Monocoque carbon

A mate that used to own a bike shop mentioned to me this afternoon that
monocoque frames were the nicest ride he'd ever experienced and Azzurri have
the "Primo" running Ultegra groupo currently selling for around $2500.00.
http://www.azzurribikes.com/azzurri_primo.htm
Hmmm... what am I missing here? Seems too good to be true almost...
What's the general consensus with monocoque vs composite? Which will give me
the best performance, reliability and/or longevity?

--
www.ozcableguy.com
www.oztechnologies.com

Hi Oz,

I have a Fuji Team Pro which has a monocoque carbon frame too. My other bike
is a Giant OCR3. There is quite a difference between the two, but it's hard
to say whether the geometry or frame material is the main reason the Fuji
feels more responsive and controllable. It has a full frame, rather than a
compact alloy frame on the Giant.

I've only had the Fuji for about three months so I can't really comment on
the longevity yet.

What I do know the Fuji does feel a bit more comfortable, and that the
longest ride I've done on it was just under 6 hours on the Otway classic. No
real problems from the bike per se, just the usual aches that go with
sitting on your butt for that long.....

2.5k for a CF bike running Ultegra sounds like a good buy.

But as anyone will tell you, the best way to tell about a bike is to ride
one. If it feels good and the price is right, you're all set.

Good luck.

Christo.


"OzCableguy" wrote in message
...
A mate that used to own a bike shop mentioned to me this afternoon that
monocoque frames were the nicest ride he'd ever experienced and Azzurri
have the "Primo" running Ultegra groupo currently selling for around
$2500.00.
http://www.azzurribikes.com/azzurri_primo.htm
Hmmm... what am I missing here? Seems too good to be true almost...
What's the general consensus with monocoque vs composite? Which will give
me the best performance, reliability and/or longevity?

--
www.ozcableguy.com
www.oztechnologies.com

On Apr 27, 10:54 pm, "OzCableguy"
wrote:
A mate that used to own a bike shop mentioned to me this afternoon that
monocoque frames were the nicest ride he'd ever experienced and Azzurri have
the "Primo" running Ultegra groupo currently selling for around $2500.00.http://www.azzurribikes.com/azzurri_primo.htm
Hmmm... what am I missing here? Seems too good to be true almost...
What's the general consensus with monocoque vs composite? Which will give me
the best performance, reliability and/or longevity?

Monocoque refers to the number of "parts" a composite (CF) frame is
made from. There's two main manufacturing processes, lug & tube, and
monocoque. It's important to note that, as far as I'm aware, there's
no 'true' monocoque frames for road bikes, there's some that are part
moniocoque, part lugs & tubes, and some that are more or less lugged.

Anyone that reckons they can 'feel' the difference is on something.
You can't, because there's no two frames around that are the same in
every way except lugs/monocoque, unless you're in R&D at a
manufacturer anyway.

Arguments for either method are generally irrelevant, Trek for example
use L&T for most of their components, they claim because it leads to
better quality control - it's easier to make more consistent parts
when they're small, and then bond them together, than it is to make
one big bit. As above, AFAIK none of the manufacturers make a true
monocoque anyway, they may make the front triangle that way, but then
bond in seat & chainstays.

As to the Azzurri being cheap, sure .. there's no reason why a CF
frame can't be made cheaply. Ride it, ride some other ones, examine
the warranty and your trust in the longevity of the company (ie: is a
lifetime warranty worthwhile, will the company be around in 10
years?), and then make up your mind. Ask them if they'll show you a
cutaway of the bottom bracket or if they've even seen one, that's a
good one to check out if you want to see how well the frame is really
made. Quite enlightening to see how some of the 'premium' bikes are
put together around the BB. Many of them are chock full of filler
(foam ... and yes, it breaks down quickly) rather than being smooth
well formed carbon layup. BB shells are complex and tricky and to do
them well is not easy.

"Bleve" wrote in message
ups.com...
As to the Azzurri being cheap, sure .. there's no reason why a CF
frame can't be made cheaply. Ride it, ride some other ones, examine
the warranty and your trust in the longevity of the company (ie: is a
lifetime warranty worthwhile, will the company be around in 10
years?), and then make up your mind.

Thanks guys. Yeah, sounds like a bit of a coin toss and it'll have to come
down to ride & service in the end. but at least I have an idea of what to
aim for now.

--
www.ozcableguy.com
www.oztechnologies.com

On Apr 27, 10:54 pm, "OzCableguy"
wrote:
A mate that used to own a bike shop mentioned to me this afternoon that
monocoque frames were the nicest ride he'd ever experienced and Azzurri have
the "Primo" running Ultegra groupo currently selling for around $2500.00.http://www.azzurribikes.com/azzurri_primo.htm
Hmmm... what am I missing here? Seems too good to be true almost...
What's the general consensus with monocoque vs composite? Which will give me
the best performance, reliability and/or longevity?

--www.ozcableguy.comwww.oztechnologies.com

At that price it's a bargain. As long as it feel OK to ride there is
absolutely no reason not to buy one.

OzCableguy Wrote:
What's the general consensus with monocoque vs composite? Which will
give me
the best performance, reliability and/or longevity?


You seriously have to be careful of paying that much money for a carbon
fibre frame that also ships with an Ultegra Groupset. You will get what
you pay for.

I test rode monocoque frames and butted frames, I ended up going for a
Butted frame, because of the quality of the frame I got, the weight
saving of a monocoque was minimal. I detested the feel on the
monocoque frame when test riding, felt empty and nothing ness, where as
with the butted frame, I felt like I was riding a bike and enjoyed it a
lot more. But again persoanl opinion, the only thing that will answer
it is test riding.


--
MikeyOz