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Is Carbon Really Faster Than Aluminium?

  • 21-02-2010 3:36pm
    #1
    sliksurfer
    Registered Users Posts: 10 ✭


    Im considering buying a new carbon fibre road bike for my triathlons this summer, and want to know if they really are that much faster than aluminium bikes? Say 20km takes you 40m on an aluminium bike how long will it take you on a carbon fibre one ? Is there any percentage for converting times?
    I know theyre about 3 times the price, are they worth it?
    Tagged:


Comments

  • #2
    mloc123
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,454 ✭✭✭mloc123


    39 minutes and 15 seconds.

    but seriously, its not 'faster', it will be ligther and more stiff.. maybe. If you want to trim time and already have a tri bike/bars then focus on training.


  • #3
    aero2k
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,754 ✭✭✭aero2k


    sliksurfer wrote: »
    Im considering buying a new carbon fibre road bike for my triathlons this summer, and want to know if they really are that much faster than aluminium bikes? Say 20km takes you 40m on an aluminium bike how long will it take you on a carbon fibre one ? Is there any percentage for converting times?
    I know theyre about 3 times the price, are they worth it?
    On a flat road, at a constant speed, the weight of the bike is irrelevant. Weight is only a factor going uphill and/or accelerating. Having a pee before you start off might be as effective as trying to save 1/2lb by buying carbon.

    That said, carbon is supposed to be more comfy than aluminium.


  • #4
    Jumpy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,606 ✭✭✭Jumpy


    mloc123 wrote: »
    39 minutes and 15 seconds.

    but seriously, its not 'faster', it will be ligther and more stiff.. maybe. If you want to trim time and already have a tri bike/bars then focus on training.

    Its not more stiff, its far more flexible than aluminium.


  • #5
    tunney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,583 ✭✭✭✭tunney


    Jumpy wrote: »
    Its not more stiff, its far more flexible than aluminium.

    Depends on the lay up and the quality of the weave.

    As a Alu and Carbon frame owner - the advantages of alu are price, much for bang for buck. However for TT/Tri the advantages of carbon is the ability to create a mould and have the carbon worked into whatever shapes you want. Alu is restricted as to the tubing shapes you can get.

    TT bike == carbon
    Road bike = alu


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