Low end Carbon vs High end Aluminum

Hello,
First off, thanks for all the info you guys post, its been incredibly helpful. I have searched this forum for quite sometime looking for an answer to this and couldn't find anything on lower end carbon.

I was curious if anyone has an opinion on the differences between an OLCV carbon frame versus a regular carbon frame that you would find on a lower end Madone. My reason for asking is I'm looking to upgrade from my current bike which is a aluminum carbon mix to a little higher end. I didn't want to spend more than $2500 and liked what I saw in the Madone 4.7 but wasn't sure about the frame material.

My other thought was an aluminum Cervelo S1. So I guess what I'm asking is high end aluminum versus low end carbon. I have ridden both and could go either way.

Thanks again
Marco

There's no way to answer that question in general. You should ask about specific frames. Even then, which one is "better" depends greatly on rider perceptions.

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Fair enough, what about a cervelo s1 versus a trek madone 4.7? Which is a better bike in your opinion. I realize that this is really an opinion question at this point because they are two completely different bikes except the Ultegra Group. Opinions?

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...done/madone47/

or...

http://www.cervelo.com/bikes.aspx?bike=S12009

Thanks again...

Well, you wouldn't have to worry about a lack of performance with the Trek CF frame. The only thing working against Trek is its name. As for the Cervelo, the only knock I've heard against Al Soloist frames is that their ride is rough. Honestly though, that is something you can fix with tire pressure. I don't think either pike is better than the other. At this point, if I were you, I'd compare the geometries of the two bikes. Trek and Cervelo have two different approaches to what sort of geometry works.

Do you have a current bike that fits well, whose geometry you can use to compare the Trek and the Cervelo? You ought to be able to get a test ride, locally, on a Trek and a Cervelo, too. That would be the best metric for making your decision.

Out of the two, though, I'd likely lean toward the Trek.

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+1. See if you can't get a test ride on these, or at least similar bikes, and make a better than informed judgement for yourself! Even though you have given us specific frames, you will find a large number of riders that love their aluminum and a large number of riders that love thier CF. I personally like the ride of aluminum, even though a large number of people say it is harsh. I like the lighter weight of CF but it feels too springy for me. I really like the ride of steel but the weight increase is discouraging to me. I am saving for a custom made titanium bike right now because I was able to get some test rides on Ti bikes and dicovered that they are exactly what I want as far as ride and weight are concerned. However, if I am going to spend the money for a Ti bike, I may as well add a coule G's and get one that is made to fit me exact rather than one that is just close to my size. There, now you know what I like, go out and do your test rides and find out which you like best.

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Well thats the thing, I have ridden both and both are great bikes in my opinion. My problem is just that, both are good, but which is better in your opinion. My riding style isn't really a style. I put in about 100 miles a week on a Lemond Tourmalet (carbon aluminum mix). I'm really just interested in what you think of the two, because I know this is solely an opinion based decision. I'm sure both would serve anyone well but if it was you, which would you buy?

Given your budget for a bike, you should also consider Giant, Specialized, and Cannondale (CAAD 9 is a very nice bike) as those are bikes that are more likely to be found for test rides.

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Alienator makes a great point talking about the difference in frame geo between these frames.

I ride a soloist team (S1) in 51 cm. This has a TT length of 53 cm, seat tube angle of 73 degrees and a frame reach of 37 cm. I run a 10 cm stem and do not want to go any shorter on a bike (it at all possible).

I was looking to relegate this to a wet weather bike and get myself a nice carbon frame to build up for longer more comfortable rides and was looking at a Madone 5.2.

The smallest 50 cm Madone (Performance fit) has a TT length of 51.6 cm, seat tube angle 75.1 degrees and a frame reach of 37.4 cm, so even though the Trek appears to be significantly smaller, when comparing reach it is actually bigger and therefore not the right type of frame for me. Something like the Cervelo RS/R3 is more suited to my short ass stature of 5’ 6 with its slacker seat tube angle.

I was a little stretched on the S1 with EA70 wing bars but reduced the reach a little with FSA Wing Pro compact bars for the best fit I have achieved on this bike and is now something I will run with for a while before building up a carbon frame.

The frame that fits you best is the bike for you. Try to test ride the bike you intend to buy.

Since we are on the topic I was going to ask about upgrading from an Allez Elite to a Tarmac. I don't compete with riding but ride 3-4 times a week up to 25miles at a time during summer time and on a trainer during harsh winters. I love my Elite but was wondering if I'd gain anything by upgrading from an 07 Elite to a Tarmac? I am 6ft 200lbs now, 190 usually and would like to get to 185. Would there be a noticable benefit for an all carbon bike for me with that mileage or not? I just ride to stay in shape but would like to and am going to enter some partnered triathalons in the future with my son. Is there a noticable difference between these bikes for someone like me who rides just to "stay in shape" or not? Is there a difference in the carbon frames and if so what is the major differences? Thanks

STXR814: How old is your current ride? My advice is ride what you have til it gets seriously old. If you are just riding to stay fit, doing modest milage each ride, what more do you think I higher end bike will give you?

Save your money and buy some nice bits to freshen up your current bike. Things like good quality tires, or a nice set of wheels will make it feel like new, and you then have less reason to worry about your house repayments.

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My current ride is an 07 Allez Elite. I've put a Koobi seat on it to help out with enlarged prostate issues and helps alot. I love the bike really but like to push the limits and don't know if it is holding me back at all. Like I previously said, next year I'll probably do a triathalon with my son so I'll have to get on the horn a bit more with this bike anyways but would another help me anymore like a Tarmac but mostly still riding for fun/staying in shape? Thanks again.

The only way a bike would hold you back, right now, would be if it was either sized all wrong or was in wretched nick.

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I've been looking at some wheels. What kind of wheels would you recommend for an Allez Elite being its not a race bike but I'd like to spend money on something I'll notice a difference on? Mavics, Custom made, Roval's?

Hello Alienator,
I would also like to cash in on your knowledge of understanding geometries of different bikes, I am currently looking at 2 bikes the Trek Madone 4.7 and a BMC SL01 roadracer, what do i look for when comparing the frame length/angles?
I want a bike thats responsive and more inclined for climbing, I am 63kgs and 27 so I dont think either would lose much with power transfer loss but bmc seem to brag about being very responsive and no power loss thru flex (Integral Skeleton Concept)
Both these bikes have Ultegra, altho the trek has ultegra sl and are both in the same price bracket. The shop I went to had the bmc but not in my size so i havent ridden it. Any help would be most appreicated cheers

WRT to the OPs question, I have limited experience riding both types of frames; albeit not from the manufacturers listed. IME (keep in mind I'm around 200lbs) a high end aluminum frame will perform better (metric is stiffness in the BB/chainstay area) than a low end carbon frame. Heck, for my tastes even the cheaper aluminum frames work for me - I don't mind a harsh ride as it very true tire pressure can mitigate perceived harshness very well. My $0.02CAN worth...