On Apr 27, 10:54 pm, "OzCableguy" <
[email protected]>
wrote:
> A mate that used to own a bike shop mentioned to me this afternoon that
> monocoque frames were the nicest ride he'd ever experienced and Azzurri have
> the "Primo" running Ultegra groupo currently selling for around $2500.00.http://www.azzurribikes.com/azzurri_primo.htm
> Hmmm... what am I missing here? Seems too good to be true almost...
> What's the general consensus with monocoque vs composite? Which will give me
> the best performance, reliability and/or longevity?
Monocoque refers to the number of "parts" a composite (CF) frame is
made from. There's two main manufacturing processes, lug & tube, and
monocoque. It's important to note that, as far as I'm aware, there's
no 'true' monocoque frames for road bikes, there's some that are part
moniocoque, part lugs & tubes, and some that are more or less lugged.
Anyone that reckons they can 'feel' the difference is on something.
You can't, because there's no two frames around that are the same in
every way except lugs/monocoque, unless you're in R&D at a
manufacturer anyway.
Arguments for either method are generally irrelevant, Trek for example
use L&T for most of their components, they claim because it leads to
better quality control - it's easier to make more consistent parts
when they're small, and then bond them together, than it is to make
one big bit. As above, AFAIK none of the manufacturers make a true
monocoque anyway, they may make the front triangle that way, but then
bond in seat & chainstays.
As to the Azzurri being cheap, sure .. there's no reason why a CF
frame can't be made cheaply. Ride it, ride some other ones, examine
the warranty and your trust in the longevity of the company (ie: is a
lifetime warranty worthwhile, will the company be around in 10
years?), and then make up your mind. Ask them if they'll show you a
cutaway of the bottom bracket or if they've even seen one, that's a
good one to check out if you want to see how well the frame is really
made. Quite enlightening to see how some of the 'premium' bikes are
put together around the BB. Many of them are chock full of filler
(foam ... and yes, it breaks down quickly) rather than being smooth
well formed carbon layup. BB shells are complex and tricky and to do
them well is not easy.
