How good are carbon frames for touring?

Question

so, i'm looking to purchase a new bike. hopefully to go touring with my mom and friends next year after training this winter.

really what i'm asking is;

are carbon frames able to withstand loaded touring safely and wit good durability?

and if not that, can you give me some good bikes for touring?

Answer 1

carbon is good but i'd recommend steel and titanium for touring cos the vibration damping is equally good and titanium has the capacity to carry a heavier load and will work better to adjust to different weather conditions

Answer 2

carbon transfers less road vibration than aluminum, and it's lighter. it has great strength. it'll be great for a touring bike! keep in mind, light steel dampens vibrations more than carbon. but, the carbon is lighter. it ultimately comes down to budget and weight preferences. if you can't afford carbon, I'd recomend a steel frame over an aluminum for touring. on a properly spec'd ride the weight difference between steel and aluminum isn't enough to forego the comfort of the steel..

Answer 3

Durability won't be a problem, and since you're not likely to be mashing up a steep hill with a fully-loaded bike, any lateral frame flex isn't likely to bother you if you even notice it.  

What might be a problem, however, is finding a carbon frame that has the necessary bits for you to attach your racks and accessories.  I haven't really looked for a touring frame in a long time, but my recollection of every carbon frame I've seen is that they're pared down with no eyelets or extras beyond a couple sets of bottle bolts.  I may be wrong, though....maybe someone has a carbon tour rig out there.  

As far as other frames, what marks a good touring setup is a longer wheelbase, a fork that has a little more curve at the bottom, and usually a lower bottom bracket height.  All of these things help to provide some stability.  They handle slower, but they do well with the odd weight distribution of a loaded bike.  A dedicated touring frame will also have bunches of little extras like a 3rd or 4th set of bottle bolts, pump peg, chain holder, and proper rack mounting eyelets.  You can build up any frame with parts you have...just be sure that you have sturdy wheels.   Any complete new touring bike will be set up pretty well for that type of riding.

Hope this helps some.  Have fun!   :o)

Answer 4

Ride!Urban has covered most of the important points.

If you've got enough money to buy a carbon framed bike for touring, you'll be able to get a top of the line tourer.

I have a Devinci Caribou, which is marketed as a touring bike. I use it for commuting. The frame is aluminum, but the front fork is cromoly. One of the really nice things about it is the wheels and frame are set up for disc brakes. If you're going to be riding in hilly or wet country, then disc brakes are the way to go. Much better stopping power than rim brakes.  

Answer 5

I would personally never do loaded touring on carbon fiber. The same thing that makes them comfortable on the road also works against them when loading... it just flexes too much. I have also seen fittings tear out of CF frames.

You are probably well aware of the costs of a CF frame. I suggest that you look into a TRUE touring frame in high grade steel... do a search for Bob Jackson Cycles. They will custom build you a frame- you can even pick your own fittings, geometry, colors and even add chrome if you want- and it will be less expensive and far more durable than CF for your usage.