Re: Luna vs Dragonfly: Bikefanclub.com

I believe the Dragonfly is mostly an experimental bike in that, at the time of it's conception, there was a desire to push the limits on frame weight by using the latest composites with proprietary construction techniques. Low weight was the priority, with the secondary priority being that handling and ride characteristics would be as close to the established Luna and Tetra line as possible (they were already setting the benchmark for carbon frames). To that end, I think the DF was very successful, at least from what I have heard from owners. That was several years ago and, technology keeps on evolving - for better or worse.

My advice would be to get a DF if it's weight that concerns you the most and, you are even willing to slightly compromise on the ride and, maybe even long term frame integrity to a point, to have this ultra light weight bike. This does not mean that you will compromise ride and possibly frame integrity but, there is a risk of it. It's the risk that you have to weigh and decide on.

For me, I am perfectly content with my Tetra. It is plenty light, plenty stiff, plenty strong and refined. My bike will take 28 tires and, thats another plus since I ride on dirt and sand roads at times. And, I don't have flats with these tires. They are heavier than the 25's but, they still weigh far less than I do. And my Tetra was built from the geometry tables for a Serotta 62 frame so, it is slightly relaxed from the standard Calfee numbers. Another point in it's favor in my opinion.

For what it's worth, my advice would be to get a Bamboo frame with slightly relaxed geometry (like standard Serotta geometry). Unless you are 25 or 30 years old and active on the race circuit, it's the ride that you should be going after - not the ability of the bike to dive into a corner at 50 MPH while jockying for position for the sprint to the finish line. Its the ride that will make you look forward to getting in the saddle every day with a smile on your face. If you get 10 years out of it then it falls apart, you still got a good deal. The last car I purchased (a 2000 Toyota Camry) lost $14K in 4 years and, I never wrecked it. Yep, I paid $24K for an XLE Camry and, sold it in 2004 for $10K. And you are worried about a couple thousand in 10 years?? Give me a break. Also, 3.5 lbs is nothing comparatively speaking. That is about the weight of the finest steel bikes still being built by Seven, Sachs, Vanailla, Serotta and the like. And, there are people standing in line to buy these bikes.

Edited by rnhood (06/25/07 03:11 AM)

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