Convince me on Bamboo over Carbon

I'm getting pretty close to upgrading from a Gen2 bamboo to a GT. What should I get, Carbon or Bamboo?

I've briefly ridden both and read and watched endless material on them both. It comes down to this: flex vs. range. That really seems to be it (apart from aethstetics).

Bamboo = shorter range, but more flex = a more satisfying carve; or
Carbon = longer range (longer wheel base) and a much stiffer ride.

Other than that all of the specs are really exactly the same.

With the AT option the beez kneez at the moment, there's a lot to be said for the extra range the carbon provides (considering the AT wheels gobble up so much range/battery life), but I feel like I will very much miss the flex and carve of the bamboo, particularly on the street w street wheels.

One other point to the bamboo is that everything (including the deck) is interchangeable. You can swap out parts on the carbon, sure, but the deck in the mainstay, and I hear people are running into problems with chipping and cracking etc.

So, bamboo guys, convince me on bamboo over carbon. A part from flex (which the GT has considerably less of than the Gen2 I might add), why else should I stick with bamboo? Help me (and others who might be reading and facing the same dilemma) make the hard choice!

 

I think it comes down to this because Ive had both. If you plan of keeping it in the AT mode permanently go with the Carbon. If you plan on using both street and AT absolutely go with the Bamboo. It doesnt matter how much range the Carbon has you wont go far on the street setup because of the pain it will cause your feet and legs. Thats my 2 cents.

 

I went with the bamboo for 2 reasons.

1. The flex is more chill on the feet and more fun to carve which is really the goal here.
2. The fast charger exists for the 10% of rides that do go long enough to drain my battery.

 

I find the Carbon GT so much easier to ride than the flat decks

 

I love my CGT; I carve just fine. Plus longer range and faster (I'm riding on the AT wheels only). If you can afford it, I would go with the CGT...

 

Same Speed. Check the website under compare models. I thought maybe the CGT was lighter but nope.

 

I have the bamboo but sometimes wish I had the CGT only for its range. Not sure my feet can ride any longer the then 15 miles.
I have heard that some people are having problems with cut outs and the carbon cracking on the CGT.
So if I had to do it all over again and money was not and issue I would buy the bamboo again.

 

Hi Guys, thanks heaps for all of your input. I have decided to go for a Bamboo GT 2-in-1. Reasoning:

The Carbon GT is a further $550 AUD no matter which way you split it for roughly a further 15km range. That's it, that's actually the entirety of performance difference. Physically the Carbon is longer and stiffer, where as the Bamboo is slightly shorter and more flexible (with the added bonus of being able to completely change the deck if you so please because the battery is still in the screw-on-screw-off case).

Having now had the chance to try a couple of Carbons in different wheel configurations I can confirm (and this is really a personal choice) that the stiffness of the Carbon is not for me (particularly after having and getting used to the feel of a Bamboo after owing a Gen2), the longer wheel base doesn't present any kind of advantage for me, personally, and the additional range is something I simply will not use. I'll be stopping at a charge point on any ride long before range becomes an issue on either board. I cannot imagine going 50km range on street wheels on something as stiff as a carbon deck! It ain't gonna happen! Your legs would give out before you got close to that range! So for me my choice has netted a $550 AUD saving and I still get the flex and magic of the Bamboo I've come to love.

The drop deck feel of the Carbon GT is a nice addition to that board over their V1 Carbon, but the Bamboo GT has a concave deck that more than mirrors this effect (it's not a flat deck).

Range is really the only possible reason I can see that would require someone to choose carbon over bamboo. If range is a serious concern for you, then yes, carbon is the way to go (but remember your poor legs!)

My new board is currently enroute and I can't wait for my upgrade to get here! Be holding onto my Gen2 as a back-up board and something for friends to try and come out on rides with me with.

Will I ever get a carbon? Well, put it this way, I'm keen to see what Evolve do next and my old Gen2 isn't going to last forever, and I always want to run two boards...

Thanks again, and I hope this thread is of some use to other people trying to make the tough decision.

 

Same capabilities other than range one is way cheaper with more flex and interchangeable decks. If the deck on the carbon cracks you're out a bunch of money.

 

I have both the carbon and the bamboo. I keep the carbon on AT wheels and I use the bamboo for street setup, occasionally swapping it to AT to ride with a friend.

The Carbon is a work of tough art really. Quite unique with the carbon fibre and i treat my boards pretty rough. So far the deck has survived plenty of scuffs but CF damage is mostly permanent for deeper scuffs. Smaller damage you could probably buff polish out. The range is slightly longer for the Carbon - i'd say about 15% more but generally not that noticeable.

I've recently waterproofed the Carbon using silicone. I do like the fact that it has a flush unibody design which makes it easier to waterproof and handle. It does ride stiff on street wheels, hence why i swapped to AT permanently for it.

The Bamboo is shorter and more customisable. Sanded it down and spray painted it black and applied new griptape. It does flex a little and feels more like a traditional longboard, but overall its not that flexible that you can pump with it. The wider edges make it a more pleasant experience but if you are using AT for bamboo, there is no dropdown section like the CF so your front foot can occasionally hit the wheel. The Carbon with the longer board is probably better for taller people. I use slidegloves with the bamboo for coleman slides and slides and it's the bees nees.

All in all, if i had $2500 and could only buy one board, I would get the Bamboo. I go rough on my boards and I like the customisability and traditional feeling of the Bamboo, along with the fact that you can sand down most damage or replace all the components more easily. But if i didn't customise it, the Carbon GT would win for its design (really don't like the stock Bamboo design - prefer stealth). Als the battery pack sticking out below for the Bamboo does feels clunky in comparison. That's where the Carbon GT is better.

I think you made the right call with getting the Bamboo when you already have a gen 2.