carbon fiber is stiff and super light, but is also very brittle, and has no structural rigidity when used the way bike manufacturers do.
if you drop the bike on a tiny rock it can destroy your frame, and as its brittle it will give no warning before throwing you onto your face if its already fucked.
if you want carbon fiber go buy a brand new bike and go over it with a fine tooth comb before handing over any money. (you wouldn't buy a used condom would you?)
for an everyday bike you dont have to treat like its made of gold get a good ally frame bike with a carbon fork, and if you do this you can put a much higher spec wheelset on it for the same money as a carbon frame bike, which will reduce your rolling mass, which makes way more difference than having a swanky carbon frame.

If you want to get a good deal and exceptional service go to fleet cycles in fremantle and ask to speak to john the mechanic there (he also does sales)
this guy has had more bikes than i care to think of.

Yeh thats what ive been told about the carbon bikes.. im wanting to get one second hand to save some money...

prolly in the 1-2k bracket when i finally get around to doing so..

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I'm a jockey kunts...

Sorry guys, that's total bullshit regarding carbon frames. Carbon frames have been around for over 10 years and you will struggle to find any non-carbon bike these days.

They are as strong or stronger than anything else out there. I wouldn't have any problem buying a second hand carbon bike as long as it hadn't done 5 million kms- but that would be the same for aluminium, steel as well. They all get tired after a while.

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EVO IX- sold
M3

FUCK, that is a hardcore looking bike!

What group and rims? I'm assuming Campy Super Record at a minimum for the group.

What year and brand would you recommend mate?

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I'm a jockey kunts...

Except mine is in blue. Specialized dolce elite. Don't get out on her much which is a shame. But great bike.

aahhhh that is so annoying!! I cannot get it to forget my previous account. Sorry guys.

Just stick to popular brands- Giant, Trek, Specialized, etc. Newer the better- bikes are always improving so latest model you can afford i guess. You could find a 3-4 year old bike that had hardly been used which would be better than something much newer which was owned by a hardcore cyclist and has probably done 20,000kms. Same as cars really.

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EVO IX- sold
M3

so many pdiddy cyclists...I'm very impressed!! also some of the hardware on this thread is simply awesome!!

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Bruce
08 STI - Ugly Betty Bites!!

There's a few giant bikes which I sell, which are a carbon composite - however, the majority of the frameset is composed of aluminum, with the crucial areas of the bike that are generally associated with helping to dampen vibrations coming from the road are made entirely of carbon (your fork, and chain/seat stay)

Have a peep on the giant website - these 6 or so particular bikes might tickle your fancy. They by far outweigh Avanti, Cannondale, and Specialized in terms of value for money, and the componentry that are coupled with them.

2010 Giant TCR (mid-season release - ENTIRELY aluminum.. weigh in at about 10kg dependent on frame size; as if there's physically more tubing, there will physically be more weight - as your seat tube, and consequently your top tube enlengthen in size. You could either opt for a TCR 0 (Full Ultegra 6700 Groupset / 53-39 Cranks), or the TCR 1 (Full 105 Groupset / 53-39 Cranks)

2010 Giant TCR Alliance - which was what I was making reference to before. This has a carbon composite frame. You can opt either for the TCR Alliance 1 (Full Ultegra 6700 Groupset + Mavic Aksium Race Wheelset), or the TCR Alliance 2 (Full 105 Groupset / Standard 53-39 Cranks + Shimano WH-R510 Wheelset). Both share the same frameset and geometry.

2010 Giant Defy Alliance - which differs from the TCR Alliance in terms of both geometry and gearing ratio. Slightly less aggressive in your headtube angle, which means for a more upright riding position. The defys come standard with a 50-34 compact crankset. Once again, you can either opt for the Defy Alliance 0 (Full 105 Groupset / Compact 50-34 Cranks + Mavic Aksium Race Wheelset), or the Defy Alliance 1 (Full Tiagra Groupset / Compact 50-34 Cranks + Shimano R500 Wheelset)

All giant bikes, regardless of frameset and frame materials in such - are all covered by a lifetime warranty.

Hit us a PM or come see me at TBE Nedlands and I can discuss with you if need be.

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03 STi @ 280hp/1.3bar