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Rider Weight V's Carbon Frame

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Barracuda

Jul 16, 2009
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Forgive me if already covered, however further to my "FUJI" thread I am seeking wisdom / experience on the above subject.

Lets say "someone" is a rider of 78kg and is looking at carbon frames.

How does this "someone" :) know what weight the frame they are looking at is designed for such a weight ?

:eek:
 
Martin318is

Martin318is

Jun 16, 2009
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generally speaking, most frames can easily handle up to 190-220lb. Its only after that that things start to get interesting really.

That said, top of the range lightweight frames are a case by case basis, as are components such as head stems. You'd need to check with each individual manufacturer. Some are easy to get it from, others are a bit more circumspect.

I should mention that usage is also important. A timetrial bike will take less strain usually than a cyclo-cross bike for the same weight rider for instance
 
Master50

Master50

Mar 10, 2009
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I too am 78 kilos and unless the bike is marketed as super light or for climbers or extreme climb I think you can be comfortable with just about anyones carbon bikes. Colnago will build bikes for riders over 92 kilos but you are around 12 kilos shy of that
 
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Parera

Sep 16, 2011
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Doesn't stress too play a factor? A big guy (180 lbs) like Hushovd rode the S3 (which is on the soft/flimsy carbon spectrum imo) for a few seasons and I don't think there was ever an issue. I'm sure he was putting way more stress on those frames than an amateur racer at 20-30lbs heavier ever could...so yeah, I think you're fine.

Also I rode a Fuji at 196 lbs, and it was fine...until a 1990 Acura Integra said "lol no!"
 
DirtyWorks

DirtyWorks

Feb 10, 2010
10,645
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22,510
Parera said:
Doesn't stress too play a factor? A big guy (180 lbs) like Hushovd rode the S3 (which is on the soft/flimsy carbon spectrum imo) for a few seasons and I don't think there was ever an issue. I'm sure he was putting way more stress on those frames than an amateur racer at 20-30lbs heavier ever could...so yeah, I think you're fine.

Also I rode a Fuji at 196 lbs, and it was fine...until a 1990 Acura Integra said "lol no!"
Click to expand...

Very important to understand that carbon frames have much better fatigue performance than alloys. Much, much better. Great use-specific performance that alloys cannot match.

Where carbon has issues in bicycle frames is their performance is very specific, and failure is both sudden and spectacular and examining for failing carbon bonds is not simple like alloy.

All that said, Fuji picks good OEM's. Good product. Nothing special, but an all-around high quality product. Worry more about running into cars and crashing into other things instead of your weight.
 
Boeing

Boeing

Jul 17, 2009
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ditto to what DW said

there is still a lot of carbon fear out there among the public for some reason. I know guys who still wont put anything carbon on their bike for fear of failure. Not sure where it comes from.

If you want a visual go to youtube and search NinerCarbon Fork Test. They take a hammer to the material



one thing not mentioned yet is the fork and steerer with the frame set. I lean toward a one piece weave carbon fork and steerer rather than an Alloy Steerer bonded to the carbon fork crown.

I have more confidence in the carbon then the bonding if 2 different materials
 
User Guide

User Guide

May 21, 2010
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Barracuda said:
The 2009 Fuji SL1 is marketed as " C10 Superlight Carbon" .... :confused:
Click to expand...
Sounds like its made by Trigon in Tiawan an OEM with a very good reputation,as they are the only company to designate the carbon pre-preg C7,C8 etc.Also as they designations are c7,c8,c10 its highly likely is made with T1000 carbon from Toray so I wouldnt worry about strength as its both stiffer and stronger than t700/t800 usually used in bikes.(dont know for sure as never had dealings with them but c7/8/10>>>> t700/800/1000 seems more than coincidental)
 
DirtyWorks

DirtyWorks

Feb 10, 2010
10,645
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22,510
Boeing said:
ditto to what DW said

there is still a lot of carbon fear out there among the public for some reason. I know guys who still wont put anything carbon on their bike for fear of failure. Not sure where it comes from.
Click to expand...

Here: http://www.bustedcarbon.com/

Boeing said:
If you want a visual go to youtube and search NinerCarbon Fork Test. They take a hammer to the material
Click to expand...

Much better material properties than alloy. The problem is sudden failures.

I ride a Trigon alloy 'cross with carbon stays from a few years ago. Plain vanilla carbon OEM fork. Good stuff!
 
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