Carbon Stays- Worth the extra money???

[Muaythaibike]

Are carbon stays worth the additional money? I have here both aruuments that they do and do not do much to make the ride better. I am considering upgrading from my current old steel bike to a Alum fraim and carbon fork. But I am not sure if i should ge with the stays? The difference between the bikes is 200.

Thanks all..

[CAMPYBOB]

Only you can decide if the extra cost is worth it. Trial ride both, if you can, and decide based on what you feel.

[capwater]

It's far from that simple. Material alone isn't the driving force, but rather frame design. Full AL Cannondales ride as plush as any carbon or carbon/aluminum blend. Let's talk some fact. What bikes are you considering? What are the prices? $200 on a 2k bike is 10%, but on a 1k bike it's 20%, it all depends. What is your riding style? What is your goal?

[dgregory57]

And what is your old steel bike?

It could be that neither one of them is an upgrade. ;)

[Muaythaibike]

And what is your old steel bike?

It could be that neither one of them is an upgrade. ;)

What is my riding style? I have no idea... I bought a bike 2 months ago to commute to my rail line. 1.5 miles each way. However, I started riding a bit longer on the weekends. I did 27 miles last week in a hour and 40 min. I know, not great but I just started. I have an old Mercier 12 speed with a traditional crank. I think I need more grears for hills.

The reason I am upgrading is that I really like the sport and would like to challange myself to some distance with a local bike club. I think that I am fairly well conditioned and would like to see how that translates on a bike. Plus I welcome the additional exercise. I currently run, lift weights and teach martial arts. Anybody like the UFC? (opps wrong forum, lol)...:eek:

Here is waht I am looking at buying. Please honest opinions...

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/ventnoir.htm

[dhk2]

What is my riding style? I have no idea... I bought a bike 2 months ago to commute to my rail line. 1.5 miles each way. However, I started riding a bit longer on the weekends. I did 27 miles last week in a hour and 40 min. I know, not great but I just started. I have an old Mercier 12 speed with a traditional crank. I think I need more grears for hills.

The reason I am upgrading is that I really like the sport and would like to challange myself to some distance with a local bike club. I think that I am fairly well conditioned and would like to see how that translates on a bike. Plus I welcome the additional exercise. I currently run, lift weights and teach martial arts. Anybody like the UFC? (opps wrong forum, lol)...:eek:

Here is waht I am looking at buying. Please honest opinions...

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/ventnoir.htm
If you can afford if, I'd spend more on a better bike. Since this will be your second bike, and you sound pretty serious about fitness and club riding, suggest a bigger upgrade is in order. I'm thinking something equipped with Shimano 105 or Ultegra components will last you longer and be more satisfying to ride as well. A bike for $699 isn't a bargain if you have to start "upgrading" worn-out components next season.

And don't overlook the big LBS brands either. LBS support after the sale and the major-brand warranty is worth something too. Plus, you get to test ride before you buy. If you're in North America, there could be some very good buys right now on Felt, Giant, Specialized, Trek etc.