Longevity of Carbon? Advice on older carbon frame purchase
05-24-08, 04:47 AM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Posts: 43
Bikes: BMC SSX, 2007 Campag Centaur, Easton EA50
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Longevity of Carbon? Advice needed
I have an opportunity of purchasing a 2004 Scott CR1 Team Issue frame (the light 3k carbon model) in great condition at a reasonable price. However, the frame has done about 15-20 000 km. The big question is how long does carbon last before it is "fatigued" or is this aspect another cycling myth?
Last edited by racman; 05-24-08 at 06:28 AM.
05-24-08, 08:14 AM
#2
Faith-Vigilance-Service
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Port Orchard, WA
Posts: 8,330
Bikes: Trinity, Paradisus, Centurion, Mongoose, Trek
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Carbon doesn't really "fatigue". Instead, it "breaks" when it's time to fail arrives.
Basically, if it has no cracks or damage anywhere, it should be good for many years to come. Just don't abuse it.
Basically, if it has no cracks or damage anywhere, it should be good for many years to come. Just don't abuse it.
__________________
President, OCP
--"Will you have some tea... at the theatre with me?"--
President, OCP --"Will you have some tea... at the theatre with me?"--
05-24-08, 10:14 AM
#3
Trigger
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: San Diego,CA
Posts: 241
Bikes: Yeti SB95C, Titus X, Litespeed Siena, Electra Ticino
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The topic of carbon durability/longevity came up in a conversation with friends yesterday. One of the guys in our group had a Specialized S-Works Tarmac that he claims went soft on him after a couple years of -rigorous- riding. His experience with this particular frame was the head tube area became less stiff (described noodley). He is an experienced racer, so I trust his comments and opinions. He added that for the typical rider, this isn't a problem.
The point here is you want to know how the bike was ridden. Some people are harder on their equipment than others.
The point here is you want to know how the bike was ridden. Some people are harder on their equipment than others.
__________________
Share the road.
Share the road.
05-24-08, 10:23 AM
#4
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Posts: 43
Bikes: BMC SSX, 2007 Campag Centaur, Easton EA50
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thx.
Essentially the frame was used as a raceday bike only. It appears that the 2004 Scott is quite a bit lighter than the current Scott Team issues, as well as using 3k carbon "weave". No scratches (or crashes/falls) on the frame and I know the owner as well. I was only concerned about purchasing a 4 year old carbon frame. I would also use this for racing only as I have a Alu BMC SL01 (Campag Centaur etc) that I will use for training.
Essentially the frame was used as a raceday bike only. It appears that the 2004 Scott is quite a bit lighter than the current Scott Team issues, as well as using 3k carbon "weave". No scratches (or crashes/falls) on the frame and I know the owner as well. I was only concerned about purchasing a 4 year old carbon frame. I would also use this for racing only as I have a Alu BMC SL01 (Campag Centaur etc) that I will use for training.
