I have a question about the durability of the carbon frame on the Grizl CF SL 6 AXS (specifically comparing it with the Grizl AL 6 1by).
I'm looking to get a gravel bike for some bikepacking adventures, and I’ve narrowed my options down to these two models. I’ve excluded the 7-series because I’m not a fan of 2x drivetrains.
I’ve already been to Koblenz store to test the sizes and I really like the CF SL 6 AXS, but I’m a bit hesitant about owning a carbon frame.
I’ve heard a lot of stuff about how carbon is essentially strong than Alu, but cannot stand impact forces from the side — for instance as shown in this video: https://youtu.be/kgWG8dLG-4Q . I understand that proper care (like careful clamping and handling) is important — that’s also true for aluminum. What concerns me more is the practical hassle of treating the bike like a fragile object while traveling.
I plan to take it on DB trains (local and high speed), and during breaks I sometimes lean the bike against walls or other bikes; sometimes lean on the bike frame myself while resting while waiting for other folks to catch up. I never thought about these things before, but I’m wondering if these habits would be risky with a carbon frame. Do I need to be extra cautious in situations like these, even during casual stops at restaurants?
Would love to hear your thoughts!
by TodayAdditional6177
3 Comments
Bist du Deutscher?
while the strength of carbon and aluminum is comparable, as you properly mentioned those are different materials with their pros and cons. the main pro of the carbon is obviously the weight, with cons being price and certain structural weaknesses.
but here is the thing – would those 900 or so grams which cost 500 euro be fatal in any way to your bike experience? if no, get the AL, and invest the spare money in more gear.
also, the AL has rivets in the back, that the carbon lacks, which might be useful to you at some point.
as for leaning your bike against other bikes, dude… i know people who would turn violent even if you fart near their carbon frames 🙂
dont get me wrong tho, carbon is great and nothing short of revolutionary material when it comes to bikes. just in the grand scheme of the universe everything has its place and proper use.
I wouldn’t care so much about the durability, a bike made for this kind of riding is plenty strong even if carbon.
But do note that the carbon doesn’t have mounting points for a rack (since you mentioned bikepacking). So you would either need to use something like a tailfin, or a seat bag.