Before 1998, there are a number of non-carbon bikes that cyclists had used to win Tour de France. But after that year, ever bike that has made it to the finish line in the first position has been a carbon bike. Therefore, it is quite surprising to learn that many cyclists today still treat carbon bikes with suspicion. The argument fronted by these cyclists regards carbon’s durability. These cyclists believe that unlike titanium, steel or alloy, a carbon frame bike serves a cyclist for a shorter time because when such a bike is involved in a crash, the carbon frame suffers irreparable damage.
But if these claims are true, why would so many people keep buying carbon frame bikes? Moreover, why do many cyclists buy used carbon road bikes if they do not have a long shell life? Furthermore, would the situation be different if you buy used carbon road bikes from TheRacery.com or carbon bikes from other reputable stores?
People who don’t see why everyone wants to buy a carbon frame bike also say that most people who buy them underutilize them given that the speed gains you could enjoy using a carbon bike needs the cyclist to create loads of watts. Consequently, these people see no reason why cyclists who use bikes for recreational purposes only should buy carbon frame bikes.
Before 2000, bike manufacturers used to compete in creating the lightest bikes in the market. That changed when the UCI introduced a new regulation barring all manufacturers from producing bikes that are below 6.8kg. For that reason, manufacturers shifted their fight for dominance from the weight of the bike to aerodynamics.
Today’s carbon bicycles are not very different from the carbon bicycles of the past. While the argument regarding how long it can serve you once you buy it still persists, the bike’s ability to navigate hills has never been in doubt. Most cyclists can also agree that if you are looking to compete in races, then there are no better bikes than those made of a carbon frame. Therefore, if your intention is using the bicycle for recreational purposes, then the carbon bike is not for you. If you will be riding long distances, then add some money and get yourself a carbon bike.
