So I got my fuse just as a ride when I want bike but it’s taken over and I use it everywhere! Seeing that Specialized didn’t bring them to the uk this year I’ve spotted last years carbon model in my frame size, better spec than my mid range model. So I’m asking is it noticeable and worth the money? Or would I be better off upgrading my current fuse instead?
Ive tried looking for some better forks but they seem hard to find so any links would be helpful.
My friend has just changed his salsa horsethief for the carbon version. It saved 340g. He can't really tell the difference.
His bike is well specced already so it was the only improvement he could make.
In your case, sounds like the money would be better spent on upgrades.
What's the cost of the new bike? What would you get for yours? What upgrades do you need?
Work out the maths then make a decision
Better set up suspension would be easily more noticeable than saving a bit of frame weight.
I switched to carbon in March. Previous bike had the same amount of travel front and rear and the same suspension design (VPP).
The bike definitely does feel lighter but it's the stiffness I notice most. Power transfer from pedalling feels very direct and the bike feels more nimble even though my particular bike is not light for a carbon bike.
However, with this bike I also took the time to get the suspension set up correctly before leaving the shop (tokens etc) so that may also have a part to play.
I’m still not sold on Carbon for non-pros really. I’m not sure the weight saving is all that real - full carbon bikes are usually lighter but I think it’s mostly because they’re higher spec.
I’ve striped my Alu bike down a few times, once you take off all the bearings, headset, BB, linkages etc leaving just the frame itself it weighs almost nothing, I can’t imagine reducing the weight of something already so light is going to make a meaningful difference to me.
There was a really interesting article that compared an aluminium vs carbon Knolly bike. Obviously it's not a black or white thing, and different brand may be better at using certain materials, but the reviewers didn't necessarily prefer the carbon one. What I found the most interesting was that a couple of the reviewers seemed to have exact opposite perceptions to one another.
Personally, I find the extra cost of a carbon frame hard to justify. A well made aluminium frame can be so light that I'm not sure I'd be willing to pay an extra grand on a carbon one.
Link is here: https://nsmb.com/articles/knolly-warden-alloy-vs-carbon/
Been quite lucky with the suspension as it’s setup perfectly probably the first time in years where it’s just right. The only issue is it’s a bit front end heavy, so was looking for the reba’s Or fox forks on the better spec bikes but can’t find them anywhere.
I have the fuse pro (currently in classified). This has reba and some decent kit on it.
If I was you I would defo get a fork and some better wheels over a carbon frame.
Its the wheels and tyre that add the weight on a fuse
I've had loads of bikes over the years, mtb, cx, road most in both alloy and carbon.
I've always found more difference between a few psi than alloy going to carbon.
However I'm only light...maybe a bloke who's got more weight feels the stiffness thing?
I don't buy the stiffness thing in mtbs....with big wallowy tires, suspension etc.
How'd you like the fuse btw? Currently deciding if I should keep mine...got a fs itch
You'd think it would depend on the shape, and that we would see wacky frame designs which would be really difficult to do in ali. That hasn't happened as much as I thought, but then again most of the major mfrs. obviously design for both materials, so they wouldn't go there. And niche mfrs. would struggle to tool up for that.
No doubt someone will come along and show me a frame that is only available in carbon and would be difficult to do in metal.
If the components are better anyway, and you're thinking of upgrading your current one, it probably makes more sense to just buy the carbon one then you're upgrading the frame too.
Yeah it's not much different except from being lighter, and if you kit out a lightweight frame with heavy kit you'll get a heavy bike, but conversely if it's all part of a nicer build you'll get a much lighter bike, which is always nice.
Of course the exception to my above statement is if all the higher spec stuff isn't how you'd like to spec it up. IN which case just upgrade your current frame.
Fuse I think it’s an awesome bike, wish I had spent more at the start but it was an experiment which turned out to really enjoy riding it, part of the reason I was tempted to change for carbon version.
After lots of thinking, reading reviews etc,. I’ve gone for a trek fuel ex 8 plus, just trying to find one in my size, or wait till the 2019 models.