ironpuppy13
03-14-11, 12:03 PM
What's everyone's opinion on carbon fiber cranks? i'm just a little cautious about getting one because it's not metal and i'm concerned that it would break easier.
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Carbon Fiber Cranks
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03-14-11, 12:12 PM
I have been wondering the same thing myself Puppy.
I would be a little warry about but full force of my legs into the peddles when climbing a steep hill.
I would be a little warry about but full force of my legs into the peddles when climbing a steep hill.
chenghiz
03-14-11, 12:13 PM
It's my understanding the most CF cranks are actually alloy with a CF skin, for bling factor. Which cranks are you looking at?
rustybrown
03-14-11, 12:17 PM
Half life on carbon fiber cranks is negligible. Just be more aware of how you store your bike, lock up or rest it against anything.
vw addict
03-14-11, 12:36 PM
If you put carbon cranks on a ssfg they will most surely implode.
clink83
03-14-11, 12:41 PM
In the road world, most CF cranks aren't much lighter than forged hollow Al cranks. They are not worth it IMO, unless you want the looks. Cf is just as strong as any metal cranks, up to the point of failure.
ironpuppy13
03-14-11, 01:21 PM
FSA Carbon Track 165mm 48T ISIS Crankset 144bcd
that's what i'm looking into getting. I found a pretty good deal with it and a bottom bracket that i am desperately in need of.
that's what i'm looking into getting. I found a pretty good deal with it and a bottom bracket that i am desperately in need of.
carleton
03-14-11, 02:18 PM
They are fine.
I have used SRAM Red and Force carbon cranks on my road bike and they didn't explode. There are roadies that have bent chainrings before they broke CF crank arms.
I've seen them used on the track by guys stronger than most.
I have used SRAM Red and Force carbon cranks on my road bike and they didn't explode. There are roadies that have bent chainrings before they broke CF crank arms.
I've seen them used on the track by guys stronger than most.
zacked
03-14-11, 02:37 PM
You aren't going to break them with your legs, that's for sure.
But they won't take the abuse of getting locked up and kicked around, and they aren't any lighter, so they'd be a dumb choice for a city bike.
But they won't take the abuse of getting locked up and kicked around, and they aren't any lighter, so they'd be a dumb choice for a city bike.
Squirrelli
03-14-11, 02:57 PM
iunno brah
http://mranthonywong.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/20110209-013010.jpg
seems hella sketch to me
http://mranthonywong.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/20110209-013010.jpg
seems hella sketch to me
Inertianinja
03-14-11, 02:59 PM
You cannot break any carbon fiber bike component with the force of your legs :)
And for the love of god, it's "pedals" not "peddles"
And for the love of god, it's "pedals" not "peddles"
Squirrelli
03-14-11, 03:23 PM
If you put anything carbon on a ssfg they will most surely implode.
fixied.
fixied.
Inertianinja
03-14-11, 04:11 PM
You aren't going to break them with your legs, that's for sure.
But they won't take the abuse of getting locked up and kicked around, and they aren't any lighter, so they'd be a dumb choice for a city bike.
well, of course, if you're doing HELLA TRICKZ and JUMPZ with them, that could damage any bike component that's not designed for it. most of these are designed for a certain type of load in a certain direction over time. not sudden smashing against concrete steps.
But they won't take the abuse of getting locked up and kicked around, and they aren't any lighter, so they'd be a dumb choice for a city bike.
well, of course, if you're doing HELLA TRICKZ and JUMPZ with them, that could damage any bike component that's not designed for it. most of these are designed for a certain type of load in a certain direction over time. not sudden smashing against concrete steps.
carleton
03-14-11, 05:00 PM
well, of course, if you're doing HELLA TRICKZ and JUMPZ with them, that could damage any bike component that's not designed for it. most of these are designed for a certain type of load in a certain direction over time. not sudden smashing against concrete steps.
Agreed. If you are gonna do that, get some Profile or similar BMX style cranks.
Agreed. If you are gonna do that, get some Profile or similar BMX style cranks.
Xgecko
03-14-11, 06:06 PM
I got to try a Look 695 last week complete with carbon cranks. For certain those cranks are waaaay lighter than any "normal" cranks and stiff beyond anything I have ever felt. the whole bikes was kind weird though just thinking about accelerating was met with the cycling equivalent of being plastered to your seat by a big V8....it really was disconcerting not to mention I have felt wheelsets that weighed more than the whole bike
hairnet
03-14-11, 06:16 PM
It's my understanding the most CF cranks are actually alloy with a CF skin, for bling factor.
not really bling(maybe for some). It's an attempt to reduce weight and keep or improve strength by reinforcing with carbon fiber
not really bling(maybe for some). It's an attempt to reduce weight and keep or improve strength by reinforcing with carbon fiber
FrenchFit
03-14-11, 07:42 PM
I have carbon cranks on my MTB/tourer. They are gorgeous. I suspect the chance of failure is about the same as my bike being exploded by a terrorist attack.
evilcryalotmore
03-14-11, 09:34 PM
I've honestly never heard of carbon cranks being a problem, If you'd like to get those crankarms. That would be fine.
I've seen people crash on those things and worst case its scratched up.
I've seen people crash on those things and worst case its scratched up.
Squirrelli
03-14-11, 09:39 PM
I've seen people crash on those things and worst case its scratched up.
That's the downside about carbon parts, they can suddenly fail on if you've crashed them before.
That's the downside about carbon parts, they can suddenly fail on if you've crashed them before.
clink83
03-15-11, 08:30 AM
I got to try a Look 695 last week complete with carbon cranks. For certain those cranks are waaaay lighter than any "normal" cranks and stiff beyond anything I have ever felt.
Campy Ultra torque cranks are advertised at 670gs, Shimano Dura Ace cranks are advertised at 725g INCLUDING BB, and the SRAM Red carbon crankset is advertised at 760G INCLUDING BB. So, the Aluminum Shimano cranks are lighter than the SRAM carbon cranks, and if you take out the weight of the BB they would be pretty close to the Campy carbon cranks.
Campy Ultra torque cranks are advertised at 670gs, Shimano Dura Ace cranks are advertised at 725g INCLUDING BB, and the SRAM Red carbon crankset is advertised at 760G INCLUDING BB. So, the Aluminum Shimano cranks are lighter than the SRAM carbon cranks, and if you take out the weight of the BB they would be pretty close to the Campy carbon cranks.
evilcryalotmore
03-15-11, 05:45 PM
That's the downside about carbon parts, they can suddenly fail on if you've crashed them before.
Oh yeah that too, Remember the carbon cog's i posted?
There is a review of someone who had one split and his chain slipped forward, Cause there was no tenstion and he Just fell head on stem, Nuts on tt. and knees on floor :|
carbon seat post ok, Carbon stem ok, carbon bike ok, Carbon cogs? Ehh. Not ok.
CARBON CHAIN! YESH!!
Oh yeah that too, Remember the carbon cog's i posted?
There is a review of someone who had one split and his chain slipped forward, Cause there was no tenstion and he Just fell head on stem, Nuts on tt. and knees on floor :|
carbon seat post ok, Carbon stem ok, carbon bike ok, Carbon cogs? Ehh. Not ok.
CARBON CHAIN! YESH!!
bleedingapple
03-16-11, 02:47 AM
Oh yeah that too, Remember the carbon cog's i posted?
There is a review of someone who had one split and his chain slipped forward, Cause there was no tenstion and he Just fell head on stem, Nuts on tt. and knees on floor :|
carbon seat post ok, Carbon stem ok, carbon bike ok, Carbon cogs? Ehh. Not ok.
CARBON CHAIN! YESH!!
im pretty sure those were not carbon cogs, but guides/ protectors...
on the topic of carbon, i have a wafer thin carbon fork that can hold my weight and another thicker carbon fork that can handle me busting around town on it. so im sure the cranks are ok... The only reason I am switching one of my carbon forks (makes me soooo sad) is that I want to put a porteur rack on the front and its probably not the best idea to have that on carbon...
There is a review of someone who had one split and his chain slipped forward, Cause there was no tenstion and he Just fell head on stem, Nuts on tt. and knees on floor :|
carbon seat post ok, Carbon stem ok, carbon bike ok, Carbon cogs? Ehh. Not ok.
CARBON CHAIN! YESH!!
im pretty sure those were not carbon cogs, but guides/ protectors...
on the topic of carbon, i have a wafer thin carbon fork that can hold my weight and another thicker carbon fork that can handle me busting around town on it. so im sure the cranks are ok... The only reason I am switching one of my carbon forks (makes me soooo sad) is that I want to put a porteur rack on the front and its probably not the best idea to have that on carbon...
vw addict
03-16-11, 05:51 AM
That's the downside about carbon parts, they can suddenly fail on if you've crashed them before.
anything can fail on you, not just carbon
anything can fail on you, not just carbon
dookie
03-16-11, 08:26 AM
am i missing something? these are alloy cranks, not carbon.
iunno brah
http://mranthonywong.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/20110209-013010.jpg
seems hella sketch to me
iunno brah
http://mranthonywong.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/20110209-013010.jpg
seems hella sketch to me
carleton
03-16-11, 08:28 AM
Carbon Fiber has been fully embraced by other cycling communities (road, MTB, track). CF got a bad rap on the SSFG scene when the "steel is real" zealots were looking to make steel more desirable. Aluminum got a bad reputation at the same time. And of course there is that one carbon spinergy wheel that people trot out when it's time to bash carbon. That was simply a bad design.
This scene is full of folklore mainly because news and information is spread via word of mouth. Those on the other cycling scenes mentioned above see carbon fiber being used in magazines and videos by riders bigger, stronger, and faster than themselves, so they are comfortable with it. SSFG don't see that. When they see a CF track bike being ridden on the track, they assume it didn't explode because it was on smooth ground.
I'm 240 lbs and pretty strong. I ride a full carbon fiber road bike with carbon fiber cranks with no issues. I rode a carbon fiber track bike two seasons ago with carbon fiber wheels and handlebars with no issues. That's just my story. There are others with similar stories.
This scene is full of folklore mainly because news and information is spread via word of mouth. Those on the other cycling scenes mentioned above see carbon fiber being used in magazines and videos by riders bigger, stronger, and faster than themselves, so they are comfortable with it. SSFG don't see that. When they see a CF track bike being ridden on the track, they assume it didn't explode because it was on smooth ground.
I'm 240 lbs and pretty strong. I ride a full carbon fiber road bike with carbon fiber cranks with no issues. I rode a carbon fiber track bike two seasons ago with carbon fiber wheels and handlebars with no issues. That's just my story. There are others with similar stories.
zacked
03-16-11, 09:02 AM
I'm 240 lbs and pretty strong. I ride a full carbon fiber road bike with carbon fiber cranks with no issues. I rode a carbon fiber track bike two seasons ago with carbon fiber wheels and handlebars with no issues. That's just my story. There are others with similar stories.
That's all true, but CF cranks still make no sense for a bike you're going to lock up at the store. I occasionally consider getting a CF frame, but then I remember how many times I've come back to my bike and found it flopped over and spun around the parking meter, or dropped my lock on my downtube when my hands are freezing.
That's all true, but CF cranks still make no sense for a bike you're going to lock up at the store. I occasionally consider getting a CF frame, but then I remember how many times I've come back to my bike and found it flopped over and spun around the parking meter, or dropped my lock on my downtube when my hands are freezing.
Inertianinja
03-16-11, 09:12 AM
folks
if pros use carbon fiber parts, you can use carbon fiber parts.
they put out more power than you or i ever will.
they only thing they're not doing is slamming their bikes up against concrete steps doing tricks.
end of story.
if pros use carbon fiber parts, you can use carbon fiber parts.
they put out more power than you or i ever will.
they only thing they're not doing is slamming their bikes up against concrete steps doing tricks.
end of story.
carleton
03-16-11, 09:27 AM
That's all true, but CF cranks still make no sense for a bike you're going to lock up at the store. I occasionally consider getting a CF frame, but then I remember how many times I've come back to my bike and found it flopped over and spun around the parking meter, or dropped my lock on my downtube when my hands are freezing.
"Carbon Fiber is Expensive" is another myth that needs to be dispelled.
Carbon Fiber USED to be expensive when it was a custom or almost custom process that required special facilities and skilled labor. Now, it's not the case. You can go to ebay (or a bike shop) and find moderately priced carbon fiber frames or complete bikes. CF accessories are super cheap. Yes, some companies will sell a CF bottle holder for $50...but you can find one for $10, too. A new Planet X (http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/FRPXPCT/planet-x-pro-carbon-track-frame-classic-logo) CF frame/fork/seatpost is $800. New Carbon Fiber handlebars can be found on Ebay for $50. New CF stems for $20.
A CF bike won't shatter if you drop something on it. I bang up my bike all the time.
Stop with the myths.
"Carbon Fiber is Expensive" is another myth that needs to be dispelled.
Carbon Fiber USED to be expensive when it was a custom or almost custom process that required special facilities and skilled labor. Now, it's not the case. You can go to ebay (or a bike shop) and find moderately priced carbon fiber frames or complete bikes. CF accessories are super cheap. Yes, some companies will sell a CF bottle holder for $50...but you can find one for $10, too. A new Planet X (http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/FRPXPCT/planet-x-pro-carbon-track-frame-classic-logo) CF frame/fork/seatpost is $800. New Carbon Fiber handlebars can be found on Ebay for $50. New CF stems for $20.
A CF bike won't shatter if you drop something on it. I bang up my bike all the time.
Stop with the myths.
carleton
03-16-11, 09:30 AM
Remember this one: "Steel frames flex, aluminum ones don't. They just break on you."
Now there are more aluminum FG bikes than ever. I don't recall any epidemic of frames breaking from normal use (outside of doing tricks).
Now there are more aluminum FG bikes than ever. I don't recall any epidemic of frames breaking from normal use (outside of doing tricks).
zacked
03-16-11, 09:56 AM
I don't think CF is weak, but it is notably less durable than aluminum and iron alloys, which makes it susceptible to the types of damage normal city use causes to a bike and parts. And it is generally more expensive, so you pay more money for a part that will likely be usable for less time.
The thing about aluminum frames is a straw man. I'm not saying no one should ever buy CF products, just that it is unsuited to the use of most of the people on this forum.
The thing about aluminum frames is a straw man. I'm not saying no one should ever buy CF products, just that it is unsuited to the use of most of the people on this forum.
carleton
03-16-11, 10:08 AM
...but it is notably less durable...which makes it susceptible to the types of damage normal city use causes to a bike and parts. And it is generally more expensive, so you pay more money for a part that will likely be usable for less time.
In 2004 people said the same things about aluminum when compared to steel.
The thing about aluminum frames is a straw man. I'm not saying no one should ever buy CF products, just that it is unsuited to the use of most of the people on this forum.
And that's where I disagree with you. I think that people should consider it along with other products.
The knee-jerk reaction (your responses being a prime example) is that "Carbon Fiber is definitely not anything that I want to ever consider." I'm just trying to provide some different perspective and information.
In 2004 people said the same things about aluminum when compared to steel.
The thing about aluminum frames is a straw man. I'm not saying no one should ever buy CF products, just that it is unsuited to the use of most of the people on this forum.
And that's where I disagree with you. I think that people should consider it along with other products.
The knee-jerk reaction (your responses being a prime example) is that "Carbon Fiber is definitely not anything that I want to ever consider." I'm just trying to provide some different perspective and information.
vw addict
03-16-11, 10:10 AM
I'm just trying to provide some different perspective and information.
uh-oh, not this again...
uh-oh, not this again...
carleton
03-16-11, 10:18 AM
uh-oh, not this again...
I can feel your anger. It gives you focus, makes you stronger.
You guys have more in common with the dreaded roadie that you will ever imagine.
Relax. Embrace it.
I hope you trust me, vw addict.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/0a/Palpatine_ROTJ.jpg/220px-Palpatine_ROTJ.jpg
I can feel your anger. It gives you focus, makes you stronger.
You guys have more in common with the dreaded roadie that you will ever imagine.
Relax. Embrace it.
I hope you trust me, vw addict.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/0a/Palpatine_ROTJ.jpg/220px-Palpatine_ROTJ.jpg
vw addict
03-16-11, 10:21 AM
I hope you trust me, vw addict.
LOL, well I have two sets of carbon cranks, a carbon road frame, a carbon MTB frame, and carbon risers on one of my mtb's. I have no issues.
LOL, well I have two sets of carbon cranks, a carbon road frame, a carbon MTB frame, and carbon risers on one of my mtb's. I have no issues.
carleton
03-16-11, 10:30 AM
LOL, well I have two sets of carbon cranks, a carbon road frame, a carbon MTB frame, and carbon risers on one of my mtb's. I have no issues.
I'm looking forward to completing your training.
I'm looking forward to completing your training.
Squirrelli
03-16-11, 11:57 AM
am i missing something? these are alloy cranks, not carbon.
I was being jokingly ignorant about the reliability of carbon fibre cranks by comparing them with an alloy crankset.
Get Scrod a carbon seatpost or carbn risers, then the whole forum would be like..."Hmm, maybe carbon it is what is all cracked up to be."
I was being jokingly ignorant about the reliability of carbon fibre cranks by comparing them with an alloy crankset.
Get Scrod a carbon seatpost or carbn risers, then the whole forum would be like..."Hmm, maybe carbon it is what is all cracked up to be."
hairnet
03-16-11, 12:02 PM
EXPLOSION!! duck and cover
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z1fSpZNXhU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z1fSpZNXhU
Inertianinja
03-16-11, 12:09 PM
EXPLOSION!! duck and cover
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z1fSpZNXhU
every BF user should be required to watch this before registering.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z1fSpZNXhU
every BF user should be required to watch this before registering.
Squirrelli
03-16-11, 12:13 PM
every BF user should be required to watch this before registering.
Yea, especially the A&S, P&R, C&V guys because they really care about this kind of thing.
Yea, especially the A&S, P&R, C&V guys because they really care about this kind of thing.
Inertianinja
03-16-11, 12:15 PM
Yea, especially the A&S, P&R, C&V guys because they really care about this kind of thing.
every subforum has threads about carbon fiber, and every one of those threads has someone doubting its strength/durability/etc.
every subforum has threads about carbon fiber, and every one of those threads has someone doubting its strength/durability/etc.
Squirrelli
03-16-11, 12:21 PM
Let me help by putting this site (http://www.bustedcarbon.com/) here.
hairnet
03-16-11, 12:50 PM
The only busted carbon I've seen was on a bike that was hit by a car
carleton
03-16-11, 01:48 PM
Let me help by putting this site (http://www.bustedcarbon.com/) here.
Stuff breaks, steel, aluminum, and carbon.
Some interesting quotes from the first few pages:
"My Specialized S-Works Tarmac didn't fair so well against Grandma's carport."
"...Rather a case of some loose gravel on a tight corner and me sliding into a kerb. "
"There was a huge crash in the Cat 4 race and I was in the middle of it. My friend, who was right next to me, ended up with 8 broken ribs! "
"It's been a while since this actually happened, but here are some photos from me going into the back of a car at ~50km/h."
"I have a small business that specializes in carbon fibre processing. Lately we have begun doing repairs to bikes when possible. This one belongs to a friend Karl who for forgot it was on the roof of his car when he drove into an underground car park. Before and after repair."
That's right, the carbon got repaired {gasp**
Stuff breaks, steel, aluminum, and carbon.
Some interesting quotes from the first few pages:
"My Specialized S-Works Tarmac didn't fair so well against Grandma's carport."
"...Rather a case of some loose gravel on a tight corner and me sliding into a kerb. "
"There was a huge crash in the Cat 4 race and I was in the middle of it. My friend, who was right next to me, ended up with 8 broken ribs! "
"It's been a while since this actually happened, but here are some photos from me going into the back of a car at ~50km/h."
"I have a small business that specializes in carbon fibre processing. Lately we have begun doing repairs to bikes when possible. This one belongs to a friend Karl who for forgot it was on the roof of his car when he drove into an underground car park. Before and after repair."
That's right, the carbon got repaired {gasp**
docboyd
03-16-11, 03:00 PM
you know they make carbon fiber driveshafts for cars...these things are no larger than their alloy counterparts and are still rated for hundreds of horsepower therefore it makes sense that carbon is at least equally as tough as steel and aluminum. The times that carbon fiber breaks are when stresses are placed on it which it was not intended for. Sometimes steel and aluminum seem to be able to survive a bit more because they can bend very slightly to compensate then bend back something carbon has a hard time doing.
hairnet
03-16-11, 03:31 PM
The times that carbon fiber breaks are when stresses are placed on it which it was not intended for.
not all CF is created equal
not all CF is created equal
Leukybear
03-16-11, 03:34 PM
CF frame/fork/seatpost is $800. New Carbon Fiber handlebars can be found on Ebay for $50. New CF stems for $20.
Link to back up that statement of yours??? :lol:
Link to back up that statement of yours??? :lol:
docboyd
03-16-11, 03:38 PM
^ i would like a $20 cf stem as well...
carleton
03-16-11, 04:29 PM
Link to back up that statement of yours??? :lol:
^ i would like a $20 cf stem as well...
http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1312&_nkw=carbon+fiber+stem+31.8&_sacat=See-All-Categories
I can't hotlink the image, but it's
WHITE CARBON FIBER MOUNTAIN BIKE BAR STEM 100 31.8 NEW
$18.87 + $9.83 Expedited Shipping
http://cgi.ebay.com/WHITE-CARBON-FIBER-MOUNTAIN-BIKE-BAR-STEM-100-31-8-NEW-/300532549430?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item45f922c736
That was the first link I found. Plenty of others.
^ i would like a $20 cf stem as well...
http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1312&_nkw=carbon+fiber+stem+31.8&_sacat=See-All-Categories
I can't hotlink the image, but it's
WHITE CARBON FIBER MOUNTAIN BIKE BAR STEM 100 31.8 NEW
$18.87 + $9.83 Expedited Shipping
http://cgi.ebay.com/WHITE-CARBON-FIBER-MOUNTAIN-BIKE-BAR-STEM-100-31-8-NEW-/300532549430?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item45f922c736
That was the first link I found. Plenty of others.
carleton
03-16-11, 04:31 PM
$9.99 + $24.99 Economy Shipping
Brand New Carbon Fibre Road Bike Stem 31.8 x 90 mm (black)
http://cgi.ebay.com/Brand-New-Carbon-Fibre-Road-Bike-Stem-31-8-x-90-mm-/350445589129?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item51982f5289
Brand New Carbon Fibre Road Bike Stem 31.8 x 90 mm (black)
http://cgi.ebay.com/Brand-New-Carbon-Fibre-Road-Bike-Stem-31-8-x-90-mm-/350445589129?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item51982f5289
Scrodzilla
03-16-11, 05:02 PM
Let me help by putting this site (http://www.bustedcarbon.com/) here.
This pic makes me happy:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V54WWNeyyp4/TBel9eMENPI/AAAAAAAACY4/WTMI9Q9_qSk/s400/broken_bike.jpg
**** Origin 8.
This pic makes me happy:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V54WWNeyyp4/TBel9eMENPI/AAAAAAAACY4/WTMI9Q9_qSk/s400/broken_bike.jpg
**** Origin 8.