Alloy Vs. Carbon Frame Question

All of the above. I have a steel, ti, carbon and alloy bikes and they all have benefits and tradeoffs. I was suspicious of carbon at first after decades of metal bikes it feels weird to be on a plastic bike - but it's good too (my fastest bike). I am consciously more careful of it as don't want drop anything heavy and sharp on it and I *believe* that carbon will shatter rather than deform.

So if you are prone to paranoia then get a metal bike as you will - generally - be able to see the damage.

Don't forget to enjoy your new bike!

It's not about what it's made from it's about how well it's made.

All materials have their limitations. A good designer will take these into account in the frame design. A well designed frame in whichever material will not be the cheapest of its type. Hence the 'cheap carbon is not as good as top end aluminium' comments, although these days the overlap in price between decent carbon and top end aluminium is a lot greater than it used to be, especially when you're looking at complete bikes.

Ultimately, for a first bike, go for a reputable brand and buy whichever bike fits you, your needs and your budget and don't fret about what it's made from.

It all depends on your budget.

There are lots of people smashing happily around on the likes of Planet Pro Carbon frames that came fully built for £1000. There again Madison Genisis Team rode steel frames for the Pro Tour Series last year. (Not sure what they are on now).

As said before, all materials will fail. Back in the days, I snapped enough silly lightweight alloy handlebars and wheel rims whilst mtbing. I've also snapped a steel frame during my time. But I'd not knock someone for riding on either material.

Another thing to consider is how many Youtube videos are of people quite happily ride carbon bikes with no cares in the world and have no problems with the frame?? A lot of people will turn to the internet to rant about how shit something is because it was pushed over it's design limits and they thought it should have been stonger. "Oh I spent a £1k on a carbon bike, jump a 20 foot gap and it snapped on landing, poor me, avoid "X Brand" they are crap......." Just imagine watching a 6hr ride where nothing happens.

Decide on what characteristics you want from a bike, light, springy comforatable, stiff, areo... and then look at what's available in your price range. Weigh up if you want a good frame and cheaper parts or good parts with a cheaper frame.

Go titanium it's the only way.

I hear that Alu / Steel will hold up better over time but I've only owned aluminium bikes.

Get an Alu bike, carbon fork and some decent wheels for the price of a full carbon bike.

I knew it was going to be that nutter durianrider before I even clicked on the link, I ignore this guys advice in principle..... He believes 30 (or something like that) bananas a day is good for him

If I stamped on a fork sideways I'd expect it to snap. Not sure what any of these videos prove.

Simple: Cheap carbon frames are usually not as good as decent aluminium frames. Depending on your budget, and if you're concerned about crashing (and you seem to be?) then go alu so that you can replace/repair it more cheaply.

Alloy warps and bends, and eventually fails ( over a long period of time). Carbon fails suddenly, usually without much warning, but usually only if there's been an issue at manufacture (cheap Chinese Carbon etc.), or if you shock it by crashing, or if you clamp the frame, not the seat post, in a work stand, all in my experience / humble opinion (of course).

Calm down dear