Older Carbon
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Older Carbon
I am 210lbs--supposed to be moving down to 190. I am a fan of vintage bikes--80s and 90s. I had been looking for a steel frame, but I came across a carbon Trek that really catches my eye. With my weight, it is not about speed or trimming grams--it is posing in style.
Should I steer clear of carbon because of my weight?
Should I steer clear of carbon because of my weight?
#2
Senior Member
Buy it, ride it.
I am 360 and ride a 2013 Orbea Orca (full carbon).
I am 360 and ride a 2013 Orbea Orca (full carbon).
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#4
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I am 210lbs--supposed to be moving down to 190. I am a fan of vintage bikes--80s and 90s. I had been looking for a steel frame, but I came across a carbon Trek that really catches my eye. With my weight, it is not about speed or trimming grams--it is posing in style.
Should I steer clear of carbon because of my weight?
Should I steer clear of carbon because of my weight?
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#5
SuperGimp
He's just going to pose with it anyway.
New carbon is superior to old carbon in nearly every way in terms of weight and performance but if you want a bike because of a specific look - go for it!
I remember walking into a bike shop in the 90s when I was bike shopping with a friend and the sale guy had a carbon tube from a specialized allez (I think they were lugged carbon back then) and to demonstrate, he WHACKED the top of his desk with that carbon tube.... a couple times. No change in the tube. They probably made them thicker back then too but it was sturdy as all heck, for desk whacking at least.
New carbon is superior to old carbon in nearly every way in terms of weight and performance but if you want a bike because of a specific look - go for it!
I remember walking into a bike shop in the 90s when I was bike shopping with a friend and the sale guy had a carbon tube from a specialized allez (I think they were lugged carbon back then) and to demonstrate, he WHACKED the top of his desk with that carbon tube.... a couple times. No change in the tube. They probably made them thicker back then too but it was sturdy as all heck, for desk whacking at least.
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#6
Senior Member
Old carbon just looks so good
#7
Life Is Good
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1993 Carbon still going strong.
Her twin sister also still goning strong.
I'm weighing in at 224 and have been as heavy as 248.
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#8
Senior Member
Look over the frame and check for cracks. If there are none buy it. I'm 275ish and ride a 2008 Tarmac. Zero issues. I do check for cracks and stuff pretty regularly just out of habit but I have not had a problem.
#9
Senior Member
I am 290lbs and ride an older no name Chinese full carbon. I have zero issues with it.....in fact the opposite - I love it!
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#10
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Late to the party, but ditto on the inspection. In the long LONG ago I was a pole vaulter and while the poles were fiberglass we always inspected and protected them. One little nick at a stress point (the whole pole was a stress point) and BANG! they'd snap under load. Carbon is great when it's well maintained, but you can't just drop it in a pile like steel or titanium.
That said any frame could be subject to damage and failure. It's one of the best reasons to hand wash your bike on a regular basis. Not only do you get them clean and ready to pose with, it's also inspection time.
That said any frame could be subject to damage and failure. It's one of the best reasons to hand wash your bike on a regular basis. Not only do you get them clean and ready to pose with, it's also inspection time.
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