Ge4orce Posted April 20, 2011 Share Hi guys I just want to ask out of your own experiences how much of a time difference can a better lighter bike really make? I ride a entry level Al-frame how much faster would I be on a good carbon bike? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreZA Posted April 20, 2011 Share A cheap carbon bike or an expensive one? A cheap one can weigh more then your alu one and a expensive one will be lighter but cost you alot of money. Don't be fooled just because it is carbon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ge4orce Posted April 20, 2011 Share Say a carbon frame that is lighter than my Al-frame and say the carbon bike has like Ultegra or Dura Ace and my bike has Tiagra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ge4orce Posted April 20, 2011 Share Say a expensive carbon frame that is lighter than my Al-frame and say the carbon bike has like Ultegra or Dura Ace and my bike has Tiagra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camerons Posted April 20, 2011 Share Hi guys I just want to ask out of your own experiences how much of a time difference can a better lighter bike really make? I ride a entry level Al-frame how much faster would I be on a good carbon bike? From personal experience it make next to no difference to me. I went from an Alu framed cheapo road bike to a blinging carbon bike and didn't get any faster. The difference came in comfort as I was properly fitted for my new bike plus carbon frames are meant to dampen road vibrations alot more than alu. However because I had a nice bike I started enjoying my riding more, hence rode more, hence got faster that way. I think that unless your alu bike is ultra heavy or very unaerodynamic you'll notice precious little extra speed. It's all about the engine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camerons Posted April 20, 2011 Share Hi guys I just want to ask out of your own experiences how much of a time difference can a better lighter bike really make? I ride a entry level Al-frame how much faster would I be on a good carbon bike? From personal experience it made next to no difference to me. I went from an Alu framed cheapo road bike to a blinging carbon bike and didn't get any faster. The difference came in comfort as I was properly fitted for my new bike plus carbon frames are meant to dampen road vibrations alot more than alu. However because I had a nice bike I started enjoying my riding more, hence rode more, hence got faster that way. I think that unless your alu bike is ultra heavy or very unaerodynamic you'll notice precious little extra speed. It's all about the engine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Keep Pedaling Posted April 20, 2011 Share I read somewhere on the internet that Aerodynamics count more than weight on road bikes - I think aerodynamic shapes are probably easier to achieve with Carbon than Aluminium. Then again I am a mtber so please dont quote me on this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ge4orce Posted April 20, 2011 Share Personally I believe if you have lighter rims with better hubs than you will see a difference on your times.But yeah the best way to be faster is to have stronger legs and be fitter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Saint Posted April 20, 2011 Share No matter what you ride you still have to pedal the thing. I'm with Ge4orce better wheels will make more of an impact than components and frame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Potter Posted April 20, 2011 Share Personally I believe if you have lighter rims with better hubs than you will see a difference on your times.But yeah the best way to be faster is to have stronger legs and be fitter.Get a carbon bike if it’s your dream to have a carbon bike, and not with the mind that it will make you faster, you might be disappointed BIG!!!!! time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotSoBigBen Posted April 20, 2011 Share If any of you ever mention a bike will not make you faster when my 'spouse is in the house' there will be blood on the floor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeTurbo Posted April 20, 2011 Share Hmmm. I don't think it helps ... much. If I look at my race times, it makes little difference whether I ride my 6-speed steel bike or my 10-speed titanium frame. What really counts is my mood and intent, and even fitness comes second to that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MTB_Roadie Posted April 20, 2011 Share My average improved with about 4km/h over a 100km just by changing to a decent carbon frame....so yes it made a huge difference....also upgrading form a Alu frame with alloy fork.....less vibrations, the ride feels amazingly smooth and is full carbon, frame, fork and seatpost, also made me faster in the wind as I can maintain a decent average....so I believe it was the best money spend in my opinion! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TNT1 Posted April 20, 2011 Share Hi guys I just want to ask out of your own experiences how much of a time difference can a better lighter bike really make? I ride a entry level Al-frame how much faster would I be on a good carbon bike? Get a training program and a coach. will be cheaper. You'll go faster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mister B Posted April 20, 2011 Share My old aluminium Bianchi is lighter than a rather expensive new carbon Bianchi. As every one says spend money on the wheels, that will shave off some time. I rebuilt an old carbon to see there was a difference in road buzz, both bikes are from around 2005 era. no real difference in ride, the carbon is actually a bit hevier, but feels lighter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaLoCo Posted April 20, 2011 Share I upgraded to a carbon frame just before the Argus. Both frames are Merida, so the geometry is basically the same. I moved the whole groupset over, so only the frame and saddle changed. On my training ride I have an outride, and then return on the same road. I do about 80% of the climbing on the outride, so I get a nice downhill return ride  What I did find is that outride improved by 2 km/h on the average, but the return ride stayed the same (done 3 days after the last ride with the alu frame). The carbon frame does feel more responsive on the climbs, which probably accounts for the improvement. I am very happy with the carbon frame upgrade. I don't think it is the weight difference, rather the way the frame flexes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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