Durability of carbon frames
02-24-11 | 02:10 PM
#3
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Last edited by Homebrew01; 02-24-11 at 02:18 PM.
02-24-11 | 02:24 PM
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02-24-11 | 02:47 PM
#11
pan y agua
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Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
To give you a serious answer all lightweight bikes can break if you crash them, CF included. That said CF is a lot stronger than many people think, and the odds of breaking your frame in a crash are reasonably low.
I've had 2 crashes in races with my CF bike, and the bike is still fine. I've seen many other people crash Cf bikes without breaking them. And I've seen a few crashes that totaled CF frames, steel frames, and Al frames.
Also, realize that if you do crack a CF frame it's usually repairable.
I've had 2 crashes in races with my CF bike, and the bike is still fine. I've seen many other people crash Cf bikes without breaking them. And I've seen a few crashes that totaled CF frames, steel frames, and Al frames.
Also, realize that if you do crack a CF frame it's usually repairable.
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You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
02-24-11 | 02:56 PM
#12
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Mind you, these guys ride CF frame all the time 
Last edited by tuxbailey; 02-24-11 at 03:00 PM.
02-24-11 | 04:04 PM
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02-24-11 | 04:14 PM
#14
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Having broken carbon and aluminum, I'd say the average carbon frame is more likely to survive a major crash than an aluminum frame.
The aluminum frame sustained a dent in the toptube - handlebar slammed into it during the crash. The dent soon led to a crack, making the frame worthless.
And the carbon cracked at the water bottle bosses, which I would assume are a weak spot. To put that in context though, the carbon water bottle cages, which ripped out the bosses, were just fine.
The aluminum frame sustained a dent in the toptube - handlebar slammed into it during the crash. The dent soon led to a crack, making the frame worthless.
And the carbon cracked at the water bottle bosses, which I would assume are a weak spot. To put that in context though, the carbon water bottle cages, which ripped out the bosses, were just fine.
02-24-11 | 04:17 PM
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02-24-11 | 04:23 PM
#17
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Depends. I've owned two CF bike. One was destroyed when I snapped the headtube off by crashing into a curb. The other is still ticking even though I've probably dumped it on the pavement a dozen times.
02-24-11 | 04:49 PM
#20
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Big. Unless you're big then small. Or you could just tell your frame it has some loose threads hanging out and it'll snap from embarrassment. You're basically riding a placemat covered in goo. Everything breaks eventually. With the steerer tube acting like a lever it's no wonder the head tube is usually the thing to go. Tip: Don't hit anyone straight on. Bunny-hop them and take the win. GL
02-24-11 | 05:19 PM
#21
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I was on a ride last summer in Colorado when, for no apparent reason, another cyclist's carbon fork broke during the descent of Grand Mesa. Among other woes, he lost his ear.
Many people have great experiences with carbon. I have a hard time getting over that one.
Some more carbon pix:
https://www.bustedcarbon.com/
Many people have great experiences with carbon. I have a hard time getting over that one.
Some more carbon pix:
https://www.bustedcarbon.com/
02-24-11 | 05:42 PM
#24
pan y agua
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,810
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From: Jacksonville
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
I was on a ride last summer in Colorado when, for no apparent reason, another cyclist's carbon fork broke during the descent of Grand Mesa. Among other woes, he lost his ear.
Many people have great experiences with carbon. I have a hard time getting over that one.
Some more carbon pix:
https://www.bustedcarbon.com/
Many people have great experiences with carbon. I have a hard time getting over that one.
Some more carbon pix:
https://www.bustedcarbon.com/
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
