Carbot fiber vs Aluminum, 9 spd vs 12 spd?

[djSlvt]

I'm ever so closer to buying a bicycle. I decided against cheap steel bikes, and going at least aluminum. What's the difference between aluminum and carbon fiber, as far as it comes to riding it? Are carbon bikes ridden with less effort?


What's the difference between 9 and 12 speeds? Is 12 speed easier to ride on level road? I'm after easy and good mph.


Also, is K2 good brand? How Releigh relates to K2?

 

[Road Demon]

most road bikes now are aluminium w/ 'carbon forks.' It is cheaper to make Al bikes than steel ones now. Good carbon bikes are pricey...

I ridden every material several steel, several Titanium, several Aluminium, and now a full carbon depending on the sponsor. Anywhere from $600-5000 bikes.

You'll get more bang for you buck with aluminium frame. its light stiff and strong.

'aero' wheels make more a different than frame. Or even good 'race' folding tires make a bigger impact in terms of decreased rolling resistance and improved corning grip.

I like cannondales personally, but I'm sure Raleigh or K2 are fine. FELT are great bang for their buck. I rode one last year.

It is worthwhile to get fitted at good bike shop. I cannot stress the importance of a fit! I can refer you a website to help determine sizing.

9 spd refers to the cluster in the rear. 9 in the rear x 2 rings in the front = 18 spd. Some of the higher end stuff with be 10 rear x 2 front rings = 20.

Stay two rings in the front if possible.

9x3 rings in the front is 27 spd aka with a 'triple.'

The raleigh vs. K2 are most likely similar at the same relative price point say ~800 bucks. you might get a better frame on one, but better overall parts on the other (brakes, der, shifter, wheels etc).

Any particular models you looking at? send me some links via PM.

your going to need a helmet, cycling shorts, jersey, stiff sole cycling shoes, and pedals in your budget.

Ask away.

RD

 

[djSlvt]

I'm looking at K2 Mach 2.0 bike. But might go for something else. Aluminum bikes tend to be expensive. Is there much difference between aluminum and steel? As far as difficulty in riding it?

I'll be using it around town by the way. So I want something that I can ride without trouble in 90 degree heat, and something that won't get me killed for it.

 

[djSlvt]

Would it be cheaper if I build a bike myself? Such as buy aluminum frame and other parts on eBay and just build myself. Bikes I want go for around 300 to 400, and I'm willing to pay about half that.

 

[Road Demon]

An Aluminium bike will be a little lighter, say 1-3 lbs. road bikes in that price range weigh about 21-24lbs.

You need to know your correct frame size. Do you know anyone from friend or a bike club that can help you get fitted for the right frame size.

The K2 looks like a fine bike for the price.

Check out performance.com (a big online/catalog bike shop) and bikesdirect.com. Bikesdirect.com have amazing prices and value.

Again, if you order online or ebay, you need to know the right size frame. The major reason you buy from a bike shop is the fit. But an entry road bike at a bike shop is about 600.

Don't build it yourself. I don't even build my own bike, although I could. It more hassle than what is worth.

check out your local bike clubs, you might be able to get a good deal on used racing bike, as well as some advice on fit.

RD

 

[Francisco d'Anconia]

An Aluminium bike will be a little lighter, say 1-3 lbs. road bikes in that price range weigh about 21-24lbs.

They may as well be made out of lead being that heavy!!!

By the way, should we mention anything about the 30 speed roadbikes out there?

 

[djSlvt]

Does more speeds means faster bike?

 

[Francisco d'Anconia]

Does more speeds means faster bike?

No, not necessarily. It depends on the engine.

 

[logic1]

In the High Performance Industry, Carbon Fiber and Titanium are lighter than Aluminum with the same amount of strength

Example 1 pound of CF or Titanium can be made stronger for a certain part than 2 pounds of aluminum to make the same part.

In racing if you can afford CF or Titanium and is legal you are lighter, and faster with the same strength of the heavier steel or aluminum.