Re: Carbon Durability: Bikefanclub.com

Charles,

This the hardest time of the year to get reply back from Calfee, because they are in the peak of their year. However, I had the same concerns back last Dec (the slow time of the year for them according to my LBS) before I ordered my Tetra. I have a couple of e-mails from Craig, I share you related to durability.

I am a very conservative mechanic engineer coming from riding a steel frame for 20 years. I had several technical discussions with Craig before I ordering my Tetra, and I have no doubt I order the right frame for myself. I have ridden well over a 1,000 miles now on my Calfee, and will never look back.

Good luck with your decision, and I hope this helps.

> From: Craig Calfee <craig@calfeedesign.com>
> Date: Mon, 8 Dec 2003 13:16:27 -0800
> Subject: Re: Bike Frame Recommendations
>
>
> Hi Max,
>
> Our frame is very stiff in torsion yet more comfortable for long hours
> in the saddle. The Serotta is the best of the Ti bikes. He doesn't
> sacrifice stiffness in pursuit of low weight.
>
> Our frames are very durable and they are repairable in the event of a
> crash. We know of one frame that has 125,000 miles on it.
>
> If you like a stiffer frame, you can get the 58 with "extra stiff"
> tubes.
>
> Craig Calfee
>
>
>
> On Wednesday, December 3, 2003, at 06:38 PM, Max wrote:
>
>> Craig,
>>
>> I am considering buying one of your Tetra Pro frames. Â I will fit on a
>> standard 58 cm with no head or seat tube extensions needed. Â I need
>> the bike for long distance racing. Â I will be racing in the up coming
>> California Triple Crown Stage Race. Â My weight off-season is 195 lbs.,
>> and Â on-season I'm at 180 lbs. Â I am in the saddle spinning at 90 rpms
>> most of the time, except for attacks in the mountains and the sprints.
>> Â I also need a frame that will last a long time (15 years plus, my
>> current bike is a 88 Merckx Corsa Extra SLX). Â Components come and go,
>> but the frame I like to keep.
>>
>> How does the torsion and lateral stiffness, vertical compliance,
>> damping and durability of a Calfee Tetra Pro compared to Serotta
>> Legend Ti?
>>
>> Have you done various (strength, shock, life cycle) stress testing on
>> the Tetra Pro? Â If so what were your results?
>>
>> Would you recommend stock Tetra Pro to me base upon my weight and
>> needs, or would you suggest one with a stiffer tube set, etc.?
>>
>> I test rode Tetra Pro, very nice job Craig. Â The ride is great.

Hi Max,

Scratches that would occur in paint would not hurt the frame. A deep
gouge that cuts into the fiber is of more concern. They can be
repaired though.

Paint does protect the frame somewhat, but not against something that
will really gouge it. And it looks scratched up after some years of
abuse. The Nude finish doesn't scratch like paint and looks best after
some time. The nude is easily "freshened up" with the 303 Protectant.

The frames can be re-aligned to a limited extent. I've done a few and
it seems to work. Not sure how they get out of alignment in the first
place.

Craig Calfee

On Thursday, December 4, 2003, at 11:38 AM, Max wrote:

> Hi Craig.
>
> Can Tetra Pro sustain scratches and nicks without compromise to the
> structural integrity of the frame?
>
> Which finish gives the frame the best protection?
>
> Can the frame be realigned after production?
>
> Thanks again,
> Max

--------------------
MAX

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