BikeWNC
new member
Reged: 09/03/04
Posts: 23
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I'm looking for a second bike and luckily the Calfee's match the geometry of my current ride. Has anyone compared the ride of the Luna vs. the Tetra in the larger frame sizes? I would ride a 62, 60tt. Other than the slight weight benefit, longer warranty and color choice is there a functional difference in the Tetra? I weigh 180 lb., live in a mountainous area so it should climb well and like long rides so it needs to be comfortable. I don't race but often ride centuries. Unfortunately, the closest dealer is down in Atlanta near 3 hours away and they don't have a bike my size in stock.
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ChrisVT
friend
Reged: 01/08/04
Posts: 38
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I think most people who have ridden both find the ride quality to be almost indistinguishable.
Here's a reply to this question from the old Calfee forum:
"I think most of us have faced this decision - aesthetics probably sways most folks and a few want/need custom. But when I asked Craig Calfee this question over 3 years ago, he said that you only need the Tetra if you live in an area where a damp, salty climate might (emphasize MIGHT) cause a long term reliability issue with the aluminum bits."
Another poster noted the custom head tube.
I think the price difference is primarily due to the labor involved in making the smoother lugs.
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Lon
sage
Reged: 12/20/03
Posts: 595
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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Everything you said is absolutely on the money.
I talked with Craig personally on this issue when I bought mine. The difference is a little weight, the ti BB and headtube, and the labor to hand wrap and finish the joints which is significant. Interestingly if you look at the Dragonfly it has more in common with the Luna than the Tetra.
Craig recommended I get a Luna. At the time that is what he rode.
If money is no object pick the one you like the look better or is lighter if you are a weight person.
I love my Luna and never felt my decision was wrong.
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dfcas
contributor
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 139
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In the bigger sizes,the Tetra' with 1 1/8 headtubes get the aluminum headtube sleeve.Maybe all 1 1/8 bikes do.
The rear triangle is the same on all 3 models,so the Ti BB shell is different than the Luna's Aluminum.
Repair is easier on a Tetra,but I'm not gonna crash my Luna anyway:)
You can get a Luna painted for a slight upcharge.
Dan C.
Edited by dfcas (09/03/04 08:53 PM)
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BikeWNC
new member
Reged: 09/03/04
Posts: 23
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Thanks for the help everybody.
I would guess that so far as bb stiffness is concerned, the Ti and Al sleeves would be similar with Ti having better long term durability.
In respect to overall bike lateral stiffness, at my weight of 180, do I need to consider the extra stiff tube option? I'm generally a spinner, but I can get out of the saddle and put some pressure to the pedal. Would the stiffer tubes compromise the ride quality by causing the bike to ride with less vertical compliance (more harsh ride?
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dfcas
contributor
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 139
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Extra Stiff is standard on frames 60 and larger.Super Stiff is an upcharge.
My Luna is a 60 with the standard extra stiff tubes.I weigh 205 and I am a sprinter type.The standard Extra stiff is more than adequate for me.It's the first frame I've ever had that doesn't twist up under me like a pretzel.I would not want a stiffer frame as I would expect it to degrade ride quality.
Hope this helps
Dan C.
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1centaur
journeyman
Reged: 12/24/03
Posts: 126
Loc: Massachusetts
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I specced extra stiff on my 58 Tetra Pro - no worries for comfort is the good news, and I like the trade-off as is (the Tetra is my long distance all-rounder), but I would not credit even extra stiff tubes with the stiffness of my aluminum or even carbon Orbea Orca bikes. That is why I presume super stiff tubes now exist - I would talk to Craig about that trade-off.
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"You never make a gift of Ventoux"
Eddie Merckx to Lance Armstrong
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Lon
sage
Reged: 12/20/03
Posts: 595
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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Definitely talk to Craig. You'll enjoy it and learn from it. Plus he will question you to get information to answer you.
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BikeWNC
new member
Reged: 09/03/04
Posts: 23
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Thanks for the useful info. I'll call Craig Tuesday but I think the standard tubing (extra stiff vs. super stiff) on a 62 will be fine. I'm not racing and I am willing to give up ultimate stiffness for better comfort.
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OnYerLeft
new member
Reged: 06/07/04
Posts: 35
Loc: CA, USA
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lon, so tetras are not really monocoque? that's why i was wondering why the finish on the joints and tubes are different. i initially thought that tetras are lugged but sandpapered to a smooth finish. is there an advantage to the frame construction of the tetras as compared to monocoque frames? why are the tetras easier to fix than the the lunas or dragonflies? just wondering. thx.
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BikeWNC
new member
Reged: 09/03/04
Posts: 23
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I talked to Craig this morning. He said the super stiff tube option was meant for riders over 250 pounds. So I won't need that. He agreed that the ride of the Tetra and Luna are virtually the same. Therefore, I think the Luna will work great for me.
Now the question is clearcoat or nude? Any opinions?
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Lon
sage
Reged: 12/20/03
Posts: 595
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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Your questions are too much for me. I'd ask Craig all of those.
Even Kestrel is building this way now. See their web site for the new Evoke. Of course Trek is pieces put together too.
I know this I like my Calfee more than my one piece Kestrel. It is more responsive and lively.
It is my understanding that the one piece approach way back was the way to not have joint problems. They have been solved now and more are building like Craig, Trek, etc.
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BikeWNC
new member
Reged: 09/03/04
Posts: 23
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Well I broke down and ordered a Luna Pro in clearcoat today. It should be here around Christmas. It will be interesting to compare it to my Indy Fab Ti CJ as they have very similar geometry. Now I need to start saving for the build kit.
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dfcas
contributor
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 139
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Good choice.Please let us know when you get it and let us know your impressions.Mine is Cobalt Blue and I sometimes wish I had gotten clear.
Dan C.
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