The Difference Between GOOD and BAD Carbon Fiber Bike Frames!

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Are all carbon frames the same? Discover the essential differences between good and bad carbon fiber bike frames! We delve into the manufacturing process of carbon frames, explore whether carbon bike frames are truly worth the investment, and provide insights on what makes a carbon frame stand out. Whether you're considering buying a carbon bike frame or just curious about how carbon frames are made, Rob helps shed some light. Join us as we unravel the mysteries behind carbon fiber frame manufacturing and help you decide if a carbon frame is the right choice for your cycling needs.

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PS. When I provide a link here to gear or equipment I sometimes get a kickback from it. But I NEVER link to something that I haven't used or did use and didn't like! 👍

[thomasforshaw]

What I take from this is that mainstream high end bikes are made as light as possible and are therefore more fragile and you pay a premium for this to offset warranty claims.
A Chinese frame from a company trying to build a good reputation is still a quality frame built more robustly to prevent a bad press and potential customers giving them a wide berth.
There is inevitably a weight penalty to this but would this be only 100-200grams.
I personally would prefer a more robust frame if it's only going to be a couple of hundred grams heavier.

[dbk]

I don’t endorse Canyon, but their very thin carbon layup keeps me in business. 🧐😂

[swordmonkey]

It's fascinating the evolution of carbon frames and technology in the last 20 years. I remember a high end Felt carbon bike from around 2012 in a shop where the manager was pointing out (in a good way) the ability to pinch and depress the top tube in the center while the tube closer to the joints was stiff. The tube noticeably deformed when pinched.

[MainUkraine]

I have a canyon ultimate sl8, their last rim brake climbing bike and after a few crashes no cracks so far. I'm confident in German engineering.

[MrHsox]

Rob’s company did a fantastic job of repairing a hole in my down tube from a stone last year. The quality of the finish on their work was very impressive. My only complaint is that I then had no excuse to go out and get myself a completely new bike lol 😮

[aintnobodygottimedat]

I don't own a carbon frame (nor do I want one) but I always watch your vids with Rob as it's a fascinating insight into manufacturing.

[ffleischer]

Great video! It’s comforting to be reassured that sticking with steel was the correct choice😅 What would be amazing to see is a sliced Festka!

[rudyelizondo]

I own the Cervelo R3 and it is the smoothest and fastest bike I’ve ever owned!! Well worth the investment and long lasting as well

[blancou]

So after all this advice, which Chinese frame brand should I choose?

[davemellor]

Rob, s experience is second to non, some other channels are busy trying to belittle other peoples work, and experience, one in particular, but people will see through the comments language and snipes, keep doing what you are doing old Trifox has featured a lot recently and done you proud!

[kuchenblechmafiagmbh]

I'd say that "monocoque" is/was used to distinguish these modern "full carbon" frames (that only use metal for threaded inserts) from early ones like the Giant Cadex series that only used straight tubes and aluminium for the joints/vital points (bottom bracket, head tube, seatpost clamp, rear brake mount and the whole fork was still aluminium).
Similar to very old steel frames that had joints with sleeve sockets and then were soldered instead of directly welding the parts together.

[Alan_Hans__]

I would say that the video didn't really address the difference between good and bad carbon frames. It lightly addressed the difference in layup techniques but really the true difference between good and bad frames is the quality control. A "good" frame may have high modulus carbon and bits and pieces of twill around the joints but be a complete lemon of a frame and/or design. Unless the carbon is fully impregnated and it is properly compressed the frame is always at risk of failure. Similarly if the frame doesn't have good tolerances on the bearing mounting faces and on the dropouts then it is going to kill bearings and by killing bearings the rider is having to put down more watts for the same output.
There's good design, good assembly and good quality control. This video really only touched on the design portion. The thin wall sections allow extra carbon to be put on the areas where extra strength is needed due to it being a high stress area and/or it is an area where the assembly process is lacking. Grabbing 50g of carbon from the top tube and putting it around the bottom bracket to compensate for bad layup or lack of compaction doesn't necessarily make a frame "good".

[sigmann]

Strength of the frame is very important especially for MTB. For me strength would be the top priority, even if it means gaining some weight, awkwardness, or extra $$

[byronfountain]

I was lucky enough to buy a Specialized S Works and the ride is amazing. Ive had a number of carbon road bikes, but the high end carbon is something different.

[Gregory_tottie]

I really appreciate the weekly Sunday morning posts. 👍

[meibing]

Been through a few bikes since 1980's. Currently hold 1 road, 1 gravel from Specialized and a road Yoeleo - all carbon. Yoeleo w/Ultegra Di2 12 sp. and deep carbon wheels was ~½ price of the last Specialized. No discernable difference to me. All three are great rides. YMMV.

[SimonCurrey]

Fascinating to see how thin the walls are. My only carbon bike is a GT Grade carbon. The seat stays are solid fibre glass however the frame is apparently sub 1 kilo. I always worry is often run Ortlieb quick release rack. This attachs to an alloy seat post and alloy screw holes next to the through hub axles, designed for mudguards and possibly racks! Interested in informed comments!

[stevenleffanue]

Excellent insight. I also find my R11 very comfy like you do Jordan. Cheers....Steve

[thomasforshaw]

I took the plunge just over a year ago and after doing online research of different brands bought a frame from ELVES and I love it.
I later found out that ELVES have nearly 20yrs experience in making carbon frames and a lot of that time doing R&D for a few western brands and in doing so gaining valuable knowledge before starting to develop their own frames.
They're surely not the only Chinese frame manufacturer in the same situation.
I feel that if you do careful research and due diligence you can get yourself a quality frame that should be robust, well designed with a wealth of knowledge behind it and not have to pay the earth for the privilege.

[tommyfreckmann]

Great video! Would love to know if Rob has had experience with older Colnagos? Or are they pretty robust and rarely end up in his shop.