I am looking to upgrade from my aluminum frame road bike to a carbon frame road bikeI would like to know the advantages and disadvantages to a carbon frame, other than the fact that it costs moreAlso, should I consider one bike maker or brand over another, and whyDo any of the manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on their carbon frames? Thanks.
Wow, a lot of disinformation being posted as factLet me say this first: There is 'need' and there is 'want'Unless you are in the top 1% or above in cycling fitness for your age group, buying a carbon fiber frame will not make you any fasterTraining willThat being said, carbon fiber has taken over the high-end bike frame market and is making huge inroads to the mid-range market tooAll for good reasonCarbon fiber can be tuned for each portion of the frameWithout question the lightest and stiffest frames are carbon fiberI am a competitive cyclist who rides over 5000 miles a year and ride a seven year old Look brand (obsolete by today's standards) carbon-tubed bikeMy bike weighs a little over 19 lbs with pedals so it is far from the lightestThe frame is aluminum lug with carbon fiber tube construction joined together with an adhisiveI am also 6'4 tall, 195 lbs and can generate well over 1000 watts for a short burstI have crashed this frame heavily without any damageCarbon fiber is very, very toughDon't believe all the carbon-hatersThe price is coming down every year so if you can't afford one this year, you may be able too next year.
