Carbon V Aluminium hardtail
Discussion
Sounds like you need a Trek 9.8 £2400, lifetime frame warranty, no rider weight restrictions. Carbon is def the way to go, lighter, more comfortable, faster and more controllably than alloy for all of the preceeding reasons.
I have ridden carbon almost exclusively for 8 years off and on road and never had an iota of bother. Trek have done simulations to show that if you can crack a carbon frame you would have bust an alloy one too. If you dirt jump, stick to alloy as its cheap and you can throw it away, if you rid e properly which you probably do then get Carbon.
I have ridden carbon almost exclusively for 8 years off and on road and never had an iota of bother. Trek have done simulations to show that if you can crack a carbon frame you would have bust an alloy one too. If you dirt jump, stick to alloy as its cheap and you can throw it away, if you rid e properly which you probably do then get Carbon.
Giant XTC A1 
Any manufacturer offering a life time guarantee has to be worth investing in.... Trek, Cannondale and Specialized are the ones I know of. I have the 2009 Stumpjumper HT Carbon....and love it....more compliant than Alu, and so light...
as far as beauty goes...well that it some very pretty welding going on there, but I'll see that and raise you some naked carbon weave....
as far as beauty goes...well that it some very pretty welding going on there, but I'll see that and raise you some naked carbon weave....
Been there and written the postcard. Beautiful to look at and ride, very light but carbon is too delicate for use on a serious mountain bike. A minor accident caused this. I have a few riding buddies with carbon, only one hasnt had a problem (Because he is an ex racer, has tonnes of finesse and is anal when transporting). The damage that would ding an aluminium frame will kill a carbon frame. It is ok if you have the budget to replace the frame should anything happen.
....Anyway, with that budget for a frame, why not look at titanium?
....Anyway, with that budget for a frame, why not look at titanium?
My problem is that the shops sell mostley European bikes,Focus,Mendiz,Bianchi etc.I did look at a Ti framed Sunn but at 6000 Euro I was put off some what.The Focus Raven Pro appeals as does the Mendiz Titan,both carbon framed.I have had a soft spot for Soulcraft after seeing their single speed.
I could very easily buy online but I'm going to put it through the books so it's easier to buy here for TVA reclaims and so on,plus if I have any warranty problems it isn't going to cost a fortune in postage.I looked at a zesty 514 yesterday 2999 Euro works out at £2686.Cycle store selling them for £2799 so it's less expensive to buy here,I'm beginning to drift off at a tangent....
£2500 would get you a very nice Van Nicholas Ti hardtail, for that money with XT gruppo, a Reba SL and a full Ti finishing kit. Nice bikes IMO and something a bit different, l would love one, but can't afford it! Ti is meant to be a great ride, not as stiff as alloy but still strong.
Sorry but you get what you pay for.. Van Nicholas is lower and cheaper grade of the Titanium spectrum. They are simply a rebranded Airbourne frame and apart from the fancy cut-outs in the lugs etc, they just arent as nicely finished as other brands.
HAving said that, I also hear Litespeed have dropped quality, On One produced by Lynskey is also made on a budget, so suffers quality issues as well..
HAving said that, I also hear Litespeed have dropped quality, On One produced by Lynskey is also made on a budget, so suffers quality issues as well..
t that's not cheap or affordable. I have also looked at Definative(expensive Gitane,French) but can find no reviews.Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff