livedarklions

That really isn't OP's question. OP is asking whether the frame material will make any actual difference in the qualities of the bike that could affect his enthusiasm. You've just begged that question by assuming that spending more money results in a "better" bike.

Kapusta

That’s not an assumption, it is law of nature. Like gravity.

blacknbluebikes 

Actually, I'm not suggesting anything of the sort.

blacknbluebikes 

What I'm saying is that it's ok to invest in what you FEEL is great, because everyone will have a different opinion.

Wildwood 

An Al frame** with higher-end, supple tires will ride as well or better than any CF with gatorskins (no slight to gatorskins, they have a place too), or any stiffer tire.

edit: ** AL frame - meaning an Al road frame from the manufacturers mentioned in post #1.

wolfchild

Carbon frames have absolutely zero advantages over steel or aluminum frames...Even if carbon bikes became dirt cheap I still wouldn't purchase one.

MinnMan

snore

HumbleBiker

Carbon frames tend to be lighter but stiffness will depend on models, new carbon bikes these days also prioritize comfort. Either way bike manufacturers make a huge margin between price of manufacturing and selling price and they can get away with it. In my opinion, the workmanship of the carbon frames in bicycles are not held to the same standards as in other industries and should be better especially for the price we pay for. For the most part it's fine, but sometimes the poor tolerances can cause issues. I personally have a carbon bike and i love it, but I also did my research before purchasing, because not all carbon frames are the same.

shootz

Check the bikes he rides... that's instructive.

Dave Mayer

I have multiple good road bikes in each of steel, alu, titanium and carbon. I cannot tell the difference between them; the arm waving that folks do regarding 'ride quality' is solely due to tires, tire inflation pressure and the saddle. But the bikes definitely sound different.

Exception to my above assessment - carbon bikes are lighter. You can build a strong, stiff, and well-tuned road frame for the following weights:

• Steel: 1,500-1,700g
• Alu: 1,300g
• Titanium: ditto
• Carbon: <1,000g.

These weights are for roughly equivalent durability, strength and stiffness. These are not stupid light weights, but for bikes that can be ridden hard for years. Subtract 100-200 grams and you are close to the limit of the materials, for a somewhat more disposable bike.

All things being equal, carbon for the win.

veganbikes

Steel is real, Ti is fly, Wood is good, Bamboo is for you but aluminum and carbon don't rhyme and there for are insufficient for a frame material.

Rolla

Jax Rhapsody

I don't see a reason to go carbon, unless you're racing.

livedarklions

OP's question was whether carbon really feels better than aluminum, not whether he should spend money to get carbon if he had a strong feeling about it.

GhostRider62

Carbon frames are lighter, more aerodynamic, and vibration damping than steel, aluminum, titanium, or magnesium.

In short, you are wrong.

I own or have owned frames in all of the above material but experience isn't needed, this is basic material science.

Branko D

I'd rather buy CF from a "2nd tier" manufacturer than aluminium from Trek or Specialized and the price would be almost similar.

Lighter, comfortable, longer lasting than alloy... I'd get it. CF bike with CF handlebars and seatpost is more comfortable than steel plus alloy components in my experience.

PeteHski

I don't see a reason not to go carbon unless you can't afford it or simply prefer a *insert frame material of choice here* frame for whatever reason.
Carbon just happens to be a great material for making light/stiff/comfortable bike frames. Only real downside is relatively high cost.

indyfabz

Chum and they will come.

seypat

You forgot plastic is fantastic!

livedarklions

Agreed, the real question is whether those advantages are going to make a noticeable difference to the OP. That's the subjective question we really can't answer, but may or may not be able to make some pretty good educated guesses.

BTW, nothing in what you say excludes the possibility that a well-made and designed non-carbon frame would not possibly have huge advantages over a crappy quality carbon frame.

livedarklions

Great, now we can argue about the best material for chum.

livedarklions

Aluminum is boomin.', man.

Carbon gives me a.....
Never mind.

CAT7RDR

To the OP: if I was on the market for a new road bike, I would look at the quality of the builds, specs and if the bottom bracket is threaded or press fit.
Frame material would be just one of multiple factors to consider besides price.

GhostRider62

Yes, there are crappy engineers and crappy companies out there.

I did not read all of the posts in the thread but tire selection and pressure can make more of a difference than frame material. If money is a consideration, I would suggest OP get the aluminum but put supple, wider tires at lower pressure.

livedarklions

What I find funny about these frame material arguments is people acting like there's only one possible correct answer to a clearly subjective question--which is really some version of "what best suits my tastes and preferences?"