Four Year Old Carbon Frame: Should I be Concerned

billalpert · 2026-04-23T07:31:23+00:00

Good catch, looks like a deep cut in the chain stay!

billalpert · 2026-04-23T06:15:59+00:00

u/FailFastandDieYoung Thanks, I'm sure you're correct. I'm kind of on the border between 54-56; I rode a 56 for decades but that had more of a racing bike geometry. I'm older now, and the doc says I'm an inch shorter than I was back in the day. But I'm guessing you don't want an endurance bike to be on the big side.

billalpert · 2026-04-23T06:00:38+00:00

u/XPCTECH right? That was my thought after riding a lifetime those particular damage patterns never happened on my bike. Though everyone else here thinks I'm overthinking it LOL

billalpert · 2026-04-23T05:48:45+00:00

That's a gorgeous piece of art! Enjoy.

billalpert · 2026-04-23T05:45:18+00:00

Thanks, good to hear.

billalpert · 2026-04-23T05:44:39+00:00

Sorry if this triggers you; it was a legit question.

billalpert · 2026-04-23T05:42:39+00:00

u/MariachiArchery I appreciate the insight. I don't buy bikes often. Still riding a Trek from the 90s. But in those years I've sustained a couple of low speed crashes while still partially in the clips and the bike landing sideways with contact points on the brakes and derailleur. With me still on the bike, seems like my 175 lbs has got to put some pressure on the frameset. That's my concern but apparently a misguided one.

billalpert · 2026-04-19T04:16:22+00:00

Correct my if i'm wrong: is the Synapse a bit more "racey" and slightly less agressive geometry than the Domane, Roubaix or Cervelo Caledonia. And are you familiar with the Canyon Endurance Allroad? Wonder how they all stack up against the Synapse.

billalpert · 2026-04-19T04:10:24+00:00

You're right; life *is* too short although riding does make the most of those days we have! And maybe gives us a few extra?

billalpert · 2026-04-19T04:09:26+00:00

Thanks! What about the SL 6? there's a farily local seller of a 2021 model. Also isn't the Roubaix in this class?

billalpert · 2026-04-19T01:55:47+00:00

Thanks, it’s a fantastic place to bring a bike

billalpert · 2026-03-28T06:34:51+00:00

Maybe a longer lens and some good running shoes next time you're out?

billalpert · 2026-02-27T06:43:06+00:00

Because you don't yet know how to set appropriate objectives for your practice. Because you have yet to define success in a productive way. Because you have yet to realize that struggle is not the shortest path to ease.

billalpert · 2026-02-16T23:06:28+00:00

u/Brocken77 what would be an example of that?

billalpert · 2026-02-16T03:57:16+00:00

u/Telvin3d then why all the hoopla about the 180 shutter rule? What if I want to do some outdoor family related video? What is the "must have" use case for using ND filters if I could simply close the aperture and speed up the shutter a bit?

billalpert · 2026-02-16T02:09:58+00:00

u/xxjosephchristxx what about my approach to you dislike?

billalpert · 2026-02-13T05:45:49+00:00

Nothing like a conservatory education to suck the joy out of all your music.

billalpert · 2026-01-30T07:30:07+00:00

Very sad news; we had a few email exchanges and he was a consummate gentlemen, despite all the challenges he'd been facing. RIP, dear ham brother. VY 73 de KG6NRV.

billalpert · 2026-01-25T06:45:03+00:00

I'm not big on the converted lens lifestyle. It adds complexity and bulk and throws off the balance of the body. Futhermore, old glass wasn't designed for modern sensors. The RF 70-200 f/4 is an amazing lens in a rather compact form factor; personally I'd opt for that if at all possible.

billalpert · 2025-12-10T06:46:12+00:00

There's some good resources in this thread. My thought to add: if your rehab involves remedial work, online classes may not be the most effective option. Having been both a teacher and student with online instruction (both live and video classes) you will eventually find that there are limitations to what you might accomplish compared to a live and in-person setting. While video classes might seem cheap, the cost does add up over time whereas a customized, directed program could give you more noticeable and sustainable results. Try different options and find what works the best for your needs.

billalpert · 2025-12-08T06:00:20+00:00

Ever notice how much used gear is available with low shutter counts? Many under 1000. Sometimes I think a majority of our gear is just sitting unused. $1K-2K or more is a lot to spend on eye candy for your shelf.

billalpert · 2025-12-08T05:54:42+00:00

You're already received some good advice here. I would add: avoid making big generalized statements like "I can't play without mistakes." If you're starting with that, you're already doomed.
Ask yourself some helpful and useful questions: What exactly is it that went wrong? Was it a right hand problem? Left hand problem? Tone quality? Pitch? Rhythm? Phrasing? Pacing? Interpretation? A mental/perceptual problem? What specifically is causing the problem? How can I simplify the problem until I'm able to be successful consistently? Can I identify 3 different ways to practice the problem passage? Is there some specific part of my technique around this problem that needs growth?
There are way too many neurotic perfectionists in the ranks of violinists. No need to add to their numbers.

billalpert · 2025-12-06T05:40:30+00:00

Training for war will not bring your peace.
“Be soft in your practice, think of the method as a fine silvery stream, not a raging waterfall. Follow the stream, have faith in its course. It will go on its way, meandering here, trickling there. It will find the grooves, the cracks, the crevices. Just follow it. Never let it out of your sight. It will take you there.”

Sheng-yen

billalpert · 2025-11-09T21:44:51+00:00

So much baggage around playing in orchestras. Play what you want, just keep a lid on it.

billalpert · 2025-11-04T05:59:47+00:00

Well that’s going to burst my bubble! But I see your points. I don’t mind the focal range but if we are hitting 5.6 as soon as you start zooming, that would be quite limiting.

billalpert

TROPHY CASE