Carbon Frames/Durability

**Selkie** · 10-08-2005, 03:05 AM

As I've mentioned too many times to count, I am itching to get a Specialized Ruby. However, a guy at work told me that carbon frames aren't that durable, so I'm wondering if I should invest all that money in a bike that will have a limited life span. Anyone hear the same or similar about the durability of carbon frames or was my pal's info off the mark?

**Veronica** · 10-08-2005, 06:44 AM

Nobody really knows how long carbon fiber lasts. People who don't like it, will tell you three to five years. Carbon fiber does break down when exposed to ultraviolet light. But, they have UV inhibitors in them to slow down the breakdown process. It for sure won't last beyond a crash. It does lose its structural integrity when it gets abraided.

It's not a bike that you will be riding ten years from now.

Veronica

**bouncybouncy** · 10-08-2005, 06:54 AM

My fiancee's bikes are carbon (a Calfee Luna Pro road-bike & Trek (i never can remember the model #) hardtail MTB) He had a GT full-suspension MTB and cracked the frame...has never had a problem with his Trek carbon...They have both experienced normal wear and tear and fortunately have not experience any major wrecks...

I do know however that when carbon is bashed or wrecked (should I be saying that outloud

) they splinter up beyond repair...I would look deeply into the warranty of any carbon bike!

My roadie is steel, in our wreck I layed it down and the rear derailler took a hit, because it was steel we were able to just "un"bend it...now if it were a carbon bike the rear derailler would have been set up differently and most likely just "broke" off so a new one would have had to been bought. Chris was able to "roll" keeping his bike from taking any impact (OK, he is a better "faller")

My knowledge is limited and I am still learning about the techs and specs of it all...I would get more opinions (of course...that is what you are doing here!!!) I will get his input and see if he has anything to add...

I do know that when I was looking, many,many people told me that because of the compact size I was looking at at (I am 5') that carbon would be a more rigid ride than steel (aluminum still being worse) because in order to make carbon that small it has to be compacted so much it does not give you the flex as it does on the larger sizes...i do have a carbon fork though!

Good Luck...and the ruby is a schaaweeeeeet looking beauty!!!!

**pkq** · 10-08-2005, 11:42 AM

One of my bikes is a '96 Trek 5200 OCLV and it's been great. It has thousands of miles and is a lifetime frame per a Seven dealer that also reps Trek. It's been in one wreck but since I went over the top of the heap, the frame was unscathed.

They can weave carbon to get different dampening. They've been doing this for years with bikes, tennis rackets, and anything else where vibration would be a problem. I'd bet there are some materials experts here that can elaborate much better than moi.

I trashed a steel frame in a wreck. Sheared the top tube at the weld where it joined the headset tube. Crumped the down tube beyond repair.

No frame can survive some stuff but most will give a lifetime of good, reliable service.

**KatieBelle** · 11-22-2005, 01:55 PM

Okay, this is probably a really stupid question, but would falling while attempting to learn how to ride clipless cause problems with a Carbon frame? I am looking at the Ruby or the Trek Pilot 5.0, but I am a newbie. Will I ruin my bike with just a "Timber!" fall due to clipless deficit disorder?

**pkq** · 11-22-2005, 04:00 PM

I would say no. It, carbon, is more durable than a "Timber" fall.

**Trekhawk** · 11-22-2005, 06:21 PM

Originally Posted by KatieBelle

Okay, this is probably a really stupid question, but would falling while attempting to learn how to ride clipless cause problems with a Carbon frame? I am looking at the Ruby or the Trek Pilot 5.0, but I am a newbie. Will I ruin my bike with just a "Timber!" fall due to clipless deficit disorder?

Hi KatieBelle - well I can probably answer this from experience. I have a Trek 5000 Carbon bike and not knowing any better I went clipless straight away. So a few "Timber" falls did happen in the beginning and my bike is fine. I must admit though most times I fell I had the tension so loose on my pedals that I managed to get a foot out in the middle of the fall and sort of hold the bike a little with my body (sorry cant seem to explain it better than that it all seemed to happen so quickly). I guess what Im trying to say is my frame is fine and I think it takes more than a little "Timber" to damage it. Perhaps you can loosen the tension on your clipless pedals until you feel a little more confident.

Hope this helps a little and please let us know what bike you end up with and how it rides. I must say I love the look of the Ruby.

**latelatebloomer** · 11-25-2005, 05:34 AM

had to have fillings replaced????

Please tell me if that is a joke - I have had so much dental work in the past few years, I DEFINITELY need to know if there's a threat to my teeth (besides the scenario of falling & getting them knocked out, I'm willing to ride with that risk),

signed, more crowns than the Queen of England

**Dogmama** · 11-25-2005, 09:54 AM

Sorry, yes it was a joke.

Crowns & root canals - my favorite way to blow $1,000 (not!!). I have so many that I've lost count.

**Trek420** · 11-25-2005, 10:03 AM

mickchick "I'm considering getting a custom bike.... Ti looks tempting but steel will do."

steel WILL DO?

I love steel, not even tempted to Ti

Trek-old-gal-on-steel-bike-420

**jobob** · 11-25-2005, 10:23 AM

I'm holding out for plutonium myself.
It's too bad the lead-lined cycling shorts cancel out all the weight advantages, but I'm told they're working on it

But at least I wouldn't need lights at night ... d'oh.

**Dogmama** · 11-25-2005, 10:31 AM

I had a very obese friend of mine (who is just starting cycling) ask me if he put helium in his tires, would it help him get up hills?

He was serious. Unfortunately, he has already spawned children.

**eofelis** · 11-25-2005, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by Trek420

mickchick "I'm considering getting a custom bike.... Ti looks tempting but steel will do."

steel WILL DO?

I love steel, not even tempted to Ti

Trek-old-gal-on-steel-bike-420

I love steel too!

Road: Surly Pacer (imagine that...), Mtn: Gunnar Rockhound (ebay goodie!); Touring: Trek 520 (soon to be Surly Long Haul Trucker); Commuter: Novara Randonee 26"

My BF has 2 road bikes, a Ti Litespeed Classic and a steel Gunnar Roadie. He seems to like the steel one better. He says he's never buy the Litespeed new again.

**Dogmama** · 11-25-2005, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by surlypacer

My BF has 2 road bikes, a Ti Litespeed Classic and a steel Gunnar Roadie. He seems to like the steel one better. He says he's never buy the Litespeed new again.

Why? The new Litespeed looks like a pocket rocket...Is the ride really cruddy or what?

OTOH, I'm in a spinning class with a guy who rides serious miles daily. He bought an Orbea and has nothing but trouble - including the front brake coming off during a 20 mile / 30 MPH downhill

**aka_kim** · 11-25-2005, 03:38 PM

Originally Posted by Veronica

What will you do when other bikers call you, "The old woman on the iron bike."?

Does that happen often?

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