Hi all, I'm in the market for a new carbon frame, learnt the hard way this year with my CX9 (which I loved in every other way) that rear mud clearance particularly at the bottom bracket / chainstay junction is key (CX9 has a bridge there). It just got clogged every week in the mud. I run 34 Rhinos so need a LOT of room. I've been looking at Ridley, Milani, Colnago, Kinsesis.....anyone any views or other suggestions?
We have two 'matching' Columbus frames.
One Alloy, One Carbon rear end.
The carbon rear has the same bridge at the bottom bracket/chainstay junction, and it does get clogged up much more easily than the alloy one.
We were advised of this when we bought them, but were told it needed the bridge for strength.
Both have almost the same componentry on them and the weight difference is about 50g.
Go for the Alloy..........
Thanks all. I like carbon for the way it rides - simple. I find my Carbon road bike stiffer through the bottom bracket than my CX9 and a smoother ride. Having looked about a bit since my post I'm considering the Stevens Carbon Team.
I ride Kuota Kross's with 34mm Dugast - front clearance is good but rear clearance was really terrible with front mech cable running down to a pulley wheel (top pull convertor) and back up to mech. Just clogged up even when mud wasn't so bad, Mallory Trophy race was a nightmare. After this I changed the set up and now run the cable like a road bike under BB and clearance is now good.