Originally Posted by eggtimer
Maybe I should just forget the whole biking thing? I mean there is a chance I will be hit by a car...or a tree will run out in front of me! lol
Carbon frames are as strong as, if not stronger than Al or steel, this is why I am confused.
Why is this such a bad choice for road riding? I'm not going to be running any races, ever.
Carbon is only as strong as its structural integrity; steel and aluminum are strong even if the frame has been bumped and dented.
If there's a miniscule crack in the frame or a small scratch that affects the fiber, you're putting your safety at risk by continuing to ride it.
Definitely don't drop the idea of biking, but do yourself a favor and buy a steel or aluminum bike new for the same price as this 9-year-old bike. You'll be much happier and the bike will respond better to both off-road and on-road riding. I take my hybrid onto local singletrack all the time and it's holding up great after 6 years.