Carbon frame bike for beginners?

Question

I am looking to buy a road bike for daily (5k) commuting and occasional long distance riding (50-500km). Would it wise to get a carbon frame bike?

Also... is it more difficult to balance on a road bike than a mountain bike?

Answer 1

The easy question first: it's no more difficult to balance on a road bike than a mountain bike.

I remember when I was looking for a new road bike last year. I road tested a bunch of Trek, Cannondale, Giant, and Specialized bikes. I also tested one of the really top "bling" brands. It was better than the mass market bikes -- just not an extra $2,5000 worth of "betterness," at least to me.

Carbon frames are more expensive. They make sense when the weight difference and ride qualities are worth the extra cost to you, the rider. Test a carbon bike. Test an aluminum bike with carbon fork and/or stays. Test a steel bike. Note the price difference. Think if you are willing to give up the other things that money could get for you to get the difference in ride.

HTH

Answer 2

If you can afford it - go for it! Question is, why not? Carbon  bikes are lighter, stronger and feel better when you ride, I commute on a carbon bike about 10miles each way and love it. Good luck.  

Answer 3

A road bike will handle and corner better at higher speeds than a mountain bike, especially if the mountain bike has knobby tires. For your use, I'd consider a carbon bike to be a bit overkill -- you'll pay a premium on price, and the ride will be a bit harsher. If all you were doing is commuting, I'd definitely recommend against it. Get a good quality steel frame (best ride quality, a little heavier), or an aluminum frame. (I've been racing, riding, and commuting to work for years, and have had both steel and carbon bikes, road and mountain).