Once the hallmark of a high-end bicycle, frames made from carbon fiber are now one of the most popular materials used for a wide range of quality road bikes. At one time they were considered to be more prone to impact damage, but improvements in design have largely overcome this drawback. However, it is helpful for owners to have a good understanding of how to handle them and about carbon bicycle frame repair options when needed.
Carbon is durable, but over time it can fatigue due to softening of the epoxy resin. Naturally, the more the bike is used, the faster it will deteriorate. The specific structural design, tube thickness, type of riding it is used for, and the degree of care it receives can also affect how long the bike will last before showing signs of aging.
Since this material is inert or unreactive, it can withstand cleaning with most solutions and will not have an adverse chemical reaction or experience corrosion or salt damage. Yet the entire bike is not made from this material and it will also have metal components which may easily rust or get damaged, so it's advisable refrain from using harsh solvents.
A bike made from carbon fiber can be found to have manufacturing faults the same as any other type can, in most cases this will be in the form of bent dropouts or broken drink bottle cage lugs, but these issues are normally covered under the manufacturer's warranty. Surface scrapes generally don't pose any problem other than aesthetic ones, but if a crack is detected in the carbon's matrix this calls for immediate attention before it worsens.
Once there is a weak spot, this puts the bike at risk for developing a problem such as a break in the frame, a cracked seat or seat post, or bent rear derailleur hangers. It is not always easy to visibly spot damage or repairs that may have occurred to the frame, that's why it best to avoid used bikes of this variety.
When a bike has been involved in a serious crash but is not totaled, it's important to have its condition assessed by a professional bike mechanic. They have special equipment such as ultrasound and UV scanners which can be used to look for damage that is not visible to the naked eye. As a rule of thumb it's a good idea to take the bike in for regular servicing every six months, and always mention any odd noises to the mechanic.
Most damage is repairable, however, that which is more extensive should only be handled by an expert who specializes in fixing this particular type of bike. Simple repairs on the exterior can usually be handled sufficiently by most bike shops, but more serious frame compromise needs the knowledge of someone well-versed in these repairs.
Sometimes it makes more sense to replace a damaged part rather than get it fixed. Repairing can take a long time and be rather costly in some instances, and it may actually be cheaper and faster to simply order and install a replacement part. It all depends on where the damage is located and how extensive it is.
Carbon is durable, but over time it can fatigue due to softening of the epoxy resin. Naturally, the more the bike is used, the faster it will deteriorate. The specific structural design, tube thickness, type of riding it is used for, and the degree of care it receives can also affect how long the bike will last before showing signs of aging.
Since this material is inert or unreactive, it can withstand cleaning with most solutions and will not have an adverse chemical reaction or experience corrosion or salt damage. Yet the entire bike is not made from this material and it will also have metal components which may easily rust or get damaged, so it's advisable refrain from using harsh solvents.
A bike made from carbon fiber can be found to have manufacturing faults the same as any other type can, in most cases this will be in the form of bent dropouts or broken drink bottle cage lugs, but these issues are normally covered under the manufacturer's warranty. Surface scrapes generally don't pose any problem other than aesthetic ones, but if a crack is detected in the carbon's matrix this calls for immediate attention before it worsens.
Once there is a weak spot, this puts the bike at risk for developing a problem such as a break in the frame, a cracked seat or seat post, or bent rear derailleur hangers. It is not always easy to visibly spot damage or repairs that may have occurred to the frame, that's why it best to avoid used bikes of this variety.
When a bike has been involved in a serious crash but is not totaled, it's important to have its condition assessed by a professional bike mechanic. They have special equipment such as ultrasound and UV scanners which can be used to look for damage that is not visible to the naked eye. As a rule of thumb it's a good idea to take the bike in for regular servicing every six months, and always mention any odd noises to the mechanic.
Most damage is repairable, however, that which is more extensive should only be handled by an expert who specializes in fixing this particular type of bike. Simple repairs on the exterior can usually be handled sufficiently by most bike shops, but more serious frame compromise needs the knowledge of someone well-versed in these repairs.
Sometimes it makes more sense to replace a damaged part rather than get it fixed. Repairing can take a long time and be rather costly in some instances, and it may actually be cheaper and faster to simply order and install a replacement part. It all depends on where the damage is located and how extensive it is.
About the Author:
When you are looking for information about carbon bicycle frame repair, pay a visit to the web pages online here today. You can see details at http://www.swampghostframeworks.com now.
EmoticonEmoticon