I always like behind the scenes stuff – be it movies, Discovery channel’s “How it’s made” or anything like that. Similarly, when there’s a little bit of background about what goes into making a bike, I eat it up.
It’s also really nice to see companies leaning on their pro’s for feedback and product development. I know it’s commonplace with most companies now, but it’s nice when that aspect of the relationship is highlighted (Specialized and Cervélo also spring to mind), and it’s always nice to see it first hand (well, through video anyway ;-)
Sheldon will be stoked about this one… Though I’m still baffled it’s taken Rocky until 2011 to upgrade their XC race rig to full carbon.
I’ll start by acknowledging that Myra and I both have full carbon bikes. That said Ken, why the forceful and recurring assumption that carbon is the only logical choice for a bike frame? Vibration damping qualities? On a road bike, sure, but on a full suspension bike? Heck, on any bike with fat tyres? Light weight and strong (although delicate)? Sure, but a hand built steel or Ti frame is only marginally heavier (ok, try finding a hand built steel/Ti full suspension frame and not have to re-mortgage the house). Or you could just lose a pound or two. So – what gives? How come carbon frames are merely relics of the past?
Ooops. That last line should read, “…non-carbon frames…”
Nothing? Have I touched a nerve? :)
Haha… Naw, just been a busy boy. I don’t feel *that* passionate about carbon bikes that you’d rattle me with a comment like that ;-)
Really, the reason I keep leaning towards carbon, or at least react with surprise when bike lines haven’t adopted it yet is a simple matter of economies of scale, coupled with frame design advancements and where technology seems to be heading.
On an economic standpoint I’ve always been intrigued with Rocky’s choice to employ Scandium in it’s frames in light of its rarity. From reviews, I’ve gleaned that it’s slightly stronger a little lighter and fatigues a little less than regular aluminum, but to use a “rare” alloy seems a bad idea in the long run… To me, anyway, especially in light of the higher price tag.
As carbon continues to be highly adopted the price points continue to drop and the quality continues to rise. I might contest that monetarily it makes much more sense right now to bet on carbon as the most attainable material with the best performance payoff – With that said, the other big benefit with carbon is that some of the previous limitations of metal frames can be ignored, as carbon can be moulded and shaped however the engineers see fit.
As for it being delicate – I fully discount this comment as being ridiculous… I’ve seen my buddy take a full carbon Ibis Mojo frame, pound it with a hammer for five minutes and then throw it down the stairs with only surface damage. Though, I will concede that you can sometimes repair a damaged metal frame, whereas replacement is pretty much your only option with carbon ;-)
All good points. Just wanted to know your reasons!