carbon cranks

[micdon]

If I'm buying a top end aluminum bike, does having a carbon crank really make that much of a difference in absorbing shock? Everthing I read about Carbon Fiber is that it is great for absorbing shock and is lighter, well... at 250 (and still shrinking) weight of a bike really don't matter, however, shock would. The bikes I'm looking at all have carbon fiber forks and some even seat stays and so I was wondering if having a carbon crank would also be worth the additional spend even if it was an upgrade

 

[Mish]

If I'm buying a top end aluminum bike, does having a carbon crank really make that much of a difference in absorbing shock? Everthing I read about Carbon Fiber is that it is great for absorbing shock and is lighter, well... at 250 (and still shrinking) weight of a bike really don't matter, however, shock would. The bikes I'm looking at all have carbon fiber forks and some even seat stays and so I was wondering if having a carbon crank would also be worth the additional spend even if it was an upgrade

I don't think a carbon crank is for absorbing shock as much as it is for saving weight. Is this a Campy upgrade? If not I would stay with Ultegra or a Shimano compact. If comfort is the driving force maybe an aluminum frame is not the best choice. I rode steel and now titanium because I wanted comfort and thought I would be best served with those materials. I'm not recommending anything except to make sure you get fitted.

 

[Halcyon1]

Can't see that carbon cranks will make any difference to shock absorption Micdon.
I've not long back bought a BMC Roadracer which has carbon fork and seatstays and I'm finding it quite comfortable enough. I had my choice of FSA SL-K's (carbon) or Ultegra level? compact cranks (R700) and went with the Shimano. No regrets. My reason for going aluminium was that I reasoned I was better with a top quality Al frame rather than an average quality carbon one. Carbon is not necessarily lighter either...have a look at a seatpost like a Thomson, which will be lighter than a lot of the carbons.
Halcyon1

 

[kris5006]

Maybe CCs are easier to turn than traditional cranks. Honestly, i wouldn't have a clue.