Best value Carbon Road Bike



robalert

robalert

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Jun 8, 2005
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I would love to upgrade to a full carbon framed beast but don't want to spend a bomb

I love the ride characteristics of carbon combined with its lightness and bling factor

Wonder what ppl think is best value for around $3K

I am a fan of the OCR composite but seems there is quite a bit of competition against Giant these days
 
Some choices...

Alchemy Carbon 105 $3K, WH565rims... don't know much about this brand

Avanti Carbonio $2.5K, 105, R500rims

Azzuri Primo Carbon $3K, Ultegra, R500rims... is this a Learsport?

Felt F5C $2.5, 105/Gossamer/Ultegra, Alex rims

Giant OCR Composite $3K, Ultegra/Rouler, R500rims

Orbea Vitesse Onix $3.5K, 105, R500

Specialized Robauix Elite $3K, 105/Ultegra/Gossamer, Mavic Open Pro

Does anyone know why some other similarly specced Carbon bikes are so much more exxy? Is there a difference between the different grades of Carbon Fibre?
 
I too am looking at similar bike. Have yo made a decision yet. Looking at Giant TCR1, Gitane Mach 2300 and Avanti Cabonio and get more confused the more I look.






robalert said:
Some choices...

Alchemy Carbon 105 $3K, WH565rims... don't know much about this brand

Avanti Carbonio $2.5K, 105, R500rims

Azzuri Primo Carbon $3K, Ultegra, R500rims... is this a Learsport?

Felt F5C $2.5, 105/Gossamer/Ultegra, Alex rims

Giant OCR Composite $3K, Ultegra/Rouler, R500rims

Orbea Vitesse Onix $3.5K, 105, R500

Specialized Robauix Elite $3K, 105/Ultegra/Gossamer, Mavic Open Pro

Does anyone know why some other similarly specced Carbon bikes are so much more exxy? Is there a difference between the different grades of Carbon Fibre?
Click to expand...
 
Adey W said:
I too am looking at similar bike. Have yo made a decision yet. Looking at Giant TCR1, Gitane Mach 2300 and Avanti Cabonio and get more confused the more I look.
Click to expand...
ditto,

anyone got a carbonio?
 
come on, someone must own these bikes,

give us a review

why did you choose it over others?

seems that the only bikes at the 2.5K price point is the Felt and Avanti

more info on the felt

http://www.feltbicycles.com/felt2006/03ROAD/f5c.php

f5c.gif
f5c_06.jpg
Frame:
Felt Full Carbon Monostay with forged dropouts and replaceable derailleur hangerFork: Felt 1 1/8" Carbon Headset: Integrated AheadsetRear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra 20 speedFront Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Shifters/Brake levers: Shimano Ultegra Brakes: nnCrankset: FSA Gossamer - MegaExo - Aluminum, with CNC machined chainrings, double 50/34TCassette:
Shimano 10 speed, 11-23TWheelset:
Alex 270 Tires: Vittoria HSD, 700x23cStem: Felt ST-23 6061Aluminium Handlebar:
Ergonomic Felt Carbon/ 6061 Aluminium, OversizedSaddle: Felt Racing Lite Seatpost: Felt Carbon Size:48cm, 50cm, 52cm, 54cm, 56cm, 58cm, 60cm, 62cm Weight:18.4lbs (8,34kg)
 
robalert said:
come on, someone must own these bikes,

give us a review

why did you choose it over others?

seems that the only bikes at the 2.5K price point is the Felt and Avanti

more info on the felt

http://www.feltbicycles.com/felt2006/03ROAD/f5c.php

http://www.feltbicycles.com/felt2006/Images/bike-logos/f5c.gifhttp://www.feltbicycles.com/felt2006/Images/bikes06/f5c_06.jpgFrame:
Felt Full Carbon Monostay with forged dropouts and replaceable derailleur hangerFork: Felt 1 1/8" Carbon Headset: Integrated AheadsetRear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra 20 speedFront Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra Shifters/Brake levers: Shimano Ultegra Brakes: nnCrankset: FSA Gossamer - MegaExo - Aluminum, with CNC machined chainrings, double 50/34TCassette:
Shimano 10 speed, 11-23TWheelset:
Alex 270 Tires: Vittoria HSD, 700x23cStem: Felt ST-23 6061Aluminium Handlebar:
Ergonomic Felt Carbon/ 6061 Aluminium, OversizedSaddle: Felt Racing Lite Seatpost: Felt Carbon Size:48cm, 50cm, 52cm, 54cm, 56cm, 58cm, 60cm, 62cm Weight:18.4lbs (8,34kg)
Click to expand...
Carbonio





Other Related Bikes
Vivace
San Remo Pro
Giro


The Carbonio 18 is an affordable full carbon bike that offers riders all the benefits of carbon technology including it being a light weight bike that helps reduce rider fatigue.

  • Avanti Lightweight Race Carbonio Carbon Frame
  • Full Shimano 18 speed 105 Groupset for performance shifting
  • Shimano R500 Wheel Set for fast rolling
  • Selle Italia FK Saddle with Carbon Seat Post for comfort
  • Shimano PD-R540 Clipless Pedals for more efficient pedalling
Colours

Silver Chrome
Size Options-38cm,M-42cm,L-46cm,XL-50cm,XXL-54cm Frame
Avanti Carbon FrameForkCarbonio - Carbon Fibre with 1-1/8" Alloy SteererBrake Levers
Shimano 105Brakes Shimano 105Shifters Shimano 105 18spdFront Derail Shimano 105Rear Derail Shimano 105CranksetShimano 105, 39-53Bottom Bracket Shimano 105 BB-5500
 
robalert said:
Carbonio





Other Related Bikes
Vivace
San Remo Pro
Giro


The Carbonio 18 is an affordable full carbon bike that offers riders all the benefits of carbon technology including it being a light weight bike that helps reduce rider fatigue.

  • Avanti Lightweight Race Carbonio Carbon Frame
  • Full Shimano 18 speed 105 Groupset for performance shifting
  • Shimano R500 Wheel Set for fast rolling
  • Selle Italia FK Saddle with Carbon Seat Post for comfort
  • Shimano PD-R540 Clipless Pedals for more efficient pedalling
Colours

Silver Chrome
Size Options-38cm,M-42cm,L-46cm,XL-50cm,XXL-54cm Frame
Avanti Carbon FrameForkCarbonio - Carbon Fibre with 1-1/8" Alloy SteererBrake Levers
Shimano 105Brakes Shimano 105Shifters Shimano 105 18spdFront Derail Shimano 105Rear Derail Shimano 105CranksetShimano 105, 39-53Bottom Bracket Shimano 105 BB-5500
Click to expand...
seems the felt is better value than the avanti
 
I can offer my 2 cents on Giant TCR1 Composite (2004):

I'm riding a 2nd hand one, and it's about 3-4 kg lighter than my aluminium Avanti Giro. got if for under $2300, no pedals. I did a fair bit of research on the Giant TCR and relied mostly on RIDE magazine's review of it about a year+ ago.

My usage:
- long rides (4-6 hours): fine. smooth. Get your fave saddle on the carbon seatpost and you can ride all day long.
- hill rides: this thing likes going uphill (um, and so do i). Standard 52/39 12-27 setup might need to be changed though.
- crit racing: im still rookie, but it accelerates well enough

Pro's:
- wheels. Mavic ksyrium. love em. Light, bladed spokes, reliable. As good as the Ksyrium SL's, I've heard.
- frame. the back wheel is very close to the seat tube (the one going down?), there's a little cut-out so that the wheel can fit into that tight spot. This supposedly makes it more responsive??
- light. I'm guessing around 8kg? Goes up hills nicely.
- Shimano ultegra. Can't fault it. Good as Dura Ace except you pay more for DA being lighter.
- carbon seatpost supposedly has a good tightening design-- an anti-overtightening system so you won't crack the seatpost by overtightening. As this is my first carbon bike, i can't compare it to other carbon products out there.
- cranks. FSA carbon cranks. Light, stiff, in my opinion better than Dura Ace cranks.
- small hole in bottom of frame-- lets water drain out of frame if it happens to get in during cycling in the rain or washing.

Cons
- i think Giant put 175mm cranks on EVERY size bike. Mine is a small, and i got 175mm cranks which were terrible for my knees.
- saddle. I didn't get the stock saddle with my second-hand purchase, but a majority of reviews hated the selle italia cutout saddle
- funny noises at speed? I read reviews which claimed that the bike wobbles/vibrates and makes a sound at 80kmh+. I've never gone faster than 70kmh, but recently there's been a loud hum/whirring but i think it's not the frame but loose casette/freehub (... my other post)

all in all, great bike. Top value for money. Reliable, middle to higher end components. Because Giant have great buying power from component sellers, they can afford to sell bikes a bit cheaper than an equivalent from another brand. As long as you don't mind riding a 'common' Giant from Taiwan, i can't fault their TCR1 Comp.
 
This is what i've read: Giant carbon frames are lightweight yet stiff because they are a monocoque design. Ie, the frame is all one piece, so they don't manufacture it by gluing bits together. this keeps the weight down and the frame stiffer/stronger.

So for every frame size, Giant have a mould to make these monocoque frames. It's costly, but because they pump out bicycles in such high volume they can afford to do it.
 
To both of you

I can recommend a Giant EURO. Mavic wheels, campag centaur groupset etc. Was looking at TC1 but this was on sale for $2800 including pedals so bit the bullet and have never looked back.

Have fun shopping, like other things, its quite often the chase that is half the fun. I will try to include picture here for you.
 
i've been interested in a new carbon bike around that price point for some time now. i have come to the conclusion that to get full carbon around AU$3000 - 3500 you start to compromise other important components, like wheels and cranks/bb. many have ultegra shifters and gears but they have to compromise somewhere.
i'm now thinking alu with carbon fork/stays with better wheels etc is a good option. although would still love a good carbon frame....one day
 
Cell Victor full ultegra 8kg, $2300

see http://www.cellbikes.com.au/product.php?id=210



robalert said:
I would love to upgrade to a full carbon framed beast but don't want to spend a bomb

I love the ride characteristics of carbon combined with its lightness and bling factor

Wonder what ppl think is best value for around $3K

I am a fan of the OCR composite but seems there is quite a bit of competition against Giant these days
Click to expand...
 
Seeing that nobody has even the slightest clue what the differences are between the frames and NOBODY has even bothered to discuss whether any of them will actually fit, I suggest just getting the one you like the colour of.

For the record, I like the black one.

;)
 
robalert said:
II love the ride characteristics of carbon combined with its lightness and bling factor
Click to expand...


...there is absolutely no 'bling factor' attached to any Giant...especially those to $3K....
 
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