Carbon elements in the construction of modern transport have become commonplace, for which there are many reasons. And if the owners of the car do not pay much attention to the presence of carbon components, in absentia accepting their operational features, then cyclists are in direct contact with this material. It has pronounced differences against the background of familiar metals, although it does not always receive positive reviews. One way or another, the carbon frame for a bicycle is a modern and well-established solution, and before buying a model with such a design it will not be out of place to get an idea of its performance.
Carbon in the bike
Carbon plastic can indeed form the supporting base of bicycles, transferring its own characteristics to the overall design. It would seem that by acquiring such a model, one can count on the improvement of driving and other performance characteristics. But there are some nuances. Firstly, manufacturers do not always use all-carbon construction, leaving room for aluminum parts. Not to mention that carbon itself is different, and you should not discount the desire of manufacturers to save money. Secondly, a carbon frame for a bicycle can improve its individual characteristics, but the remaining elements, in turn, can be maintained at the traditional technical and ergonomic level. Engineers do not need to provide a carbon bike with average quality materials for the saddle, stem, steering wheel and seat post. Often there are modifications in which, along with carbon fiber, cheap bushings, rims and tires are used. This nuance should be taken into account, paying particular attention to the rest of the bike equipment.
Main characteristics
From the point of view of operation, high rigidity characteristics and vibration damping are important for many. For example, thanks to the flexibility of the material, engineers were able to master the concept of double-hanging, hinged-free frames in which the upper or lower feathers bend without structural deformation. This quality just determines the increased cushioning ability of the carbon frame. The weight does not increase at all compared with the same aluminum counterparts - the average value is 1100-1300 g. According to experts, such indicators are 200-400 g lower than that of traditional bikes. And this is not to mention the lightweight modifications, the weight of which fits in 1000 g. Otherwise, the characteristics fit perfectly into the established standards for the performance of bicycles. For example, carbon does not impose any restrictions on the use of existing wheel diameters - the average range varies from 24 to 29 inches. Now it is worth familiarizing yourself with the other advantages of carbon fiber frames.
Carbon benefits
Based on the strength characteristics and rigidity, we can conclude that the design is minimally prone to deforming and impact loads. The process of carbon destruction is also interesting. Of course, this will require extreme loads, but such a risk cannot be completely ruled out. The fact is that complete destruction of the structure with the separation of parts cannot occur, which leads to a high degree of safety for the cyclist. Failure can manifest itself only in individual processes of cracking in the structure of fibers bonded together by special resins. But in this case, the bike does not pose a serious danger to the owner. Favorable carbon frame for a bicycle and its practicality. Again, a small mass simplifies the transportation of the structure - especially if it is folding. And the appearance with original design solutions also goes to the advantage of carbon fiber material, which stands out aesthetically against the background of steel and especially aluminum models.
Carbon disadvantages
Like most new high-tech materials, carbon has a very tangible negative aspects of operation. But it’s worth starting with a high price tag. Compared with the same steel and aluminum bikes, such models are 20-30% more expensive. This is followed by the theme of maintainability, which is often presented as the main drawback of the carbon frame of the bicycle. The pros and cons in this case are interconnected, since it is the increased strength and stiffness of the material that makes it difficult to recover. But there will be a separate discussion about repair work. It is also worth noting the negative impact on the design from the salt water side. With such contacts, undesirable physicochemical processes occur, which in the long term can lead to a decrease in the performance properties of the bicycle. However, manufacturers produce special modifications for water sports, which use special protective treatments for carbon fiber surfaces.
Care Rules
Carbon as such does not require special attention to itself. However, it is necessary to maintain its protective coating in optimal condition - whether it is a factory film with varnish or an anti-gravel coating already applied with its own hands . The main task of the owner of such a bike is not to allow protective coatings to be exposed. If the base can withstand the same blows, then not a single varnish with a film is endowed with such abilities. In addition, many owners of models with matt carbon fiber believe that he is “naked” and does not require anything other than a sink in terms of care. This is not true. Protective coatings process all structures of this type. If chips are found on the coating, the simplest care for the carbon frame of the bicycle may be to glue the damaged area. To do this, you can use either a temporary tool in the form of adhesive tape, or a piece of the same anti-gravel sticker. More thorough measures require the use of specialized putties. These are the same varnishes that can be selected to match the color of the frame in specialized stores.
Repair work
Serious damage to carbon fiber frames is rare, but, as already mentioned, this happens in the form of cracks and chips already in the structure of carbon fiber itself. By the way, the aforementioned putties just aim not only to prevent the formation of cracks, but also to prevent their growth. What to do if structural damage has been detected? The restoration of the carbon frame for a bicycle is carried out using specialized tools - these can be resins, particles of carbon fiber fabrics, rovings and individual workpieces of the structure. Depending on the nature of the damage, a particular remedy should be used. As for the repair process itself, it involves both mechanical tools in the form of jigsaws, files and hacksaws for metal, and heat treatment devices, which just make the carbon structure malleable for restoration deformation.
Carbon bike selection
Actually, the main choice for an unprofessional user can stand between road and mountain bikes. In the first case, it will be a variant of the universal type, but without a sharp bias towards sports. Typical carbon-framed road bikes can be used on high-speed rides and light, leisurely walks. This solution will be the best choice for urban operation. Again, the small weight of the structure will facilitate the manipulation of equipment if it is necessary to overcome areas not intended for cycling.
Mountain models, due to the specifics of operation, are often provided with carbon fiber. If you plan to use the bike often for cross-country travel, it’s better not to find a better option. Although this group has its own nuances of choice. For example, a folding bike with a carbon frame is best left for the same quiet city trips where comfort is especially important. Such structures are not so strong in comparison with monolithic, which can manifest itself in the conditions of the massif. The best option may be a representative of the cross-country segment, which, in terms of the combination of characteristics, is suitable for extreme driving.
Features of the carbon bike-bike
This is a separate segment of cycling, the principal difference of which is the expanded tires and the increased diameter of the wheels. This feature determines the high cross-country ability of the bike, which is appreciated by lovers of mountain driving. I must say that fatbikes began to be provided with carbon fiber recently, although the strengthening of the design of such models is more than justified. Moreover, the material finds its place not only in the frame, but also in other parts, including rims.
Conclusion
The introduction of carbon fiber into cycling provided many significant practical advantages for bikes, which contributed to the widespread popularization of the material outside the professional sphere. But is there any point in switching from metal to carbon fiber for an ordinary cyclist? On the one hand, there are only positive aspects to improving technical and operational properties. But there is an obstacle in the form of a price tag. How much does a carbon bike frame cost? Depending on the characteristics and manufacturer, it can be purchased on average for 70-150 thousand rubles. Used constructions cost 40-60 thousand rubles. Also, do not forget about the operational limitations of carbon fiber and the features of the repair work.