Pro carbon after crashes

[Flick of the Elbow]

Given the delicate looking after required of carbon frames and components, you'd think that a good pile up would result in a write off. But given the frequency of crashes in pro racing surely that would be too expensive ? So does anyone know how they cope with this ? Do they just carry on riding a crashed frame in the hope that structurally its still sound ?

 

[L14M]

Pro teams probs have access to the factory carbon testing and x-ray stuff.

 

[screenman]

I am sure some are recycled

 

[MikeG]

I have seen a video in which carbon frames were tested to destruction, and aluminium frames were submitted to exactly the same regime. It is eye-opening, as the carbon frames were many times stronger than the aluminium, having survived far better and far longer having weights dropped on them from a measure height.

So you start with a false premise, I'm afraid. Carbon frames aren't delicate.

 

[TeeQue]

True; but the problem appears to be that damage to carbon can go undetected to the eye, whereas aluminium will be fairly obvious in the form of buckling or cracking.

I'd assume that's not a problem to the pro teams as they can have the frames x-rayed/properly tested before deciding to keep using them.

 

[Brandane]

I'd assume that's not a problem to the pro teams as they can have the frames x-rayed/properly tested before deciding to keep using them.

Ah, sorry - just realised this is in the pro cycling forum! I replied to it having read it under the "new posts" and assumed it was general cycling or something.... I don't normally venture in here .

 

[Hacienda71]

I am intrigued to know what delicate looking after carbon frames require is?

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Usual carbon related drivel. It melts in rain too

 

[rich p]

They crash regularly at 50 - 60 mph on an alpine descent and hop back on with not a second thought

 

[The Couch]

They crash regularly at 50 - 60 mph on an alpine descent and hop back on with not a second thought

Well... they probably do have a thought:
"(Damnit) Enough with the slow stuff, I got to go faster to catch them up"

 

[Deleted member 35268]

Usual carbon related drivel. It melts in rain too

Is that why you people don't take them out in the rain ?

I would not be so precious, they need to be used, all weather.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Is that why you people don't take them out in the rain ?

I would not be so precious, they need to be used, all weather.

Other bikes cater for that It does get wet though, rather often

 

[Globalti]

Carbon tube is immensely strong in tension and under bending forces. Hit it sideways with something though and it can crush quite easily, as can thin-walled steel or alloy tubing.

My buddy's chainstay after his bike bounced off the front of a car and flew 15 feet over my head to land on top of a hedge:

 

[raindog]

.....his bike bounced off the front of a car and flew 15 feet over my head to land on top of a hedge:

I would think any frame material would get damaged in that situation

 

[Flick of the Elbow]

When I used to race ie when I used to crash, it was common for the bars to end up swinging back to dent the top tube. On 531 that wasn't a problem but I imagine it would be for carbon, both the frame and the bars