Weight difference between Aluminum and Carbon frames?

KonaSS · Aug 23, 2010

I need to choose between a used Ridley X-Fire carbon frame with full carbon fork and a new Specialized Crux aluminum frame with carbon/aluminum fork.

Doubt there are too many Crux frames on the street yet, so anyone have a best guess of the weight difference between these two framesets?

Thanks!

kerley · Aug 23, 2010

277 grams.

Did I win

KonaSS · Aug 23, 2010

Perhaps poorly worded

If anyone knows that exact weight difference great. But I guess what I am really asking is if you think it will be significant. And how much would you let that influence your decision in choosing a frame.

Yes, fit is paramount, but both frames will fit me. If I could try them both, that would be great, but I can't. So I need to choose, and weight is one differentiating factor.

If you have any other thoughts on differentiating factors, I would love to hear them.

OnTheRivet · Aug 23, 2010

KonaSS said:
If anyone knows that exact weight difference great. But I guess what I am really asking is if you think it will be significant. And how much would you let that influence your decision in choosing a frame.

Yes, fit is paramount, but both frames will fit me. If I could try them both, that would be great, but I can't. So I need to choose, and weight is one differentiating factor.

If you have any other thoughts on differentiating factors, I would love to hear them.

Crux has a centimeter more BB drop. I like Ridley geometry and not a fan of the Specialized juggernaut so I vote Ridley. Typically you'll see close to a pound difference in frame weight from good aluminum to good carbon frames for a given size. At least that's how it has worked for me on the three carbon frames I've purchased.

KonaSS · Aug 23, 2010

Ouch - a pound, that definitely tips the scales towards the Ridley.

The bottom bracket drop and standover was the biggest difference that I saw between the Ridley in a 54 and the Specialized in a 56.

Would prefer the standover of the Specialized, but the Ridley has enough room. Can't say that I have ridden enough different cross bikes to weigh in on the difference in BB drop.

avalnch33 · Aug 24, 2010

my crux aluminum is 17.5 lbs in a 54 with red and tubulars. it is up in the cross bike pic section. The heaviest thing about the new crux is the fork is heavy, but super stiff.

JPHcross · Aug 24, 2010

I believe that you are better off saving money by getting the aluminum frame and putting it into upgraded components, especially wheels. Overall the bike will be lighter and faster.

adimiro · Aug 24, 2010

JPHcross said:
I believe that you are better off saving money by getting the aluminum frame and putting it into upgraded components, especially wheels

The OP asked about weight savings not $$ savings. After all, could get a carbon frame and tricked out wheels/components which would be the best of all worlds.

But if $$$ were an issue, would favor the better frame. Components come and go every year, but a sweet carbon frame is likely to stay around much longer.

KonaSS · Aug 24, 2010

Thanks for all opinions

I am trying to decide between these two frames, and because the Ridley is used, the cost difference is only around $100.

That is what is making the decision more difficult. But right now I am leaning towards the Ridley.

If anyone has any other thoughts to push me one way or the other - I am all ears.

ceej · Aug 25, 2010

The crux has a hole in the bottom, get the ridley.

Weight difference between Aluminum and Carbon frames?

KonaSS

kerley

KonaSS

OnTheRivet

KonaSS

avalnch33

JPHcross

adimiro

KonaSS

ceej

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