In the past, only high-end road bikes had a carbon fiber frame, but today these materials have become more commonplace and are found in many of the most popular models. Regarded as somewhat vulnerable to impact damage, recent improvements in this material has mostly overcome this concern. The owner of such a bike should however, have an awareness of basic care needed and carbon bicycle frame repair information.
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.
Carbonized frames tend to be inert or unreactive by nature so they will not produce a chemical reaction such as corrosion or salt damage with most types of cleaners. However, the whole frame is not made from this same material, many parts are aluminum which is prone to rusting when exposed to harsh solvents, so care still must be taken when cleaning the bike.
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.
In most cases, the bicycle's damage can be repaired, but it's always best to make sure these repairs are only done by a professional who specializes in fixing bikes of this kind. Minor exterior repairs should be handled satisfactorily by the average bike shop, but serious trauma to the framework must be evaluated and corrected by an expert.
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.
Carbonized frames tend to be inert or unreactive by nature so they will not produce a chemical reaction such as corrosion or salt damage with most types of cleaners. However, the whole frame is not made from this same material, many parts are aluminum which is prone to rusting when exposed to harsh solvents, so care still must be taken when cleaning the bike.
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.
In most cases, the bicycle's damage can be repaired, but it's always best to make sure these repairs are only done by a professional who specializes in fixing bikes of this kind. Minor exterior repairs should be handled satisfactorily by the average bike shop, but serious trauma to the framework must be evaluated and corrected by an expert.
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:
You can visit www.swampghostframeworks.com for more helpful information about Important Information About Carbon Bicycle Frame Repair And Maintenance.
No comments:
Post a Comment