at a steel bike.
Wow amazing story! 😍
Think you might have upset a few carbon lovers 😂 probably the same people who look shocked when i pass them on my giant peloton thats slow, heavy and has downtube shifters 😊. The bike industry has sold the emperor's new clothes for years as componants and frames get worse but people are happy to think because the pros use it, it must be better.
My next purchase will be another steel frame, i love the look and feel which makes me want to ride more which after all is what we all want to do.
Keep up the good work 👍
You sound like an intelligent free thinking individual. 🙂 Good for you! Safe riding! 👍🏻
I have commuted to work on a steel and aluminium bike, hit by a scooter at low speed on my steel bike and the bike was still good to go. I remember the scooter rider had a pint of milk in his jacket and when he fell on the ground all the milk went everywhere.
On my aluminium bike my pannier hit a lamppost (yes, I was riding on the pavement and misjudged space at the rear) and I hit the ground. My clothes come off worse than the bike, couple of scratches on the frame but no o major damage.
Well, no good crying over spilt milk… 😉
Love that Cinelli! 😃
Do you want to buy it? 😂
Maybe not the best option for me in your eyes but it was the right choice for me in my opinion and opinions are only important to the person making that opinion.
Important yes, but people can hold some irrational opinions. For example, it might be your opinion that your car is the best car you can buy, but perhaps there is a better car out there you didn’t consider that actually would be much better for the same price or maybe even less. Or for a more extreme example: some people hold the opinion that the world is flat… 🤔 It is there opinion, they hold onto it very strongly, but what would be better is rather than just holding opinions strongly we should look at the facts and logic and come to a rational conclusion.
Anyway, I wish you happy and safe riding! ❤️🙂
I commute to work (15mi/24km round trip) on an outdated Giant Defy (not the good one.) I made the choice to go from car, to e-bike, to acoustic. Better for everyone!
Wonderful choice! Well done! 😎👍🏻
I have only 2 bikes,both aluminium!
My fixed gear bike (converted to the single speed) is my primary go to bike! My 29er (also converted to the single speed) is my trails and fire roads bike!
The fixie can accommodate tires up to 35mm, essentially becoming the tracklocross bike! I can do gravel roads,fire roads,on that thing even on 28mm tires! No pain,no uncomfortable feeling! The only discomfort comes from the crappy, light, Specialized saddle,and the drop bars from the Ritchey, (sometimes)😅
You should see the welds on that thing...the welding is invisible, almost carbon like 😁
Aluminium doesn't have to be uncomfortable 😣
Greetings from Croatia from Kris 😎
Awesome! Yes they probably do a double pass on the welds, with plenty of filler wire and then sand down the welds after. Like my steel bike you can’t see the welds, but on titanium people want to see them. 😁
All the best and happy riding! 👍🏻
@@reginaldscot165 Thank you! Same to you 😎
I've just bought a nearly 5k suspension carbon gravel at 3600 that sadly turned out to be a tiny bit too small for me. Since I enjoy everything else about it I'm now looking to basically rebuild it as a Ti bike but with some more top end components and bells and whistles I'd like to get like a transmission mullet setup and a suspension with a lockout.
Something I've recently seen is that there's also material benefits to sticking with alu (?) wheels over carbon if you're going to ride rough and want some extra cushioning. Obviously going Ti, suspension and tubeless I'll have plenty of comfort already built in so the question would be whether I can sort of "meet in the middle" here by sticking with carbon wheels as heavier wheels for comfort could just be overkill? I don't ride super rough terrain but I certainly have had my moments where I've had to slow it down somewhat on the gravel compared to my old hardtail (which was definitely overkill as my first cheapo bike for what I actually ended up riding), and I feel like being over prepped for most of the ride in order to be able to handle the rough stuff better is the way to go for me.
Also would you say there's any negatives to carbon forks, especially for suspension? I'd lean towards the rudy ultimate, I have the normal one at the moment and I like it, just want the ultimate for the lockout although I've recently found an upgrade kit that could get you that on the base version as well, it does bump up the price though to the point where they're basically the same cost and the ultimate being carbon saves you a bunch of weight.
I've also checked around and some manufactureres are now slowly rolling out frames in carbon that would fit my needs (UDH for Transmission, geometry built for suspension), but those are indeed just the same cost of a Ti frame.
I do commute to work with my bike when I have the time too and I've just gone and insured my bike against theft which also covers frame damage from crashes, I suppose this also alleviates some of the durability issues with carbon although a crash in itself would be gnarly for the rider. So with the insurance and an adequate lock I don't really feel too scared about taking my bike to work plus we're on a site that the public has no access too and I'm always surrounded by a dozen eBikes which I think any potential thief would probably go for first?
I’m glad we were able to talk this out. 🙂
A few points: carbon is lighter (your friends are wrong), strong and durable enough for mountain bikes, never mind gravel, can ride as well or better than Ti or steel, not least because you can tune vertical stiffness independent of lateral, and can take on aero shapes. It appears your sole criteria for frame choice are cost and resistance to impact damage.
The weight difference is unimportant.
Cost, comfort and durability should be top of the list for out of shape consumers that pay for their own bike and maintenance. The marketing department won't tell you the pro teams throw away a scuffed 10k bike without blinking.
Carbon fiber is the worst material for most average bicycles. Like its use in F1 Motorsport, yes like in aerospace, but for everyday use and for ordinary people it is a ridiculously over engineered material.
Both of which should be superordinate consideration for any normal.use case.
Just like a cf hammer would not be a first choice...
Maybe it's because I'm almost 40, or that I don't ride as much as I used to, but I don't seem to want carbon, tubeless, or electric shifting as much as I used to. The mech Ultegra on my carbon domane is great, and the endurance geometry is easier to ride then on my aggressive TCR. I've been looking at getting a blackheart all road TI bike as a one bike to do everything. TPU tubes for the win, no tubeless sealant, no hookless wheels either. I might go with ETAP, since it's much simpler than Di2 having electric wires all through the frame.
Enjoyed the video, and I subscribed.
Thank you kindly! The way you describe you needs and wants sounds like you have been watching all my videos. 😂 I also did videos on e-group sets, tubeless/hookless, why titanium bikes are the best and TPU! 😎
All the best sir and safe riding! ❤️
Carbon bikes are OK if you want to use it on good roads and maximise your potential going fast. If you want something for commuting on variable roads and something you can throw around then try titanium or steel. I think the Brompton is great as you can carrying it.
Yes Brompton are great! But I still don’t think carbon is worth it, you can go just as fast on aluminium at half or a quarter the price? 🤷🏻♂️
My Specialized carbon is light enough to put on my shoulder and carry. Brompton is a lump and you can't reach high speeds.
@@Leo-gt1bxmy steel touring bike is light enough for me to put on my shoulder, because I'm not a complete weedy weakling with zero upper body and core strength, unlike you
I'm an old git (60), years ago I had a Reynolds 853 steel frame built up with Suntour Superbe Pro, it went like shit off a shovel, probably one of my best ever bikes
Wonderful! ❤️
For me, a 700 stell series, 1990’s frame with modern MECH, RIM groupset for winter training turing, amazing riding experience. For racing, climbling the CAAD 10 full Dura Ace,, a killer weapon! 6,8 kg
Nice 😎👌🏻
Well, a road bike is a poor shopping bike. You don't go grocery shopping in a Ferrari, either? Citybikes with reinforced frames won't slow you don't too much unlike cargo bikes and provide ample space on your luggage rack.
@15:24 There was a time where aluminium was considered premium material. The Kettler Alurad 2600 is an example of that time period.
Yes shopping bikes are definitely best for shopping. 🙂
Extra points for Cinelli bar tape!...Just wondering..does your bike have Carbon forks? 😁
“Pay attention 007!” It was mentioned in the video. 😉😘
@@reginaldscot165 Oh dear I missed it...
Carbon every time for me. Easily fixed and rides like a dream
I prefer things that don’t need fixing. 😉
Spot on. The ride for me is the key. I'm riding a Specialized Sirrus and it is my favourite bike to date.
Lol "easily fixed" my rear end. Expensively fixed when it shouldn't have to be fixed at all, more like.
The only carbon bike I would choose would be a Time. A Time AdH frame is significantly cheaper than the Litespeed Specia for the same weight. Because of its superb ride quality and comfort it is really fun to ride. Yes it has disk brakes and it’s heavy, but takes absolutely no effort to brake and change gears. At the end of a 100 mile ride, I feel like that I could go another 100 mile, therefore it’s a good bike! This bike is my first choice if I were to ride for 10 hours, without group, without strapping anything on to the frame😂
There are uncomfortable Steel and Ti bikes out there. The comfort really depends on how the frame is constructed. A well made Alu frame such as a CAAD 10 is definitely more comfortable than a Canyon Aeroad or a cheap chinese Ti bike. Yes I agree that steel bikes are in general more comfortable than Carbon bikes made by big name brands.
Yes there are bad bikes and good bikes in almost any material. But over the years I have had the opportunity to ride a lot of bikes and in general they conform to a type. You might be right about Time, but they are definitely 1 of a very few exceptions when it comes to carbon. 🙂
@@reginaldscot165 Glad to hear that you don't consider Time as a bad choice like most mass produced carbon bikes. I don't consider Time as a Carbon bike. It's a steel bike made of carbon! 😁Look, Basso, Colnago, and Festka are also amazing carbon bikes with superb ride quality. Festka doesn't have proprietary components like Time, but similarly priced as Litespeed. Look and Basso has a lot of proprietary parts, which increases risk. Basso is 500€ cheaper than Look and its made in Italy. I see very little value for money with Colnago. Again comes with the same risk as Basso and Look, and it's definitely overpriced for what it is. If we compare the "good" carbon bikes to a Ti bike, then I see the reasons that a Litespeed would be a better choice in majority of cases.
As for people who cannot afford a Time, or not at serious level, they should consider one of Cannondale Caad bikes or Standert Steel or Aluminium frame rather than a Carbon bike from Scott, Cube or Stevens.
My aluminium frame is reasonably new, designed only about 4 years ago, and it's much more comfortable than any of my previous alu bikes. It has lots of 27.2 mm diameter seat post sticking out and the seat tube also visibly flexes like into a bow if you know what I mean, it has dropped seat stays too. Peak Torque stated once (or more than once) in a video comparing frames that it's mainly about the design of the frame rather than the material itself. I've tried an expensive Rose XLite 6, too and the front end seemed very slightly better comfort wise, but it had all carbon fork, which I'm going to swap for soon. But it was 4 or 5 times more expensive and the rear end comfort was better on mine.
Awesome 👏🏻 🙂
Here is my Carbon fiber experience:
When it comes to carbon handlebars, you can make a quite flexy bar like Race Face SIXC35 which flexes in all directions( doesn't flex too much), or stiff bar or both like One Up components carbon bar which is horizontally stiff but vertically it has flex for vibration damping and take the edge of bumps and big hits.
I had a heavy carbon fiber full face helmet, bike hit the rear of the head and nothing happen, not not even a scratch, it was a Fox Rampage Pro Carbon, I think it was around 1200g helmet, the bike that hit it was over 14 kg, but was only rear end of it. But the helmet was quite heavy, and horrible cheek pads that got permanently compressed. Was an expensive helmet, which I bought on sale.
But the carbon shell on it was robust. I've seen footage of Santa Cruz, Yeti bikes snap by falling over, but that was with ride on it.
Thanks 😊 👍🏻
@@reginaldscot165 But still still sceptic to a carbon bike. I will likely not have one. But I think I will build a alu shopping bike. Not sure what yet, but I'm in the research stage. Will have pannier rack a rcak at the front, fast tyres, but geometry like a mountianbike. Not as extreme as my enduro bike. But has to have great fit and geometry.
Great video, absolutely flawless logic, however, i do find my carbon TCR more comfortable than my other alu bikes (less road vibration). I need to try a titanium bike next....❤
Thank you kindly! Did I say that aluminium was more comfortable than carbon? 1 or 2 people have now made that same statement you just did and I have no recollection of ever saying that aluminium is more comfortable than carbon? I do remember saying it’s more durable and cheaper, but I think I only said that steel and titanium was more comfortable than carbon? If you know where I made the mistake please to leave a time stamp for me. 👍🏻🙂 Thank you again and safe riding! ❤️
I was merely pointing out my observation that my newly acquired first carbon frame being noticeably more comfortable than my aluminium ones. My teeth are already thanking me 😆 safe riding ❤
Steel is Real.
But are we real? 🤔
Steel is really heavy and it really rusts.
@@boc-tonysyklist2145only rusts if you make a real effort to treat your bike like sh**.
I commute just outside your native nottingham [the tram by the way was a phenomenal waste of money] nottingham city council are idiots for doing it. My general commuter bike is a 2nd hand TCR, and then i use a propel for weekend rides and summer riding. Ive commuted using steel, aluminium and carbon and I much prefer my carbon fibre bike.
Thank you for the comment and safe riding. 🙂 It would be helpful to everyone of you explain why that is and perhaps what kind of steel and aluminium bikes you have owned. 👍🏻🙂
@@reginaldscot165 steel and aluminium were both entry level to be fair. My carbon ones are 2nd hand but far better spec. The Carbon it's pretty robust, I'm no climber either [80kg]
Same!
14:01 if you're at the skill level where you're frequently coming off a gravel bike you should just use flat pedals, you would only sacrifice like 1% in power transfer. And if and when you innevitably wipe you just stick your leg out.
Click pedals can also pull and not only push like flat pedals. It also heals to pedal in circular motion. this system allows me to theoretically double the force I put into the cranks.
I think I get what you’re talking about. Flat and Click pedals nicht not make significant difference for beginners, especially the ones who need to learn how to change gears and to step in from behind and not thru the frame like on women’s bike😂
I agree, when I’m doing gravel I always use flat pedals and trainers 👟 because it gets super sketchy out her. 😁👍🏻
@@kihunpark8669It has been proven that clipless pedals have only a teeny teeny advantage in efficiency. All the rest is madness.
My first road bike was a “Sport touring” bike. I used it as an alternative to running. Loved that bike. I bout it new in 1987 with money I earned that summer. It was a Nashiki Olympic 12, metallic aquamarine fading into a pearl white. Beautiful bike. I recently got back into cycling and wanted a “do it all bike” and chose a steel touring gravel bike and I’m so glad I did. It’s comfortable, with modern components, and I’m running 650b wheels with 47mm tires and I was surprised at how nimble and fast it is. If I see a dirt road, no problem, if I want to just stay on the road it rides just as nice.
I tried my gravel bike on 42mm tyres this week in preparation for a planned ride and it was amazingly slow! 😂 But it does weigh 12.3kg and I’m used to riding a 6.5kg bike with 23s. 🤣
@@reginaldscot165
I’m also running the Maxis “Receptors” which are smooth running. I did a century on it last year… very comfortable.
Steel is real
“… life is but a dream.” ⛩️
Carbon is what I burn in my stove.
Noticed that the titanium bike you recommended (and probably have?) comes with a carbon fork. I ride a hybrid then ... frame, fork, rims, cranks, seat post, handle bars -- all carbon BUT the saddle has titanium rails 😁
Yes most of them do, it’s mostly because of cost saving by the company.
All the council's are broke, expect more to go bankrupt.
Oh joy! 😐
I have a Tarmac and Diverge. Both carbon. Been riding them for over 6 years. Love them! I would love to try a Ti bike someday.
You definitely should if you have the opportunity. 👍🏻🙂
Always enjoyed a good honest opinion, without any influence of sponsors. Even more so because i completely agree with said opinion. I tend to find good bikes have people that really, really loves it. Like Ritchey, and in your case, Litespeed. However, if titanium is the ultimate material (for most people) then why not titanium fork?
“…fork.”
Because cost:
Availability
Technology limitations
And because the carbon fork is sacrificial so in a crash hopefully it will snap and not transfer the energy to the frame. If it was Titanium it might impart too much force on the frame and result in the loss of both? But that’s just a theory.
Mostly it’s cost and availability. 🙂
I’ve been riding my Condor Italia RC. Aluminium, rides awesome but it’s heavier than my carbon and TI. Great for flat rides but one not for the steep hills.
Good brand 👍🏻🙂
I have a Custom waltly road bike it Great I use it to ride to work every day Through horrible roads in Sydney Very comfortable costs about 1100 US delivered to a Door
I’m thinking about getting one to race on, I basically want this steel frame but a touch lighter and at 1/3 the price the waltly seems very appealing. However all the ones I’ve see so far seem to be the weight of steel bikes? As someone who mostly riders Litespeed Ti they seem a bit too heavy? What’s weight of your frame/size? 🙂
@@reginaldscot165 my is a 57. 5cm With 9050 di2 8kg On the dot campagnolo zonda wheelset with gatorskin tyres 700 x 25
Upgrade your wheels/tires and tubes. That will make a huge difference in weight and comfort.
Yes, on any bike.
I never crashed on gravel. It is true that the risk of crashing is much higher on loose surface, but we are not stupid enough to ride on gravel like it’s on tarmac!
You might not be stupid on gravel but I sure am! 😂 As soon as I hit the stuff my body just wants to go as fast as I can. I enjoy the thrill of being right on the limit of grip! 😍
Really ALL CARBON?!
My Time VXRS Carbon (Rim Brakes) from 2005 never had any damages or cracks HEAVILY USED,
My Time Izon Carbon (Rim Brakes) from 2016 NEVER had any issues even from normal curb hop daily commuter and training and for race,
My Spinergy Rev X gen 3 wheelset (Super Stiff) from 2001 ( not the exploding version) still spinning true and no damage (almost 30 years old now) or wear shown now converted and used as a single speed on my Colnago Master (Steel Bike),
My Corima HR 4 from 2006 Still true and great (used on the Time Izon)
My S-Works Demo 8 from 2013 troy lee design ltd edition DH with XO1 Carbon crank set been thru multiple high speed crashes with Enve M9 never breaks or cracked too... crash a few time at fort william too LOL...
My Bridgestone RB-1, Shimano Sante, both steel bike bent at the top tube from 1 crash.. so i don't know why you mean tho.. also NOW carbon is repairable too and works as good after too... only steel bike i have now is my Colnago Master which i use it as a single speed commuter lol..
only aluminium bike i have is cannondale hooligan which is fun to ride but mehh~ in comfort... but its a mini velo so can't really compare to any
i have a titanium gravel frameset i bought from alibaba works as good as all my Time Bikes... as smooth and comfortable too... only reason i got it was because i use it for shopping and its able to put 35mm tires
I also Have a Chinese Carbon Enduro Frameset with chinese carbon rims and X01 Carbon Crank and Enve Handlebars its pretty comfortable too... and i used chinese titanium spokes for the wheels only feel parts that isn't full carbon or titanium is the fork, shock, pedal and dropper post....
but if you're talking about S-Works, Trek, Pinarello roadie carbon i do agree they are not comfortable at all... u feel ALL the vibration because their carbon is VERY VERY STIFF also overpriced and sold all of them.. own them for only a couple months each and went and back to Time ALPE D'HUEZ 2021...
most Time Carbon bikes used are not expensive either... and they feels great because of the vectran line they added onto their carbon weave to absorb all the vibrations.... Maybe after trying Time Bicycles your view on carbon fibre would actually change... but i will not buy Time Bicycle from 2023 anymore as they are now own by american company now so i'm pretty sure the quality would change now...
I don’t disagree with your comments, it’s all valid information and I agree about the big brand carbon stuff. (unlike Time perhaps) But, I guess my point to simplify is: For a riders like you, (who doesn’t sound like they do any racing) you would be better off financially buying a comfortable steel or titanium bike (depending on how much weight matters to you) because it will do everything your Time does, + a few extra abilities your carbon bike doesn’t have… And, it will last longer and be more durable so if you did fall (however unlikely that is) you would be less likely to need a new frame or expensive repair. 🙂
So, yes, your Time is a good bike and I’m very glad you love it and I wish you many happy days of riding ahead! ❤️🙂
Your 2001 wheelset is not almost 30 years old. Just saying.
Ok so you did your video on Hambini which I agreed with much of but I find this on the same level of annoying. I have never had an issue with carbon and I prefer the ride of them.
That’s fine. But I’m just giving advice from the perspective of someone who has experience issues with carbon, has many customers who have experienced issues with carbon, and has ridden enough bikes to know that carbon bikes are not the best feeling or best bikes to ride for the majority of people. (Especially financially) 🙂 I’m trying to help people to consider better options.
But if you want to stick to carbon that entirely up to you. 🙂👍🏻
Feels nice to read all those comments written by butthurt carbon fiber folks. If some schmuck says something mean at my freshly restored Colnago (which happens... NEVER, hahaha - I get compliments on my bike everywhere I go, even from people very far removed from cycling), I just chuckle and continue going my own way. Because I know the joy of riding a quality steel bike: the timeless look, the feel, the comfort, the sheer dependability of the bike. Whenever someone says something even remotely negative about carbon fiber bikes, whole hell breaks loose - you get the swarm of angry mobs sharpening their pitchforks to pillage you dead for the audacity you had to say something that goes across the notion they were fed by those in power (cough... GCN... cough...).
Which says ALOT about people that tend to throw money at their problems, when the ultimate solution we had for 80 years has peaked in early 90's... and it's called the lugged steel bicycle. I ride my bike to ease the pain of living, not to make my life even MORE miserable than it already is.
That’s such a wonderful comment and I agree. I think people react badly for the perfectly natural reason that they spent a lot of money on a carbon bike and they don’t like anyone pointing out they made a big mistake! Nobody likes to be told they were foolish, so rather than suck it up and admit I’m right they would rather fight back. It’s the same reaction you always see in people. 🤷🏻♂️😅
Steel is the worst for commute and shopping because it rusts especially on salty winter roads. Steel already rusts while just standing in the garage in winter!!!
For commute, city, comfort and cargo a road bike is the wrong choice in first place and 25mm tires as well.
Even though carbon is fragile in some sense, it's actually more robust than e.g. aluminum. Yes, it can crack and alu and steel might just bend, but alu and steel bend way longer before carbon cracks. Even alu bikes often have got carbon forks and forks are probably the most beaten and somewhat fragile component on a bike, still it can withstand potholes with 100kg rider going downhill at 70kph. And why do alu road bikes often have carbon forks? Because carbon is fragile? Definitely not. And not for weight savings, but I guess because of their flex and with that comfort.
Steel bikes are rarely made by mass market manufacturers and therefore rather sold as expensive special hand-made premium bikes. And if you buy a complete bike from mass market / popular manufacturer then typically there is not much choice because cheaper components/group sets come with alu frame and more expensive components with carbon frame. Upgrading from alu to carbon costs as much as upgrading from 105 to Ultegra, around 500$ (premium brands charge 2x or 4x for both).
You will never use your cf bike as long as I've been using my steel bike. And "steel bikes are never mass produced" is the most ignorant statement ever made about steel bikes
You have some interesting ideas. 🙂
Chromium molybdenum alloy is very resistant to rust. Stainless steel such as Reynolds 953 and Columbus XCr is even better. Maintain your steel bike properly, give it a fresh paint every 25 years and it will serve you well for ages.
i am inclined to agree with you. My issue here in our place is when I tried to buy an alumunium roadbike, they have carbon forks.
Most bikes do, they are cheap and easy to make.
depends how tall you are, for me at 194cm Carbon is the best, and carbon seat post loong even better, last frame I got for 500$ or so, 730gr for 61cm and no chain rub. I have steel and alu also.
What’s the brand of frame and was it new? 🙂
@@reginaldscot165 Ican A2, one of the last rim frames, cosmetic damage, new, but from same factory KSC that makes top brands too
If you want the lightest bike then carbon is currently the best option. Of course you don't need it, you don't need titanium either!
You don’t “need” any bike. But that’s not an argument. You say that, but what do you sacrifice to get that weight? Reliability and strength and durability and practicality and versatility. Something a light weight Ti bike has. And funny how not a single bike in the pro tour hits 6.8kg (most are 7+) and my heavier Ti bike is a fat little 6.39kg. 😅
@@reginaldscot165 But the title of your video is "Why Carbon is Never the Best Option" I'm just saying that if you want the lightest bike then carbon absolutely IS the best option. I would disagree with you about the durability too, if you treat them well a good carbon frame can last for decades. I know this from personal experience.
@@doughorner5730if you baby a carbon frame you *might* dodge ride-ending damage. That's obviously not the point though. The point is that steel (and other materials) can be chucked around and survive, and any failure is likely to come with plenty of warning (bends before it breaks). You simply don't hear about steel parts shearing off unexpectedly in normal use. Carbon epoxy crap though? Happens a lot. Caught on film. Plenty of footage, plenty of incidents, plenty of evidence.
@@kennethg9277 Kenneth my advice to you would be to not purchase a carbon bicycle. Meanwhile my 15 y/o beater carbon road bike is still awesome despite my propensity to not baby anything. I ♥my carbon bikes!
Not all carbon bikes are aero, plenty of lightweight, comfy ones out there.
Not in the pro peloton. And not many modern ones are light with the advent of discs. Also, if you wanted comfort as a priority then carbon shouldn’t be your first choice.
Has to be aluminium for me for commuting and shopping. Then carbon for leisure road riding, although sometimes lightweight aluminium for that too.
Cool 😎 👍🏻
I prefer old rim brake cx bikes over anything and most of the time i find myself on my alloy frames. My carbon Trek Boone on Avid Cantis is top notch, but you cant even lean that bike next to a wall without worrying about it. My most comfortable, durable, stress free bike is alloy Specialized Crux from 2012. Bulletproof frame.
Nice comment. Thanks! 🙂👍🏻
I prefer my carbon clack to your steel bike clank -when you hit bumps. :)
As good a reason as any! 😁👍🏻
Wrong. Steel bikes, if maintaned properly, are dead silent. Also, this is the reason I love low-profile aluminum rims: they don't make any wind sounds while riding.
Can you still buy a titanium rim brake bike.
yes
For as long as bespoke titanium framebuilding studios exist, yes.
Yes 🙂
Seeing where you go through on 25mm tires i no longer have a good excuse for having bought 28mm ones
spot on! Gravel races used to be done on 23mm tires! All bikes are gravel bikes.
Bigger tires are only necessary for more control and comfort on the rough stuff. I would still prefer a proper gravel bike only if the majority of my tour is unsaved. The road bike is absolutely no problem if I’m occasionally on gravel.
Ha ha well believe it or not, the only reason I’m NOT doing it on 23mm tyres is they were out of stock when I ordered these tyres! 😂
Yes many people baby their road bikes and don’t know the true potential they have… but i wouldn’t do this on a carbon frame. 🤣
21:45 I agree with the point of young riders with alloy bikes, young people are concentered on studing and are jobless so just doesn't have the money to have the best bike of the market, but you have the time and energy to compensate the disanvantages to top of range modern bikes and tech. as a student, I have a tight budget for road racing, I have a old carbon road bike, rim brake, 22mm tubulars, most of elite riders on my area ride sworks and have lot of improvements, but I have the time to train a lot and be more fast without having expensive things. I think expensive carbon bikes its only worth when you get a good level (national or continental for mortals) and you have the sponsorship to invest on better things, in other case if you are full time job rider can be more worth buy the speed because he doesnt have the time to train for speed so you have the budget to buy the last bike and improvements to compensate a lower physic performance.
A lot of truth in what you say! Good for you my boy, I wish you all the best in your studies and your racing! 👊🏻💪🏼
I haven't watched this video, yet. But, based on your take.of carbon... you really should check out and ride a Colnago C40. Most winning race bike. Almost all of them are still being ridden to this day, including mine which I race on and am setting new records.
Good for you. Watch the video for my answer. 🙂👍🏻
hehe. clickbait at this point.
Sucker.
Well yeah… that’s how RUclips works. 😂
don't trust carbon, never have. strong along its load axis, but take any impact or stress perpendicular to that and....
Correct, I never felt relaxed on carbon.
I ride an aluminium bike, custom made frame. Literally the most comfortable bike I've been on. But then, the guy who made the frame asked for a while lot of information before he made the frame. Weight, measurements, how i like to ride, surfaces i ride on etc. So my bike has a really beefy downtube, chainstays, and seattube. The other tubes are slimmer. I guess that gives me more compliance. Surprisingly, i find this bike to be lighter than a lot of carbon bikes.
However, i do have disc brakes, carbon wheels and 35c GP5000 tyres. I've tried 28c tyres before. I don't want to do that to my teeth, my palms, or my back ever again.
It’s aluminium and it requires 35mm tyres for road? And when you use 28s it shakes your teeth out and hurts your back? I must admit from your description it doesn’t sound like a particularly “comfortable” bike frame? For example I run 23mm tyres on my Titanium road bike and I get no issues with comfort. My I suggest a custom steel frame next time?
But as long as you are happy that’s the main thing! 👍🏻🙂
All the best and safe riding! ❤️
I haven't found narrower tyres to be comfortable no matter the frame material. Not even on steel frames. But then, we have pretty bad roads where I live. Plus, I'm a tiny bit heavier than you are 😂
So all other things put aside, how cheap can you get a titanium bike for and how long will you have to wait to get it? I just don´t believe that you can get a 7, 8 og 9 kg titanium bike cheaper than an equivalent carbon bike.
How cheap? Well there are some from China that are a few $100. 🤷🏻♂️ to get a good one from china (so I’m informed) is $900. So the price of a cheap Chinese unbranded carbon frame. And I’m guessing the quality would be similar. 🤷🏻♂️
It’s difficult to compare the weight of just the bikes because that really down to components. And different bikes have different BB options and headsets and so on. But frame wise, yes a Ti frame will be heavier by a few 100g. Say 200g when comparing the lightest Ti with the lightest carbon currently available. But normally when comparing the top end carbon frame to the top end Ti frame the Ti frame is cheaper. (Also if you add value for money into the equation the Ti bike most definitely comes out on top.)
There's no equivalency between carbon fiber and titanium. Zero. I have the numbers for Specialized S-Works circa 2017: the price of the frame was $225 with paintjob applied. Specialized are happy to sell that cheapskate frame for $6000, which is 26 times more (!) that it costs the big S to manufacture one with materials, paintjob, the workforce payments and electricity bills paid off. It literally costs peanuts to produce CF composite frame. By paying $2000 for titanium frame you pay for expensive rare earth and very durable, reliable material and craftsmanship by trained, well-paid high-skill labor, contrary to sweatshop ethics you get with carbon fiber. As for how long you have to wait for the titanium frame: the same time you have to wait for CF composite frame. Because most of the time your frame is staying idle at the warehouse and these are being dispatched in batches in sea containers, therefore the waiting time is somewhere around 4 months. The same amount of time you have to wait for titanium frame to be manufactured by lesser-known manufacturer or several years if you chose a reputable master framebuilder.
I just built my first carbon mtb. Its 3 lbs. lighter than my old bike and Im setting p.r.'s daily. Cant find any drawbacks yet.
they arent as durable
Report back after a crash or two.
If you're willing to spend tgat much money, you should've brought titanium. You'll regret this after a hard crash.
Awesome 🤩
Return back in 8 years and tell us you ride the same bike. I still have the bikes I bought 10 years ago and ride 'em regularly.
I’m sorry Reginald I think it’s time for me to unsubscribe. This video is purely anecdotal and it seems like you’ve got an axe to grind on a few of your uploads.
I haven’t sat through it all, I got up to gravel bikes and then gave up. You seem to completely misunderstand the strength vs weight ratio of carbon vs the different metals. Carbon is incredibly - incredibly strong, yet it is also very lightweight, this makes it the ideal bicycle frame material.
Speaking from experience of thousands of miles covered on carbon gravel bikes and carbon XC MTBs it would be my preferred choice every single time and I also own steel and aluminium bikes too. Never once have I been riding my Carbon bikes thinking I’ve made a mistake on all sorts of terrain. Never had an issue. I’ve got carbon frames, carbon bars and carbon wheels.
It shouldn’t be overlooked that a carbon frame can be repaired by a specialist IF it should be damaged.
I think the horror stories get blown out of all proportion. Failures are a minority and usually there has been some kind of circumstance leading up to a failure. Yes carbon can be damaged it isn’t indestructible. Care should be taken in clamping forces and a bad impact in the wrong place can cause significant damage, but impact damage applies to other materials as well.
The massive increase in strength over steel, yet being substantially lighter is a no brainer. Yes it’s expensive but so is titanium. The cheaper materials like alloy and steel only have one advantage and that’s cost you’d be very wrong to think either of those materials are stronger than carbon.
As for ride quality, personally I find claims made for suppleness, harshness etc purely personal and largely placebo. Ride quality mainly comes down to tyre choice and tyre pressure as well as bike fit more than frame material in my opinion but I acknowledge that is just my opinion I have nothing to back that up. Put some high volume low pressure tyres on anything and it will be comfortable.
Carbon fiber is only strong in certain directions and is highly flexible in other directions. It is also “soft” and can mark and scratch easily. It also has a limited life due to its laminated construction.
@@AnahiltMG In general, scientists anticipate carbon fiber parts to last for over 50 years.
@@redauwg911 lol
@@peterwillson1355 Sorry peter it was just a quick google search...
At its most basic form, carbon fiber is carbon graphite, which will last virtually forever. The material is typically not photo-degradable or biodegradable. However, some factors do influence its durability, like its matrix. Furthermore, the intense use of composites and environmental factors could affect its durability and potential applications. In general, scientists anticipate carbon fiber parts to last for over 50 years
What is the service life of carbon fiber?
However, the national standard sets the service life of carbon fiber structural adhesive as 50 years. As the main body of carbon fiber strengthening, carbon fiber cloth must have a life span of more than 50 years.
@@redauwg911The carbon might last but the structure it forms won't, in the same way that we have thousands and thousands of fragments of pottery many centuries old but not many whole pots, plates or whatever.
I have 2 carbon bikes and ride a caad12.the 2 carbons are in the cellar
Interesting 🙂
I have a CAAD12 and done a few centuries and a double century on it, but it's brutal over bumps. Most of my miles are on my steel frame commuter bike.
C'mon Regi....double white lines are there for a reason ❤
Oh no you discovered my secret blindness to white lines! (When riding, when I drive a car I’m very well behaved.) 😂
Spotting all my mistakes could be an excellent drinking game for all the family to enjoy! 🤣
All the best! 😘
@@reginaldscot165 Regi's Boo-Boo's the board game is taking shape 😆 Stick with me kid.... "this time next year we'll be millionaires."
I consider carbon bikes to be kinda like bike helmets: once they have any kind of impact (including being dropped to the ground), it shouldn't be used (until, in the case of the bike, it gets professionally inspected, which itself can cost quite a bit)
Good description of a “throwaway” item. 🙁
The last few videos you haven't been riding your T1sl :( Do you wind up not using it much because you made it so nice? What is your breakdown of how much your different bikes are ridden?
Out of my 4 bikes in rotation I normally ride the Litespeed T1SL and Cinelli Nemo the most. 🙂
I tend to ride the steel Nemo mostly for videos because normally I’m alone and not going fast and not far. Yesterday I did 70km on my T1SL with a friend of mine hitting speeds of 51kph on the flat! So don’t worry she does get used. 😉
Also, the Nemo currently has the strongest tyres on it, so I have no issues going off-road without fear of flats.
When I’m training I tend to pick the less comfortable and heavier bike, so the Nemo. So when I’m out on a group ride or with friends or racing I pick the T1SL and if feels like I’m flying. 🥰
I will try to put it in the next video just for you. ❤️🙂
@@reginaldscot165 Good breakdown, thanks.
Check out Mapdec Cycles sort about a broken Ti frame. How easy is it to fix that? Also what about the environmental cost of Ti over steel or aluminium? I believe that carbon fibre is the worst for that?
Yes carbon is the worst for environmental pollution and recycling. Ti in theory is the best as it doesn’t corrode. Fixing Ti like fixing anything is dependent on your location and the severity of the damage. If you are lucky enough to live in country like anywhere in Europe or the US you will be able to get it fixed if it’s just a bit of damage. Obviously if it was flattened by cement truck nobody is fixing that, but that’s the same for any bike. 😉
I try to avoid Mapdik as he’s an industry shill. His first thought is to push whatever can make him money. He also has his lips welded to Hambini’s back passage. 🤢
Do yourself a favor, stop watching Mapdec. He's untrustworthy shill. And he tends to waste everyone's time by talking on unnecessary topics.
I go everywhere on ny carbon disc roas bike
Why not! A bike with discs is an off road bike after all! 👍🏻🙂
What a total bs! Material itself is not important, design and production quality is. You can make trash frame out of titanium and a great bike out of bamboo.
I own an enduro Canyon strive from 2015. Full carbon frame. It's been through everything. I hit a tree. Had more crashes than I can count. It's even fell off a cliff once. And after all this torture frame doesn't have any structural damage. Lots of scuffs but it's all cosmetic.
While a friend of mine cracked his titanium hardtail within a year. due to poor welding.
True you can get bad bikes in any material. But I did say in the video that I’m generalising and I can’t talk about the exceptions. For example over the years I’ve had the opportunity to try many bicycles owing to my profession, I can say that in general carbon bikes are the least comfortable and least reliable of all the materials. There may be some which are good, but they are the exception. By the same rule some titanium bikes are not well made at all, but the vast majority especially those made in the west exceptionally good. For example I have been selling titanium bikes for seven years and not one of them has ever had any problem, not even a creaking bottom bracket. I cannot say the same for the local bike shop that only sell carbon bikes. And as for your bike without being scanned you cannot claim that there is no structural damage, if you can see cosmetic scuffs, that would be considered structural damage for a carbon frame. Because even just under the first layer of paint if you remove any carbon fibre that is structural damage to the first layer. (This is the way a carbon engineer would consider it.)
If material itself is not important, as you say, why bother to get a carbon bike?
@@peterwillson1355 looks. Weight. Availability. There could be multiple reasons.
@@5gvaccinator343 Do people REALLY find CF bikes nice to look at?😂
@@peterwillson1355 Yes, and I also prefer the looks of disc brakes.
I found a steel frame and fork knocked my teeth fillings out!
Meaningless. There are steel frames and there are steel frames....
Did someone throw it at your head? 🙁
There are 2 dozend criteria, and there are 2 dozend individually different priorities.
Indeed. And a carbon bike meets the least number. ☺️
Ok last thing, the 80's steel tt bike vs the Madone is silly because one is a road racing bike and the other is a tt bike. That Madone is a rocket btw.
You aren’t listening.
The point is one bike optimised body position and has a standard steel frame. The other is supposed to be a super aerodynamic bike. I’m showing that the frame aerodynamics are basically nonexistent. And the other example I give is of a steel race bike Vs a modern aero carbon bike. And the steel bike wins again.
@@reginaldscot165 To me it seems you aren't listening. If you compare apples to apples, a 1980's tt bike vs. 2024 carbon aero tt bike it's no contest.
yeah steel and titanium are definitely the best mountainbikes
and just the best all round bike materials really
i like alu for being cheap and light but it just dissolves away i swear
im hoping my steel mtb will last me forever and it feels so plush even without suspension
my mums been riding the same steel mtb for like 20 years too lol
i think im going to get a steel touring bike myself at some point because my alu one is also dissolving
Wonderful! Happy riding! 😃
Someday, I'll get a Jones SWB bike and a Velo Orange Neutrino. Both steel and expensive...for me. 😂 I never had carbon frames before.
I hope you get your wish! 👍🏻🙂
I hope you get your wish! 🙂
How can you do those 50kph descents? Arent you afraid to crush your face again? 😮
Stay steady. Fastest I've descended is 65 kph and this is probably the fastest my bike can descend.
I used to be able to sprint up to 70kph when I was 21 years old. 😂
It’s fine, my head is made of titanium now. 😉😘
Love my carbon.
I love my carbon… saddle. 🙂
Look at the clouds! That's not natural is it. On the subject matter, I would not buy a carbon framed bike for many reasons.
Yes sorry about the clouds but my AI system is still improving the generated image. 😉
For performance and racing bikes, carbon IS the best choice, period. Otherwise pro peloton would ride titanium or alloy bikes. If you are not a professional cyclist, then carbon is no longer necessary.
I thought the same, but it’s actually quite simple. Reginald explains this in his, “Why Not Titanium” video.
Titanium is not included in the big races because it doesn't brake down within under 5 races, so they can't resell it. You are being suckered. Watch Reginald Scot's video on Titanium.
Hi! Thanks for the comment! Please do check out my previous video on this subject, you might find the answer interesting and informative. All the best! Reg. ❤️
I spoke to an F1 carbon specialist who has his own team, a member of the cycling club. Carbon is 100% not durable. It will only take a certain amount of punishment.
He rides steel and can afford anything.
Another expense: don’t forget to insure the carbon frame, that’s if you don’t already have poor QC More BS
Carbon frame manufacturers are laughing their heads off.
Worst time ever in cycling
Yes I agree with that, to me it really feels like it’s all about profit and not quality with carbon
Reg. When riding sport motorbikes on the racetrack, you mount crash bobbins (as I believe the Britishly inclined call them). It's not a fucking deal. You refit the parts damaged on you go on. The big deal is getting run over on a road cycle IF you ever fall off. THAT's the thing that should worry you. So get the best handling bike you possibly can!
I have a very simple carbon bike. Now it may be the best ever produced, what do I know. It's the Scott Metrix 10 Disc 2018, the blue one. Still looks better than any other 'leisurely' bikes out there, never going to sell. I've crashed it, twice (once at nigh, running straight over a fallen tree, once over a sign some speeding car had mown down). In its 7th season the bike is still KILLING other road bikes, even fitted with Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires. Carbon is a fantastic material. It 'sings' at speed. And seems to last forever.
“My grandfather smoked 3 packs a day and he lived to the ripe old age of 93…” 😉
Not sure I follow your first point however? 🤔
All the best and happy riding! 😃👍🏻
7 years old is still a baby.
Velomobile best commuter.
Probably, but what’s it made of? 😉
Have u messured it? If no,its a opinion so what❤
I did measure it and I’m happy to say it’s above average in size. 😎
You can get fit on any bike. But would you go to the gym and lift up super lightweight carbon wights? The more effort you put in the more you get out. A heavier steel bike cost less but take more effort to ride which is what you want, if you wish to get fitter and stronger.
Your logic does not work. On lighter machine you can just go faster than heavier ones, with the same effort. And who would want to go slower??
There is some logic to that. 👍🏻
@@swoopz5591 Save your light bike for race day. Train harder not easier.
@@JeffShepherdphotos I mean I get your point mate, but you can train on your light bike and go faster and put out the same watts as if you went slower on a heavier bike
If you're moving at 45 Kph, you must have been very slow. I trained over and over again at 50 Kph. Slow poke !🐺
Yes I’m slow. 🙂
With all respect, you show a complete lack of knowledge about carbon fibre and its strengths and weaknesses. Forget the mass-produced far eastern frames and look again at the material - 'pre-preg' carbon, as opposed to 'wet lay' can be made to satisfy virtually every requirement. It can be flexible, it can be stiff, it can withstand extreme cold and heat, it can be long-lasting, it can be deliberately weak or incredibly strong - and all dependent upon how it's laid. Having spent much of my life in motorsport I know. One of our bikes even used carbon conrods for a time. Now apply that to a well thought out and hand-made bicycle frame from Italy. It's as close to perfect as can be had IMO and every bit as good as Ti (and far more comfortable to ride).
I was going to be charitable to your comment until you said carbon is as good as Ti. 😂
Tell you what, no point in me picking apart your points here, let’s just meet up in a car park, you bring the carbon frame of your choice and I will bring a Ti frame. Then we will have a frame sword fight ⚔️ and the loser is the one who’s frame snaps first. 😜
Given that there are no carbon rim brake bikes I wouldn't buy one, there are tonnes of second hand rim brake carbon road racers flooding the market.
I have a carbon rim brake bike, WTF are you talking about?
@@ElrocStoneHe's probably talking about how there are no new rim brake carbon bikes anymore? (there are still a small handful of choices)
I see 🙂
If you spend $6,000 NZD on a carbon bike, you're going to actually spend $12,000+ because you'll have to replace it in a year or two. Spend it on titanium or steel and you'll hand it onto your grandkids.
That’s the plan! 😂 👍🏻
Good comment, thanks! 🙂
I call bs. I have a alu bike from 2016 with carbon fork, handlebars and seatpost. The carbon parts are still all fine, I haven´t been very careful with that bike. I also have a couple of carbon bikes from 2016 and 2018. Both are still fine. So stop spreading nonsense about carbon bikes breaking just looking at them.
@@boc-tonysyklist2145 you cannot be sure unless you ultrasonically check your carbon components. Small cracks propagating through the material are easy to spot visually in metals. Impossible to do so in carbon fiber composite. So stop spreading nonsense about carbon bikes being able to survive years of every day abuse.
@@tweed0929 So let´s just say you´re right. How come 5-10 year old (or even older) carbon bikes don´t fall apart an mass? Because it´s an overexaggerated fear. So stop y o u r nonsense.
Nonsense my Specialized is on 5 years and it is perfect.
"Why Carbon is NEVER 100% The Best Option?" "Never" is too strong a word. BTW you wound your bar tape the other way which overlaps incorrectly in my books. I guess you'll need to splurge on electrical tape winding the other way. Maybe your road bike tire is too thin; go with a 28-32cm wide (more grip, stable, and faster).
Reginald’s rim brake bike are more compliant than disc brake bikes, that’s why fatter tires are not necessary to achieve the same comfort as on disc brake bikes. The geometry on rim brake bikes are also more tuned towards skinny tires, and fatter tires only make them ride more sluggish!
I agree that Performance cycling part of this Video is a bit biased. I totally agree that Carbon is the worst choice for non performance cycling such as commuting and fitness. All bikes are good as long as they satisfy the users needs. Carbon bike owners should be happy if they are getting the performance they are expecting from their bikes.
No, I stand by “Never” if you are buying your own bike. Whatever carbon bike you can buy I will be able to buy something in metal that rides better or performs better for the same price or less. The metal bike will also last longer. If you are a pro then it’s different. But, we aren’t pros.
The tape is wrapped in the way all tape was wrapped in the 70s and before. This way of doing it is much better and requires no electrical tape. I have a video on this on my page if you would like to learn more about it. 🙂 it’s called:
“How to wrap bar tape the better “wrong” way.”
I find fatter tyres slow me down, more weight, more drag, more rolling resistance. Normally I’m on 23s as normally I only ride Ti and Steel bikes. 👍🏻🙂
@@kihunpark8669 So never mind the science telling us that wider tires are more comfortable AND faster. We don´t trust in science now do we?
28-32 cm wide? Hell, where have you seen the bicycle fitted with fat race car slick?
I completely disagree with everything that you were saying. Any bike that does what you want it to do is it the perfect bike for you.
Then you would be wrong. Because objectively some bikes are “better” than others and part of what makes them “better” than others for a particular task is partly down to frame material.
For example, if I’m making a bridge I’d make it out of steel not cardboard. Don’t matter how “perfect” I think a cardboard bridge is, reality and physics is not going to agree with my material choices.
The best bike is the one you own.
Yu know why you couldnt ride youre bike in the wet over tram tracks?? CUZ you ride 23 mm tyers lmao goofy
BTW you shouldnt just dmand ppl like share and sub within the first 1 second of the video if the content is poor
My friend. The tyre size has nothing to do with it, my tyres didn’t go into the gap in the tracks, because I always ride over the tracks at an angle. The reason they slip is the surface is polished by the tram and it’s wet! It’s literally like ice and you don’t have any traction. 23/25/28 literally no difference. It’s the same reason you are advised to avoid wet manhole covers. Only worse, because at least they don’t have a polished surface.
It’s not a demand, it’s a reminder and request. Perhaps English is not your first language and you find it difficult to tell the difference. 🙂
Safe riding. 👍🏻
Once you ride carbon for few years, you would never go back to any type of frames tbh.
Not true, my friend who started cycling on carbon (Boardman C7, Giant TCR, Cipollini One, Canyon cf slx, Factor Vam O2) has now switched to a Allez Sprint and says is the fastest bike he has and prefers to race on that. 🤷🏻♂️
Also if you ask the people on the Litespeed owner club on Facebook they will tell you they would not trade their Ti bike for ANY carbon bike. I know because I asked. 😉
@@reginaldscot165 he downgraded basically. The great Peter Sagan tried that Allez Sprint in TDF few stages, he did not last long and parked it forever 😁
@@Ghost12561 Sagan rides what he is PAID to..Tell the facts,because pro riders do NOT choose the bikes they ride professionally..duhhhhhhhhhhhh
@@michaels8607 He did have a choice to ride allez alloy professionally but why would would he? its quite a downgrade, I bet the fastest dude in your local group ride does not ride steel but carbon. If you want to enjoy cycling sure go ahead with steel or whatever you please but to do competitive cycling carbon is quite an advantage.
@@reginaldscot165 he is quite new if he started on carbon bikes and he seems to be just a collector, don't believe him mate, his knowledge is quite limited on cycling.
Well one thing is for sure, you ticked off so many car drivers... you gave all cyclists a bad reputation in their eyes... why so aggressive?
Aggressive? You ain’t seen nothing yet! 🤣 That’s me on a chill ride. 😇
I think the ones I ticked off probably don’t like cyclists anyway. (Like the guy who pulled out on me and then tried to stop me getting by) Some are too brainless to even know i am there and the rest don’t care. 🤷🏻♂️🙂
If you want to see cycling at its most respectful, check out TerryB hotline 😉