Carbon vs alloy Relay?

[keenxxx]

Had my sights on an alloy closeout Relay for awhile. A few weeks ago I demoed a full power 60lb ebike and didn't care for the heaviness one bit. I never considered carbon but now I am weight conscious. Any input on which way to go? Thanks.

 

[Ndanger]

Had my sights on an alloy closeout Relay for awhile. A few weeks ago I demoed a full power 60lb ebike and didn't care for the heaviness one bit. I never considered carbon but now I am weight conscious. Any input on which way to go? Thanks.

Always nice to find a good sale, seems like both materials have advantages, probably can't go wrong with either. It comes down to choices with cost, weight, and durability. If cost is not an issue Carbon Fiber will be lighter and have better uphill and lighter handling aspects. If cost is an issue Alloy will be durable, better cost to value, and have advantages on the downhill side of riding.

 

[Nerds On Dirt MTB]

I've had both so I can give you some of my thoughts.
Carbon was nice because it was lighter, notably lighter (45lbs VS 51) but only when loading and unloading from the van. The battery cover on the carbon needs a strap to keep from falling off if you ride it hard VS the alloy, which has a better over all cover. The carbon one is also much louder, to the point I stuffed some foam in the crevasse above the motor to quiet it down on rough descents. Both ride fantastic, my wife still loves hers (carbon) and it seems the motor issues are behind them (lot less of them coming into the shop these days).

 

[keenxxx]

I've had both so I can give you some of my thoughts.
Carbon was nice because it was lighter, notably lighter (45lbs VS 51) but only when loading and unloading from the van. The battery cover on the carbon needs a strap to keep from falling off if you ride it hard VS the alloy, which has a better over all cover. The carbon one is also much louder, to the point I stuffed some foam in the crevasse above the motor to quiet it down on rough descents. Both ride fantastic, my wife still loves hers (carbon) and it seems the motor issues are behind them (lot less of them coming into the shop these days).

What is making the noise on the carbon? Cable rattle, door rattle or ? Thanks.

 

[Nerds On Dirt MTB]

Just carbon fiber frame reverberation, the plastic sound amplified, my wife says I'm crazy but it was a thing I noticed

 

[keenxxx]

Just carbon fiber frame reverberation, the plastic sound amplified, my wife says I'm crazy but it was a thing I noticed

I am pretty sensitive to noise so I assume a little TLC will alleviate the noise. I like alloy for a regular bike but 6lb seems like a bit of weight. Transition lists a 4lb difference but manufactures seem to miss the mark on most weights.

 

[Plummet]

Carbon all the way for me. Its lighter, stronger and you fix it home with hand tools.

PS 60lb e bikes are dead to me. Too heavy. I'd look for something lighter.

 

[keenxxx]

Carbon all the way for me. Its lighter, stronger and you fix it home with hand tools.

PS 60lb e bikes are dead to me. Too heavy. I'd look for something lighter.

That’s why I am looking @ the carbon Relay listed @ 44lb.

 

[Suns_PSD]

My XL CF Relay will be getting sold very soon at a great price. Can do frame only or entire build.

Anyways, I would never buy an Al Midpower e-bike, literally against the entire reason that you buy a midpower.

My Relay with DH tires F & R, dual coil suspension, pedals and tools weighs <46#s.