carbon monopoly

[themonastic]

Yeti Talk?  Here is a topic.  What does everyone think about the fact that current Yeti design and production is no longer including aluminum options?  I brought this question up on MTBR and I think there were 9 responses.  The majority were disappointed that Yeti was abandoning aluminum.  Some are sold out to carbon fiber.  This means that of current production models the least expensive frame only, is 3,400 usd.  One thing for certain, Yeti is committed to being the best or nothing.  I guess that is why we are here. 

Is carbon fiber really that much better than alum?  So far I haven't been convinced, but I am not in the market for a new bike, and I'm not a pro racer. 

What do you think?

[Andrew]

Better than alloy, yes it is a better material for bikes, how many carbon bars are out there now!
And cranks, and brake levers, and rims.

Ditching alloy? Wrong thing to do, the my need something alloy.

But equally they only want to make the best bikes, and carbon is currently the best material for most bike types.

Expensive yes, but historically that's how yetis have always been.

[sli0ch]

Would love a yeti hard tail, but alloy not carbon...
I know the science, and understand that carbon is stronger,lighter etc... But even so.. I still prefer metal... Possibly because I'm a mechanic?

[andrewk]

I prefer metal, though each material has it's own pros and con's, my personal subjective perception is that carbon is more expensive and more fragile.
I quite understand Yeti wants to ( and does ) make the best machines technologically possible, and that they are a small, focussed company. Their business plan seems to be working, moving more carbon than alloy bikes, and that's brilliant for them. But, given that we throw these things at rocks,trees, rivers and mountains, I personally would prefer a cheaper, simpler option, and cannot justify to myself the cost of modern wonder bikes, and this is across all brands, not just Yeti. I definitely pamper my Big Top way more than my steel or aluminium bikes of yore, I dread what may happen if I ever drop/crash/damage it on a rocky trail, the Carbon ARC is way too expensive to replace it for me, never mind the suspended options. Yet, my 2 Yeti's have been the best handling mountain bikes I have owned in over three decades of riding in them hills, and always put a smile on my face. A Yeti would always be my first consideration/wish for another mountain bike, and given that my Alloy '03 Kokopelli ASR bike was about $2800 retail, the price of the new ASR Enduro is pretty impressive, but I am sad they no longer produce more affordable steel or aluminium frames.
In a variable 650b+/29R hardtail option, please.
My 10 cents.

[Andrew]

And carbon is easier to repair than alloy!!

It's true!!

[BadLad 575]

If you think Alloy frames are stronger and can withstand more abuse than carbon ones you need
to take a look at this video www.youtube.com/watch?v=6APhKvaW6ig

[diggerjohn]

I love my Alloy SB95.
It freakin rocks and has been a revelation in my ride!!
With an Octagonal down tube and an inverted truncated pyramid form for the top tube
I have something that gets me high to clean. I can pace around the shop and stare
at that beast for hours.
It is a work of art and one bad ass shredder all in one.

I have read about the carbon tech and know lots of folks on it.
But haven't seen a carbon that can look that damn good and perform as well at the same time.
Although in the spirit of full disclosure I am a little disappointed in the quality of the paint job
on this beast. It just doesn't seem to be holding up well.
Wonder how much they would want to put a stronger coating on it?

They will have to take my Alloy out of my cold dead hands ....