All carbon frame

I like mine but bikes and opinions vary. I suggest doing some test rides at a shop.

+1 with JH

There's no way to predict what you'll experience. The only way to find out is by taking the aforementioned test ride.

As mentioned, you must 'try before you buy'.
Nonetheless, I was in the same position a couple years back and what I immediately noticed when I went from a Specialized Allez all aluminum frame to a Pedal Force full carbon was the PF ride was smoother, and my bike at least a half pound lighter.

Seeing as your current frame has carbon rear stays, the difference in feel may be minimal. Longer duration rides would favor full carbon, generally speaking.

Any excuse to go to the bike shop is a worthy excuse...

I am also a recreational rider. I can say that due to finances I went backwards in January, from all carbon to aluminum with carbon seatstays and carbon fork, and it was a big step down. I miss my "smooth as silk" carbon bike, but am thankful to have something to ride.

There is no characteristic ride "feel" for any frame material. How a bike "feels" is the result of geometry, how it was put together, fit, and mostly, how much air is in the tires. There are a lot of generalizations about materials, but just about everyone of those generalizations is wrong.

I've ridden bikes made from steel, Ti, CF, and--for the British in the crowd--aluminium. The biggest difference between all of 'em was fit and tire pressure.

alienator said:

There is no characteristic ride "feel" for any frame material. How a bike "feels" is the result of geometry, how it was put together, fit, and mostly, how much air is in the tires. There are a lot of generalizations about materials, but just about everyone of those generalizations is wrong.

I've ridden bikes made from steel, Ti, CF, and--for the British in the crowd--aluminium. The biggest difference between all of 'em was fit and tire pressure.

I agree that there is more to feel than frame material, but I respectfully disagree that there is not a difference in ride characteristics between steel, aluminum, titanium and carbon fiber.

What would those ride characteristics be? Steel is supposed to feel lively, but my Paramount didn't. Aluminum is supposed to be harsh, but with changes in the industry and greater materials understanding, that old nugget can't be counted on to be true. CF? It's supposed to "damp vibes well." Hmmm. On some routes, there are "high vibe" surfaces, and I feel 'em.

No, I think it's all perception. Personal perception from your body's sensors. Note that the body really isn't accurate at all when it comes to sensing. Personal perception egged on by mythology, the idea that a frame of a given material has to ride a certain way.

How a design makes use of a material is what counts.

One of the magazines, back in the '90's, did what was supposed to be a blind ride test using a bike made from each material. The net result was that bikes/materials couldn't be clearly identified.

What Alienator said +1,000,000

Le Cycle, the major French velo rag did a test like what Alienator describes. They had Columbus Thron, EL-OS, and some others I don't recall. All the frames were painted up the same colors and had the same components, wheels and tyres.
Not one of the testers could pick out which frames were which based on their butt-o-meters😄

BikingBrian said:

What Alienator said +1,000,000

Le Cycle, the major French velo rag did a test like what Alienator describes. They had Columbus Thron, EL-OS, and some others I don't recall. All the frames were painted up the same colors and had the same components, wheels and tyres.
Not one of the testers could pick out which frames were which based on their butt-o-meters😄

There you go, i've always suspected as much 🙄 is the article available online?

So some of us are convinced that carbon has a characteristic ride quality and some are not. I can agree that a well implemented design in any material can be a good bike to you, and that personal preference and perception based upon expectation are also factors. My experience is that after riding a steel frame for 16 years and an aluminum frame for 4 years, that going to an all carbon bike was a genuine upgrade. I will also acknowledge that the carbon bike was more expensive and better in other ways (better wheels, better components, better handling) so was a better riding experience in general not only due to the frame material. I will also admit that I would buy a good steel-framed bike in a moment. I say if you are riding lots and have earned an upgrade, set a budget, try different bikes, enjoy the hunt, and get what you like.

King Schlooge said:

I say if you are riding lots and have earned an upgrade, set a budget, try different bikes, enjoy the hunt, and get what you like.

I can agree with that.

baker3 said:

There you go, i've always suspected as much 🙄 is the article available online?

Sorry, I don't really know:o I read it in a print issue from 1995 or 96, I should dig it out again.

Do you have carbon seat stays, or chain stays ?
Hopefully it is seat-stays as that will help a bit in the shock absorption factor. I know some manufactures(Colnago CT-1) did both chain+seat stays , but that "fad" is a dying phenomenon.

The rate of deformation of carbon is definitly less then any aluminum(6000 or 7000 series) , mainly due to their welds + material strength. That is a proven engineering fact. There have been countless times in the last 8-10 years that I have heard road or Mountain bikers(primarily) grinding up a hill and you hear their BB creaking(on aluminum frames). Sure, it could just be their BB bearings doing the creaking, or their frame 😄

Thus, a good/nice carbon frame(monocoque) will last a very long time. I have seen a few models in the last 1-2 years go for $1000-1200 with fork. Monocoque is the standard. A C40 or C50 would be nicer in terms of the frame being lighter and each tube being layed in a way to yeild the most shock absorption and most strength against shearing(horizontal) and vertical forces.

So, in terms of durability a carbon frame will last longer then aluminum(given all the exact variables exerted against the frameset during a length of time). Like many things in life, if you get a good deal on the frame that is quality, it can and will last you at least 10 years(even ridden hard). In terms of other elements like shock absorption rate, weight, etc. etc. , those factors vary depending upon the frame in question.

alienator said:

What would those ride characteristics be? Steel is supposed to feel lively, but my Paramount didn't. Aluminum is supposed to be harsh, but with changes in the industry and greater materials understanding, that old nugget can't be counted on to be true. CF? It's supposed to "damp vibes well." Hmmm. On some routes, there are "high vibe" surfaces, and I feel 'em.

No, I think it's all perception. Personal perception from your body's sensors. Note that the body really isn't accurate at all when it comes to sensing. Personal perception egged on by mythology, the idea that a frame of a given material has to ride a certain way.

How a design makes use of a material is what counts.

One of the magazines, back in the '90's, did what was supposed to be a blind ride test using a bike made from each material. The net result was that bikes/materials couldn't be clearly identified.

I'd go with that reasoning too. I've ridden full carbon frames that make cannondales seem like the old Vitus 979s. Isaac frames are nice and stiff but you'll start to feel it after a while...

BikingBrian said:

What Alienator said +1,000,000

Le Cycle, the major French velo rag did a test like what Alienator describes. They had Columbus Thron, EL-OS, and some others I don't recall. All the frames were painted up the same colors and had the same components, wheels and tyres.
Not one of the testers could pick out which frames were which based on their butt-o-meters😄

Steel frame comparison article

I've got a similar bike to the OP; aluminum frame with carbon stays, seatpost and fork. I asked Mike Olheiser about going to an all carbon frame and he said the difference would be small and would depend upon the frame construction. He said a good set of wheels is the best upgrade you can do for your bike. Mike works at my gym.

bbattle said:

Mike works at my gym.

My uncle's got a barn...

Bob Ross said:

My uncle's got a barn...

Once I swallowed a bug.

I found that I was slighly faster when I changed to carbon mainly because my carbon frame was stiffer. I improved on the hills a lot, I improved going down hills because the frame tracked perfectly and I improved on the flats because the frame fits me like a glove and I am very comfortable on it. None of my improvement was becase of the weight of the frame but because of the quality and the fit of the frame. Could an aluminium or steel frame do the same for me? maybe yes maybe no..I had both and neither rode like my CR1 and I can say that I am very happy/pleased that I got my carbon Scott CR1 frame.🙂