Hello, this is ICAN. "I want a road bike, but should I choose aluminum or carbon?" "I currently ride an aluminum bike, but I'm starting to be interested in a carbon road bike." ...Here, we will answer your questions. The world of road bikes, which seems simple but is actually not so easy to judge, we hope this helps you choose the carbon road bike that's right for you.

What is a carbon road bike??

Road bike frames have evolved from steel (chromoly) to aluminum, and now to carbon. Carbon is made of carbon fiber hardened with resin, and in addition to being lightweight, it has various other properties. The fact that 100% of racing vehicles currently use carbon demonstrates its superiority.

① Differences between Carbon Road Bikes and Aluminum Road Bikes

■Weight　

As you know, carbon is lighter than aluminum. However, there are exceptions. Lower-grade carbon may have increased weight for reinforcement, making it not significantly different from aluminum. Also, some high-grade aluminum materials can be as light as carbon.

■Response differences due to stiffness

The difference in stiffness, or rigidity, cannot be generalized. This is because it also changes depending on the frame's geometry (dimensions, angles, etc.). However, what can be clearly stated is that in design, carbon has an advantage as it allows for more precise calculations, taking into account concepts such as rigidity.

■Ride comfort

Aluminum is known for its sharp ride, but in return, it is said to be less comfortable. However, the deep nature of bikes means that this also cannot be generalized.

■Appearance/Looks

It can be said that there are almost no longer any design differences between carbon and aluminum. However, with some carbon models, the raw carbon fiber texture is sometimes shown, and it goes without saying that this is truly attractive.

■Durability

Roughly speaking, both carbon and aluminum are said to last about 10 years. As long as there are no troubles such as falls, the lifespan should vary depending on whether they are properly maintained.

② Advantages and Disadvantages of Carbon Road Bikes

■Advantages

・Lightweight

・High shock absorption (comfortable ride)

・High rigidity (efficiently converts pedal power into propulsion)

・High degree of design freedom, making it easy to achieve the desired balance of performance

■Disadvantages

・High price (though recently tending to decrease)

・Vulnerable to strong impacts (irreparable if broken)

・Requires careful handling and maintenance (moisture, UV rays, etc.)

Full Carbon Road Bike

In addition to a carbon frame, the next component is the wheels. A bike equipped with expensive carbon rim wheels instead of aluminum is called a full carbon road bike. Carbon wheels are characterized by being lightweight and having high vibration absorption for a comfortable ride.

① Weight of Full Carbon Road Bikes

A carbon frame typically weighs between 800g and 1500g. In contrast, a pair of wheels typically weighs between 1000g and 1800g. This means that the weight of the wheels accounts for a similar proportion as the frame. While aluminum wheels weigh around 1600g to 1800g, carbon wheels are around 1300g, so there can be a difference of up to 500g. Generally, a complete bike weighing 8kg is considered the boundary between light and heavy, and carbon wheels can be said to be a major factor in determining that weight.

② Lifespan of Carbon Road Bikes

As mentioned in the comparison with aluminum earlier, a lifespan of 10 years is absolutely fine. Of course, you need to pay attention to the following points:

■Protect from rain and UV rays

Storing it under a roof is recommended. Using a cover is also effective, but moisture can accumulate, so caution is required when not riding for a long period.

■Regularly clean the frame (+ entire bike)

It goes without saying, but this is a basic for any bike rider.

■Avoid strong shocks from bumps, etc.

This is also a basic rule. Beginners may find it difficult to grasp road conditions, so extra caution is needed. Also, if you feel any abnormality with your bike, consult a shop immediately.

Price of Carbon Road Bikes

① How much do cheap carbon road bikes generally cost?

For bikes using ICAN carbon wheels, the going rate for an affordable carbon bike would be around 160,000 to 200,000 yen. Since aluminum bikes can be bought for around 150,000 yen, even though carbon bikes have become cheaper, there is still a slight difference.

② How to choose a carbon road bike based on price

Generally speaking, lower-priced carbon road bikes have lower frame rigidity, so while they offer a comfortable ride, the pedaling power is not as directly transmitted. They also have inferior acceleration. It's common to hear people who switched from aluminum to a cheap carbon bike lamenting that it "doesn't go forward." Since aluminum's strength was its hardness and excellent power transmission, this is a natural consequence.

However, as the price of carbon bikes increases, their rigidity also increases, and the setup becomes more performance-oriented than comfort-oriented. The ultimate destination is, in fact, a racing bike. I feel that hints for finding a bike at a level that suits you are hidden here. What do you think?

Top 3 Recommended High-End Carbon Road Bikes

①ICAN Taurus　￥167,300

This aero-type carbon frame with aluminum deep rims achieves a weight of 7.85kg (52cm size). The components are also fully equipped with a complete Shimano 105 set. And of course, it features an internally routed cable frame. This bike offers maximum cost performance and satisfaction.

②ICAN X-Gravel　　￥293,650

Gravel roads have recently gained attention. When riding a road bike, it's common to encounter slightly rough terrain. This is where a gravel road bike truly shines. It features disc brakes that handle muddy roads with ease, and carbon wheel rims. The components used are also substantial, with the high-end SRAM FORCE1 (one of the top three component manufacturers). Moreover, the weight is a surprising 7.95kg (52cm size).

③ICAN A9　￥357,000

This is an impeccable full carbon aero road bike. The components are the promised high-end Shimano Ultegra R8000 full set. With hydraulic flat-mount disc brakes, deep rims, and tubular tires, this bike is ideal for those with a racing orientation. Despite the heavy disc brakes, the weight is 7.95kg (52cm size).

Summary

We hope you've gained a basic understanding of carbon road bikes. To summarize:

• Differences between carbon and aluminum
• Advantages, disadvantages, weight, and lifespan of carbon
• Value of full carbon road bikes
• Differences in carbon bike characteristics depending on grade
• Recommended road bikes and their reasons

We've covered these topics. The excitement of buying a road bike is only understood by those who have experienced it. So, please take your time, enjoy the process, and get a wonderful bike life.