If you’re an avid biker and have had enough of steel or aluminum frames, it’s time to try something else, what about carbon fiber? Carbon fiber was once regarded as an exotic and expensive material to assemble your bike of but the range of carbon-framed bikes has now become much more affordable.
The lightweight and aerodynamic carbon bikes are engineered for improved performance and riding experience. The moment you ride on it, you’ll perceive the difference and the improved vibration absorbent technology will keep you astounded. Let’s take a look at some FAQs regarding carbon bikes.
Is a carbon bike frame more comfortable?
Carbon bikes frame is designed for ultimate output when it comes to performance. Perhaps, no other material can come close to carbon fiber if you consider riding a bike made of it. The ultimate shock absorption ability and aerodynamic structure give the bikers the ultimate sensation of riding. Not only the speed, but the comfort this material provides is amazing as well. The extra comfort you feel during pedaling really keeps your bike a notch ahead of the usual steel or aluminum bikes. While the steel gets rusty over time, the good-quality carbon fiber doesn’t age at all. You can feel the same comfort like you felt back when you bought them.
Is a carbon bike frame durable?
There are a lot of misconceptions regarding the carbon fiber material floating around. We generally tend to think that the material is exotic as well as expensive but when it comes to durability, it may not be as rigid as steel or aluminum ones. But, in reality, carbon fiber is stronger than regular steel frames and is engineered for better aerodynamic stability. Perhaps, the main USP of this material is not the rigidity but the lightweight that makes it a staple element in the aerospace industry.
But the process of making a bike frame out of it is an extremely laborious procedure and the performance it produces is second to none. The carbon frame is made of uncountable thin carbon fibers, even thinner than a human hair. Despite its rigidity, the material is more damage-prone when colliding with a sharp object. The surface is not metallic, so chances are high that it could develop minor cracks. So, carbon frames may not sustain high impact stresses compared to steel frames.
How to tell if the carbon bike frame is cracked?
While carbon fiber is lightweight and aimed to provide your bike with better aerodynamic freedom during cycling, it could also be a difficult material to deal with when it comes to fractures. Even a single hairline crack becomes sometimes hard to discover due to the nature of the material and can cause significant damage over long-term use. Your bike could meet a minor accident or it could simply fall over awkwardly on its own.
Although Carbon fiber is not a fragile material, it’s a bit more damage-prone than usual steel frames. Sometimes, there might be a thin crack that is not easily decipherable unless you carry a thorough inspection. As carbon fiber is a completely different material than regular metallic ones, you could feel the damaged area more easily. Carry a quick inspection in the suspected area and if it feels softer than the surrounding area, the portion is likely to be damaged.
You may also determine the crack or a damaged portion by tapping it with a coin. The sound of the damaged area will be different from the surroundings. Fortunately, carbon fiber material mostly doesn’t develop hairline cracks, instead, a portion of it gets smashed or damaged quite clearly that you can see in your naked eyes.
Can a carbon frame be repaired?
This is probably a debated issue whether the carbon frame can be repaired to turn it back into the pre-accident condition or replacement is the only way out. While most of us think that carbon fiber can’t be repaired, in reality, it can but the process needs utmost expert supervision and could be an expensive one. Also, a lot depends on the type of damage the frame suffers. Not that all structural damages can be repaired, so you may have to replace the frame in the worst scenarios.
As mentioned before, repairing carbon frames is an expensive procedure and the procedure should only be carried out under trained professionals. If your carbon frame is damaged and you want to repair it, compare the repair cost with the replacement one and ask the service provider for a quote. Fixed carbon fiber frames are completely safe and they can be ridden on once again, just like your good old bike.
How to repair a carbon fiber bike frame?
Carbon fiber is not your usual steel or any other metallic frame. The procedure of manufacturing a bike frame out of this material is a complicated one and it requires high-end technology. This is why repairing it is a laborious job that can only be done by select experts. The actual carbon fiber is woven in a carbon sheet and the structure is complicated and you need expert knowledge to remove the damaged part and repair it perfectly.
This is the reason why not your regular bike mechanic can’t repair a carbon frame, instead, you need to find a service provider who actually does the job for you. The complex structure of the material makes the repair cost even more expensive than regular steel ones. So, as mentioned earlier, it’s better to replace them if the repair cost is more or less the same as the replacement, if not higher.
Should a mountain bike be of carbon frame?
If you want to have a mountain bike made of carbon fiber, you can definitely consider that without having any fear. You may contemplate what if your bike meets high impact stresses more often as the mountain bikes are meant for off-roading.
Of course, your thought is correct, but mountain carbon fibers aren’t as fragile as eggshells. Due to its superior rigidity and optimized weight, it absorbs better vibration than any other material. You can find a wide range of mid and high-end mountain bikes made of carbon framework.
How to clean a carbon bike frame?
Using a carbon bike frame doesn’t mean that you need expensive bike cleaning products to wipe your bike. You can effectively clean the entire frame and other parts without any pressure washer. We recommend you not to use the pressure washer while cleaning the bearing pats, as the water may end up washing the grease out of them.
The best way to clean your carbon frame initially is to give it a wash with normal water. All you need is a soft paintbrush, a regular laundry liquid/cleaning fluid, and a sponge. Start spraying the laundry liquid on the surface of the frame and leave for a couple of minutes to soak. If you have a particular liquid cleaner for your bike, you can also use it. Once the liquid is soaked, brush off the surface carefully starting from the top to make your way down the forks to remove the dirt. After that, start rinsing the frame surface with clean water with a soft bristle brush to scrub from time to time. Ensure all the laundry liquid is properly rinsed off. Cleaning your frame in this way also allows you to get familiar with any chips and scratches that may develop.
How to take care of a carbon bike?
Just like the regular steel or other metallic bikes, carbon bikes also need servicing from time to time. Even though carbon doesn’t age, without proper servicing you can’t keep it running like ever before. If you have a repair stand, do not over-tight it as when clamping. Carbon fiber is not a metallic surface, as a result of over-tightening, the clamp may damage the frame. Also, be very careful while keeping your bike parked and ensure it doesn’t fall easily and ram against anything, especially against any sharp objects.
The best way is to lay your bike down or keep it leaning against a wall to minimize the chance of any accidents. If you meet an accident while riding or your bike simply falls over on its own, do not forget to make a proper inspection of the possible damaged area. Take it to an expert in case a crack or gouge appears. Proper everyday care would help your bike enjoy an extended life for sure.
You’ve probably heard a lot of stuff about carbon fiber, both myths, and facts. While we’ve busted a bunch of myths about the material in this article, we can’t deny the fact that the affordability of even the mid-range carbon bikes is pretty high. Not just the frame is made of carbon but the components you’ll find in such bikes are top-notch making the package expensive. If you want to ride a carbon bike, it’s better to break the bank and get a good quality bike, instead of compromising with a cheap alternative that will flush your money down the drain.
