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Lightweight frame
 

[Closed] Lightweight frame

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[#3719606]

I'm quite new to this, so it might appear as a dumb question to some of you, but...
I just got a bike who belonged to my dad. Quite a nice bike, it has a really light frame (carbon, I've been told) but some people told me it's not really practical when riding downhill in the woods and that I'd rather be getting a stabler/heavier one. Is there any truth to that? I might sell this frame to get a new one, since I haven't got enough money at the moment to afford to keep both, so I'm looking for something that can be put to all-around use (although as I said, I'm planning to use the bike mostly for downhill runs).


 
Posted : 27/02/2012 5:01 pm
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'It depends'

what make/model is the bike?

any pics?

it'll be more about frame geometry than material, I suspect - [i]most[/i] carbon frames are designed to go across country, not just down hills.


 
Posted : 27/02/2012 5:03 pm
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As above, depends what it is and what exactly you're doing. If you are riding down hills it'll likely be fine.

If you are doing downhill and are doing lots of 5ft+ drops it may not be suitable if it's an XC frame.


 
Posted : 27/02/2012 5:09 pm
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I'll try to post pics as soon as possible. Like I said, the bike belonged to my dad and it's still at my parents' place. Also, the frame is quite old, at least 10 years. Cost around 500 quids when he got it, which I guess is an indicator that the quality is supposed to be good.

I guess the country/downhill remark is probably what people were referring to when they advised me to get a heavier one.


 
Posted : 27/02/2012 5:13 pm
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Wouldn't have got a carbon frame for £500 10 years ago. Either it's not carbon, or it wasn't £500.


 
Posted : 27/02/2012 5:20 pm
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tbh, even a 10 year old downhill bike will have what most people consider to be cross-country angles now.

I'd get hold of the bike ride it for a bit and see what you think.


 
Posted : 27/02/2012 5:27 pm
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New to it? just ride the bike


 
Posted : 27/02/2012 5:29 pm
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Wouldn't have got a carbon frame for £500 10 years ago. Either it's not carbon, or it wasn't £500.

You might have got a Scott endorphin, second hand for around that.


 
Posted : 27/02/2012 5:33 pm
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ignore them ride the bike you've got and only replace frame/components when YOU need to, not when people tell you.

Different frame types are designed for different specialities, but unless you are riding at the limits of any specific discipline you can get abike to cover most eventualities. We used to call them [i]mountain bikes[/i] back in the day. just get out and ride!


 
Posted : 27/02/2012 5:35 pm
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just get out and ride!

+1
It's not a cliche for no reason, just go down the woods or up on the hills and ride the bike. If you're anything like me for one, and all the others on STW I expect. You've found in mountain biking something you love and may well go on to be a lifelong passion. If the rider is having fun [b]ANY[/b] bike is a good bike!

Enjoy. 😀


 
Posted : 27/02/2012 5:48 pm
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could be a RSP carbon...


 
Posted : 27/02/2012 10:54 pm