flex Posted May 28, 2009 Posted May 28, 2009 Hi Hubbers, am looking for some advice on what the average lifespan of a carbon frame is, and at what stage one should consider upgrading to maintain performance levels. I have a Bianchi carbon frame that I have been riding for just over 2 years now, and have put between 7,000 and 8,000km on it. It still feels reasonably stiff, however I have been told recently that I should consider upgrading it as its 2 years old.Opinions would be welcome on whether I should consider this, or rather keep riding it until I notice a marked deterioration in performance or something actually cracks. I'm not sure of the exact structural properties of carbon and the extent to which the fibre integrity deteriorates over time. Help please Thanks!
flex Posted May 28, 2009 Author Posted May 28, 2009 Thanks bored girl - are you saying that only because you just got a nice new frame ??
AndreZA Posted May 28, 2009 Posted May 28, 2009 Are you so pro that you are actually able to tell if a frame goes limp? I'm sure it will not happen overnight so you will not pick it up if it does. Wash it with Viagra water and problem is solved.
onebynine Posted May 28, 2009 Posted May 28, 2009 Well consdering that Boeing make aircraft wings out of the fantastic plastic I don't think that a MTB frame will have a definate lifespan, short of crashing it I don't see why carbon should suddenly delaminate and fall apart.
javadude Posted May 28, 2009 Posted May 28, 2009 I read somewhere that CF frames have a much longer lifespan than steel or alu, as long as they don't suffer any structural damage.
flex Posted May 28, 2009 Author Posted May 28, 2009 Are you so pro that you are actually able to tell if a frame goes limp? I'm sure it will not happen overnight so you will not pick it up if it does. Wash it with Viagra water and problem is solved. Also dont think it happens overnight, I'm sure its only when you get on a new frame that you'd notice the difference. Sounds like you have had experience with viagra?
AndreZA Posted May 28, 2009 Posted May 28, 2009 Sounds like you have had experience with viagra? at my age I take it just to get up in the morning. Also when I need a stiff drink.
JA-Q001 Posted May 28, 2009 Posted May 28, 2009 Well, seeing as Ive done around 20000km - 30000km a year and have ridden my frame for 4 years now, thats around 100000km on that one frame, I have felt stiffer frames as of late, but that could be contributed to the shape and build of the frame and not nesecerally that Ive ridden it PAP. Keep your frame, your interest in the frame will fade before it does. thats why people upgrade every year or two, thats those that can afford it.
bored girl Posted May 28, 2009 Posted May 28, 2009 Thanks bored girl - are you saying that only because you just got a nice new frame ??? Actually I am saying that because of our morning discussion My new frame is alu, just like my old one...and believe it or not heavier than my old one. I cannot see what the advantage will be, to me, if I were to change to a carbon one..... But thinking bout your question now.....Jules' frame is over 2 years old if I rememeber correctly, and I haven't heard him complain about it. Maybe when he wakes up he'd see this topic and give you his opinion bored girl2009-05-28 01:03:04
Eugene Posted May 28, 2009 Posted May 28, 2009 If that is the excuse you need to upgrade/change, then go ahead and do it. Sometimes our frames become soft to the eye after a few years and we need a fresher new one
FanieFiets Posted May 28, 2009 Posted May 28, 2009 never ever. Think all this stiffness/limpness talk is just marketing bullsh*t.
Climate Posted June 1, 2009 Posted June 1, 2009 Since carbon doesn't have memory, it doesn't suffer from fatigue like a steel or alluminium frame. Manufacturers are getting better at making stiffer frames ... just take a look at the headset and BB areas on new carbon frames (much more chunky / bulky than older frames). So the new frames will definitely feel more rigid ... but that's not 'cause you've ridden your old one pap!
jdvisagie Posted June 1, 2009 Posted June 1, 2009 Hmmm, this is an interesting one. I've heard rumours/stories of carbon frames going "soft" after a few years, and in my mind that may be true about the early carbon frames. I think that carbon fibre technology has improved alot over the last few years, allowing for better longer lasting frames. And although carbon frames does reduce road buzz, the resin bonding the carbon weaves doesn't have an "elasticity" element to it. Therefore it should never become "soft/stretchy", but would rather break or crack after many years of use. I ride carbon frames for both road and mtb, and my advise would be to ride it until it breaks! Thats what I'm going to do
jdvisagie Posted June 1, 2009 Posted June 1, 2009 One more thing I forgot to mention, carbon doesn't corrode or rust, and that in itself makes it an ultra tough material.
cat-i Posted June 1, 2009 Posted June 1, 2009 jd, as long as it doesn't break on a rocky downhill how does a frame break ... instantly, with a snap? or would there be warning - would you notice cracks?
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