I've narrowed down my next bike next year to either the cannondale Caad10 Ultegra version or the supersix 105 version, I've heard good things about both bikes, and at this point its gonna be down to preference after I ride it but, is aluminum stronger than carbon or vice versa? Will carbon crack easily or fail catastrophically?
Ride them both. You will like the aluminum bike, but you will fall in love with the carbon. New carbon frames are very light, stiff, road dampening, and responsive. You have to stand on the pedals only once to know they fly. They have a Cannondale lifetime warranty against cracks. Just a note about the component set. 105 is nice. Ultegra is so smooth. I would pony up for the Ultegra on the carbon frame. There IS a feel difference, not just weight savings. Have fun with either.
I would prefer carbon over aluminum I would agree with Anna on her post If you plan on touring carbon is a poor choice. If touring is a goal I would prefer steel over aluminum While I have not chosen Aluminum as my number one choice in either I would also say that it is a fantastic material for a bike frame. My mountain bike is an aluminum alloy and I love that bike. I have owned both for road bikes and like my carbon better and not by a little bit. to be fair my aluminum bike was not the same quality as my carbon. Sora vs Ultegra and a host of little differences. On the road I have found aluminum stiff and unforgiving compared to carbon which is stiff and forgiving. Most bikes come with carbon forks for that reason. Cannondale is a fine machine and I would be proud to own either bike. My daughter rides a Synapse which is an aluminum frame. As far as durability I have had no issues with carbon. My bike gets between 60-100 miles every week and often much more and has no signs of cracks and or other issues. For those that say the lifespan of carbon is ten years I am uncertain if that is true. However most Rec Riders components on a bike have seen enough use after ten years to warrant a new bike at that point.
I am not sure where some of these posts came from, but from someone like myself who road cycles 6000 to 8000 miles per year and has a 3 year old carbon fiber frame, I have never had any problems with my frame... I have never heard of any carbon bike breaking unless it was in some MAJOR crash... the same crash that would destroy almost any bike (except cromealloy steel)... That being said, carbon frames are usually the lightest out there, but they can be pricey. Yes, they can be stiffer, but that is a GOOD thing because the power transfer through the drivetrain is better, especially when you have to get up out of the saddle. While riding regularly, especially on the flats, it gives a bit, providing a plush ride. I love my Specialized Roubaix Pro, pretty much everything on the bike is carbon, from the FSA cranks to the Specialized carbon stem... But be prepared to spend at least 3000 bucks to get the bike with good components. Ride safe and have fun!
Aluminum Vs Carbon Road Bike
Carbon fiber and aluminum are newer and increasingly popular substitutes for the original bike frame material, steel. In the early 21st century, carbon fiber gained a reputation for being lightweight and the latest frame technology, but advancements in aluminum alloys and frame construction make the two frame materials equal contenders for best material. Almost all carbon fiber bicycles are designed for competitive road riders, who can get increased speed from riding on such a lightweight material. In contrast, aluminum frames are available for road, mountain, cyclocross, hybrid and other models of bikes as they come in different grades. Carbon fiber frames are not always lighter than aluminum frames. Weight depends on construction methods. According to outdoor equipment retailer REI, when it comes to bike frames, the more you pay, the less it weighs, and this holds true for carbon fiber and aluminum bikes. Compare two bikes of any frame material, and the lighter one will cost less. Due to the weight forces operating on a loaded-down touring bike, carbon fiber is a poor choice for such trips, as well as for any sort of off-road riding or trick riding. Lance Armstrong notes that the areas where metal fittings, such as fork ends, bottom bracket shells or headsets, attach to a carbon fiber frame are particularly weak. Carbon fiber is excellent for racing, with its combination of durability and weight. Aluminum frames handle better the weight and shocks of grocery shopping, commuting and trail riding.
