Are CF frames getting too light?

[richwagmn]

Have CF frame makers jumped the shark on lightness? I've been putting together a Madone 5.9 frame to replace my 2004 5200 frameset ruined in a crash and I couldn't help but notice where weight is being cut these days. For instance I couldn't see any metal inserts in the frame for the brake stud now. It looks to me like it just mounts on the frame itself. On the Madones, they've adopted Shimano's external bearing bottom bracket except that the bearings are placed directly into the carbon fiber shell. Same with the headset bearings.
Built with the same components, my bike went from 17.5 to 16.2 lbs.

It feels like this frame (much lighter than my 5200) will not be as durable (the crash that ruined that frame would have bent any other frame I would have owned).

So I'm wondering if it's just Trek or are other CF frame makers saving a few hundred grams at the expense of longer term durability?

 

[brianf7]

They are getting lighter stronger and stiffer but they dont like being crashed they should be insured new for old but now the insurance companys are getting too many big claims they have imposed a $500 excess on all carbon components.
Having said that if you crash a alloy frame and bend it then it is still no use to you. the days of a frame builder putting new tubes in have long gone.

 

[tubularglue]

calfee

does an amazing job repairing all carbon damaged and painting. Link above

in the US, there is a large number of builders remaining to repair damaged frames. In New Hampshire, i would travel, to say, this builder.

TED WOJCIK CUSTOM BICYCLES.

 

[Damiano Machiavelli]

So I'm wondering if it's just Trek or are other CF frame makers saving a few hundred grams at the expense of longer term durability?

The tubes of some bikes can now be flexed by squeezing them between your thumb and forefinger. This does not inspire a lot of confidence in their long term ability to withstand wear and tear, travel, the occasional corner slide out, or a klutz tipping the bike over when it is parked against a fence or wall. There has to be minimum amount of material beneath which a frame becomes too susceptible to everyday abuse. It would not surprise me if manufacturers have gone below that minimum. You do not ever see them advertising how durable their products are. It is always about their frames being 30 grams lighter than the Joneses.

 

[DirtyWorks]

... It is always about their frames being 30 grams lighter than the Joneses.

It's the bike business. They urgently need to move product and low weights moves product. The reason being that is what sells LOTS of bicycles. Many people having no good reason to bother checking weight still do at many price points. What happens over time is they figure out the weight/durability formula pretty well.

 

[Bustedknuckle]

Have CF frame makers jumped the shark on lightness? I've been putting together a Madone 5.9 frame to replace my 2004 5200 frameset ruined in a crash and I couldn't help but notice where weight is being cut these days. For instance I couldn't see any metal inserts in the frame for the brake stud now. It looks to me like it just mounts on the frame itself. On the Madones, they've adopted Shimano's external bearing bottom bracket except that the bearings are placed directly into the carbon fiber shell. Same with the headset bearings.
Built with the same components, my bike went from 17.5 to 16.2 lbs.

It feels like this frame (much lighter than my 5200) will not be as durable (the crash that ruined that frame would have bent any other frame I would have owned).

So I'm wondering if it's just Trek or are other CF frame makers saving a few hundred grams at the expense of longer term durability?

JRA I don't think there are any issues but, 'no such thing as a free lunch', poor crashworthiness and limited repairability.

BTW-they don't want any long term durability. They want you to buy a new frame!

 

[tubularglue]

BTW-they don't want any long term durability. They want you to buy a new frame!

word'.......