Another idjeet question about carbon frames

[Bigtallfatbloke]

...these things are dam expensive and I was wondering just how easy they break in a fall etc? Although I am pretty certain I will end up with the alu carbon bianchi I cant help lusting after the Bianchi c2c 928 all carbon bikes...but if they generally break easy in a fall or if they got hit by a car or hit a deep poyhole etc then...well I could never be able to afford another so wot say you?...Is an all carbon frame going to crack in a heavy fall situation?

 

[yenrod]

Is an all carbon frame going to crack in a heavy fall situation?

I personally would say Yes!

When buying my ALu framed bike I was highly aware of the carbon forks with alu dropouts...

All I can say is carbon is a very strange/interesting material, bit like skin ~ but rigid (if you get my drift)...of which I'm not a specialist.

 

[kyuss]

I would say, no. You hear horror stories of people's bikes being blown over in the wind and shattering into little pieces as they hit the ground but I've yet to see any proof. Any impact strong enough to break carbon will just as likely bend or break aluminium and steel, rendering the frame as useless as a carbon one. I've dropped tools on my carbon top tube without effect. Done the same on a previous aluminium frame and have the dents to prove it.

My lbs has a a dozen or so broken frames and forks hanging on the wall of their workshop. Not one of them is carbon fibre (well, one of the forks is, but it's the aluminium steerer that's broke).

i reckon if carbon can carry my once 18 stone around the potholed streets of Edinburgh for 3 years without breaking it must be strong enough.

 

[Gary D]

I would say, no. You hear horror stories of people's bikes being blown over in the wind and shattering into little pieces as they hit the ground but I've yet to see any proof. Any impact strong enough to break carbon will just as likely bend or break aluminium and steel, rendering the frame as useless as a carbon one. I've dropped tools on my carbon top tube without effect. Done the same on a previous aluminium frame and have the dents to prove it.

My lbs has a a dozen or so broken frames and forks hanging on the wall of their workshop. Not one of them is carbon fibre (well, one of the forks is, but it's the aluminium steerer that's broke).

i reckon if carbon can carry my once 18 stone around the potholed streets of Edinburgh for 3 years without breaking it must be strong enough.

I would totally agree with kyuss on this one.

Carbon fibre is an incredibly strong material. I was using CF fishing rods 20 years ago and their strength was amazing. You could pretty much bend them through nearly 180 degrees without breaking. Also, all of the next generation of aeroplanes will be predominantly carbon fibre - so I hope it is strong.

In response to BTFB's original question. If ANY bike got hit by a car, irrespective of frame material, I think it would likely be toast. Actually, CF has a much greater capacity to absorb energy than say Aluminium, so depending on the type of impact, may actually come off better. With regards to potholes, I think it would be the wheels that would give way long before the frame.

The only thing I haven't been brave enough to do yet, although I am sure it would be OK, is to use my roof top cycle carrier with my carbon frame - only because it clamps using a cam action, which can exert quite a force, around the down tube.

Incidentally BTFB, I have just bought a 928 C2C and it is a lovely bike. More comfortable than my Tricross and more fun to ride

Go for it !!

Gary.