Should I go Carbon Fiber - or another folder?

[Jay]

My current folder from Bike Friday has an ovalized head tube. BF will give
me a credit for another bike. So I am shopping for another bike; not really
where I want to be.

I have been reading about carbon fiber. Is CF state of the art? Will CF hold
up to year round commuting (20 miles daily) in Chicago? 220 lbs (rider) + 30
lbs cargo.

I am a bike commuter. Not racing.

Thanks Usenet Friends - J.

 

[_]

On Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:29:51 -0600, Jay wrote:

> My current folder from Bike Friday has an ovalized head tube. BF will give
> me a credit for another bike. So I am shopping for another bike; not really
> where I want to be.
>
> I have been reading about carbon fiber. Is CF state of the art? Will CF hold
> up to year round commuting (20 miles daily) in Chicago? 220 lbs (rider) + 30
> lbs cargo.
>


Maybe you will get both in one, carbon fibre being what it is...

 

[Doug Taylor]

On Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:29:51 -0600, "Jay" <[email protected]> wrote:

>My current folder from Bike Friday has an ovalized head tube. BF will give
>me a credit for another bike. So I am shopping for another bike; not really
>where I want to be.
>
>I have been reading about carbon fiber. Is CF state of the art? Will CF hold
>up to year round commuting (20 miles daily) in Chicago? 220 lbs (rider) + 30
>lbs cargo.
>
>I am a bike commuter. Not racing.
>
>Thanks Usenet Friends - J.

Actually, you show go to another Forum

If you do a google groups search of rbt, not only will you find no
consensus, but also passionate disagreement on the subject.

see e.g.: http://tinyurl.com/2kthgv

Summary:

yea: Jim Beam, Mike Jacoubowsky, me

nay: everybody (?) else in the n.g.

 

[David L. Johnson]

Jay wrote:

> I have been reading about carbon fiber. Is CF state of the art? Will CF hold
> up to year round commuting (20 miles daily) in Chicago? 220 lbs (rider) + 30
> lbs cargo.

I can't see looking for carbon fiber for a commuting bike. If, no,
when, you crash, there may be damage which does not show, and failure
modes are not good with carbon. You also spend a lot for advantages
that would make sense while racing, or even fast club rides, but which
would not be advantages commuting. Why not get a reliable frame, or
better yet, something cheap that you won't be upset about when someone
steals it? Saving a few grams, even a few hundred grams, is not worth
much for a commuter -- especially someone 200+ lbs.

If you do wind up with a carbon fork, let me recommend a Wound Up carbon
fork. Strongest fork on the market, regardless of material. Other than
that, steel or titanium make more sense to me. Hmm, my bike is
titanium, except for my Wound Up fork.

--

David L. Johnson

If all economists were laid end to end, they would not reach a
conclusion.
-- George Bernard Shaw

 

[[email protected]]

On Jan 21, 2:29 pm, "Jay" <[email protected]> wrote:
> My current folder from Bike Friday has an ovalized head tube. BF will give
> me a credit for another bike. So I am shopping for another bike; not really
> where I want to be.
>
> I have been reading about carbon fiber. Is CF state of the art? Will CF hold
> up to year round commuting (20 miles daily) in Chicago? 220 lbs (rider) + 30
> lbs cargo.
>
> I am a bike commuter. Not racing.
>
> Thanks Usenet Friends - J.

For a 250 load on a commuter, especially a folder, I'd stay away from
carbon. Too pricey, too fragile, too flashy and the failure modes are
too sudden. Just an opinion, but if I were in your shoes carbon
wouldn't even be on my list.

 

[Jay]

"Doug Taylor" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:29:51 -0600, "Jay" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>My current folder from Bike Friday has an ovalized head tube. BF will give
>>me a credit for another bike. So I am shopping for another bike; not
>>really
>>where I want to be.
>>
>>I have been reading about carbon fiber. Is CF state of the art? Will CF
>>hold
>>up to year round commuting (20 miles daily) in Chicago? 220 lbs (rider) +
>>30
>>lbs cargo.
>>
>>I am a bike commuter. Not racing.
>>
>>Thanks Usenet Friends - J.
>
> Actually, you show go to another Forum
>
> If you do a google groups search of rbt, not only will you find no
> consensus, but also passionate disagreement on the subject.
>
> see e.g.: http://tinyurl.com/2kthgv
>
> Summary:
>
> yea: Jim Beam, Mike Jacoubowsky, me
>
> nay: everybody (?) else in the n.g.
>
>
Since I am spec-ing a new bike as a non-bike-professional, I don't know if
CF is something I should consider.

Is CF only for those who are racing, and for whom money is no object?

J.

 

[Ben C]

On 2008-01-21, Jay <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> "Doug Taylor" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> On Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:29:51 -0600, "Jay" <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>>My current folder from Bike Friday has an ovalized head tube. BF will give
>>>me a credit for another bike. So I am shopping for another bike; not
>>>really
>>>where I want to be.
>>>
>>>I have been reading about carbon fiber. Is CF state of the art? Will CF
>>>hold
>>>up to year round commuting (20 miles daily) in Chicago? 220 lbs (rider) +
>>>30
>>>lbs cargo.
>>>
>>>I am a bike commuter. Not racing.
[...]
> Since I am spec-ing a new bike as a non-bike-professional, I don't know if
> CF is something I should consider.
>
> Is CF only for those who are racing, and for whom money is no object?

It's not that expensive any more. There are quite cheap racers now with
complete CF frames or CF forks and seatstays.

It is the state of the art in the sense that pro racers are practically
all using CF. But of course it doesn't follow that a very cheap CF bike
is as good.

30lbs of cargo sounds like rather a lot for a racer. To carry that much
weight you want panniers, which means you want some kind of tourer or
"hybrid" or something, and I think you are unlikely to come across a
bike in that shape and style made of CF. So probably not a choice you
will have to make anyway. Steel or aluminium should be fine.

 

[Steve Watkin]

Recon you need a steel "tourer" like we have in the UK
Like this http://www.dawescycles.com/dawes/galaxy.htm
Must be able to get something similar in the US. Perhaps from someone like
http://www.rivbike.com/

 

[Steve Watkin]

Or maybe the Surly Longhaul Trucker
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/surly/longhaul.htm

 

[[email protected]]

On Jan 21, 2:29 pm, "Jay" <[email protected]> wrote:
> My current folder from Bike Friday has an ovalized head tube. BF will give
> me a credit for another bike. So I am shopping for another bike; not really
> where I want to be.
>
> I have been reading about carbon fiber. Is CF state of the art? Will CF hold
> up to year round commuting (20 miles daily) in Chicago? 220 lbs (rider) + 30
> lbs cargo.
>
> I am a bike commuter. Not racing.
>
> Thanks Usenet Friends - J.

ISTM that carbon fiber makes little sense for your application.

First, I assume you picked a Friday because you wanted it to fold. If
there are there folders made of carbon fiber, I wasn't aware of them.
So are you planning to abandon the folding feature? Have your biking
priorities have changed, perhaps? If not, I think your question is
moot. You can't buy what doesn't exist.

But if you are now after a more standard frame, what advantage do you
expect from carbon fiber? Your 250 pounds plus (say) 25 pound steel
bike might be reduced to 250 pounds plus 22 pound bike, assuming tough
commuting wheels, fenders, rack, etc. That's a roughly 1% reduction
in weight. For that benefit, you're going to deal with a higher
price, more worry about theft, more difficulty to repair, and more
worry about reliability. (Did the Chinese lady wrapping the CF have a
bad day? Did the adhesive cure properly? Is that a crack I see, or
just a surface scratch?)

When my best cycling buddy went to CF, he didn't gain any noticeable
speed at all. CF is stylish, but it's not magic. I don't see that it
makes much sense - especially in your application.

- Frank Krygowski

 

[Hank]

On Jan 21, 1:56 pm, "Steve Watkin" <[email protected]>
wrote:
> Or maybe the Surly Longhaul Truckerhttp://www.bikesdirect.com/products/surly/longhaul.htm

At JensonUSA, it's $30 cheaper, still ships free, and they tune it up
before shipping it. Plus, they have every size in stock.

http://tinyurl.com/ypof6q

 

[[email protected]]

On Jan 21, 5:11 pm, Hank <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Jan 21, 1:56 pm, "Steve Watkin" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
> > Or maybe the Surly Longhaul Truckerhttp://www.bikesdirect.com/products/surly/longhaul.htm
>
> At JensonUSA, it's $30 cheaper, still ships free, and they tune it up
> before shipping it. Plus, they have every size in stock.
>
> http://tinyurl.com/ypof6q

I've spoken with a few Surly owners - every one of them is happy as a
clam with the bike.

That said, Frank hit on a good point regarding need. Why did you buy
a folder to begin with? That that need change? How often do you need
to break the bike down? If rarely, the Ritchey Break Away design
should be a consideration. If never, I'd go with a one piece diamond
framed (regular) bike. However, I'm afraid all of this is moot, since
there was mention of Bike Friday giving a credit toward another bike,
and I believe they only make folders.

Anyway, more info from Jay on his intent, use, needs etc. would make
this an easier riddle to solve.

 

[[email protected]]

On Jan 21, 1:29 pm, "Jay" <[email protected]> wrote:
> My current folder from Bike Friday has an ovalized head tube. BF will give
> me a credit for another bike. So I am shopping for another bike; not really
> where I want to be.
>
> I have been reading about carbon fiber. Is CF state of the art? Will CF hold
> up to year round commuting (20 miles daily) in Chicago? 220 lbs (rider) + 30
> lbs cargo.
>
> I am a bike commuter. Not racing.
>
> Thanks Usenet Friends - J.

Naked titanium. Not "cheap", but one "state of the art".

Benefits: Resistance to corrosion, brushed finish that can be
"repaired" by the user if it gets a mark on it. No paint to get
chipped off and look ugly and let what is under rust or corrode
(steel, aluminum). All one material, welded (fused, melted, not glued)
together, "forever". No "gel coat problems". Not quite as light as
carbon fiber, maybe, a small difference at best for a 'muter.

Some find Ti dull and uninteresting. Maybe thieves, too <g>.

If you need "extra burly", this might be one way to go:

http://www.habcycles.com/

Custom frames, reasonable. A stock frame is cheaper and might work for
you, too.

The Habanero site is well worth a read-over. M. Hickey is a former
frequent contributor here; I see his frames are stocked by current
freq. contribs. A. Muzi (Yellow Jersey) and Sheldon Brown (Harris bike
shop). --D-y

 

[Mike Jacoubowsky]

> Is CF only for those who are racing, and for whom money is no object?

Not at all! Most would benefit from something that's ligher weight and
reduces vibration. But, carbon fiber as used for bicycles is rarely done
with an eye towards extreme durability. A carbon fiber folding commute bike,
for example, would either be more expensive than need be (because the market
for an ultra-durable carbon bike would be so small that there would be no
economies from large-scale production), or else, more likely, a
somewhat-fragile novelty product. Using carbon fiber just for the sake of
saying it's a carbon fiber frame is not always a good use of money.

I'd save the money and get something built out of a more practical (for
commuting) material, either aluminum or steel. Something that, even if
strength were the same, the cost of replacing a damaged frame would be far
less painful. And in commuting, things *do* get damaged.

--Mike Jacoubowsky
Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReaction.com
Redwood City & Los Altos, CA USA

 

[Tom Sherman]

Jay Bollyn wrote:
> My current folder from Bike Friday has an ovalized head tube. BF will give
> me a credit for another bike. So I am shopping for another bike; not really
> where I want to be.
>
> I have been reading about carbon fiber. Is CF state of the art? Will CF hold
> up to year round commuting (20 miles daily) in Chicago? 220 lbs (rider) + 30
> lbs cargo.
>
> I am a bike commuter. Not racing.
>
I would get the replacement BF from Green Gear, and have it built up
with a SRAM S7 rear hub with integral I-Brake and an I-Brake front hub.
The brakes will be adequate for your riding (based on your past posts)
as will the gearing ratios, and maintenance will be a lot less,
especially when riding in winter slop. Your current accessories will
also fit on the new bike with minimal adjustment.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
"And never forget, life ultimately makes failures of all people."
- A. Derleth

 

[POHB]

On 21 Jan, 19:29, "Jay" <[email protected]> wrote:
> My current folder from Bike Friday has an ovalized head tube. BF will give
> me a credit for another bike. So I am shopping for another bike; not really
> where I want to be.
>
> I have been reading about carbon fiber. Is CF state of the art? Will CF hold
> up to year round commuting (20 miles daily) in Chicago? 220 lbs (rider) + 30
> lbs cargo.
>
> I am a bike commuter. Not racing.

If you want a bling frame on a folder how about a titanium Brompton?
http://www.brompton.co.uk/index.asp

 

[[email protected]]

On Jan 21, 2:29 pm, "Jay" <[email protected]> wrote:
> My current folder from Bike Friday has an ovalized head tube. BF will give
> me a credit for another bike. So I am shopping for another bike; not really
> where I want to be.
>
> I have been reading about carbon fiber. Is CF state of the art? Will CF hold
> up to year round commuting (20 miles daily) in Chicago? 220 lbs (rider) + 30
> lbs cargo.
>
> I am a bike commuter. Not racing.
>
> Thanks Usenet Friends - J.

CF is the best thing today. there are a lot of grades of carbon
fibers, if it is coming from a good brand like giant, specialzied or
trek is good. go for it!
carlos
http://www.bikingthings.com

 

[Jay]

<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:64b69eae-fcc0-4ba8-9a34-5bf8baee02a5@h11g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
On Jan 21, 5:11 pm, Hank <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Jan 21, 1:56 pm, "Steve Watkin" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
> > Or maybe the Surly Longhaul
> > Truckerhttp://www.bikesdirect.com/products/surly/longhaul.htm
>
> At JensonUSA, it's $30 cheaper, still ships free, and they tune it up
> before shipping it. Plus, they have every size in stock.
>
> http://tinyurl.com/ypof6q

I've spoken with a few Surly owners - every one of them is happy as a
clam with the bike.

That said, Frank hit on a good point regarding need. Why did you buy
a folder to begin with? That that need change? How often do you need
to break the bike down? If rarely, the Ritchey Break Away design
should be a consideration. If never, I'd go with a one piece diamond
framed (regular) bike. However, I'm afraid all of this is moot, since
there was mention of Bike Friday giving a credit toward another bike,
and I believe they only make folders.

Anyway, more info from Jay on his intent, use, needs etc. would make
this an easier riddle to solve.
>
>
My bike commute / usage has evolved to the point where I do not need a
folder. But I am convinced that a bike with 20" wheels is significantly
easier for my intermodal commute than full-size wheels. This is mostly
because of the CTA commuter train. There is a narrow escalator up to the
train platform, where I often need to carry the bike and walk up the moving
escalator, or miss the train, and wait 10 minutes on the platform.

With my small footprint bike, I can be out of the way on the train. This is
not really possible with full size wheels.

J.