Friday, July 31, 2009

Just How Rigid Is A Carbon Fiber Bicycle

By Dan Anderson

There is a common myth that Carbon Fiber Bikes are made and built for strength as well as for speed benefits. This is wrong. The real truth regarding carbon fiber products is that they are extremely lightweight and can be made in various shapes and designs, the actual toughness of the material can be destroyed quite easily.

If you are serious regarding having carbon fiber products, or are a serious triathlete you will already be aware that loosing the ounces will mean everything when taking part in competitive sports activities. By buying a carbon fiber part it will make a real increase to your speed and effectiveness of your bike and therefore give you with an edge against the competition.

If the frame on your Carbon Fiber Bike gets a large scratch or gouge due to a crash, it can render the bike useless. A break or crack might also mean that the bike is probably best to be got rid of. Carbon fiber bikes can be repaired, but due to the method used and way that the material and product is shaped and produced uniquely to the shape and design of your bike, it might never be as strong as it was before.

If the bike frame gets a crack, this will become the weak point in the bike frame and will then produce additional stress which might then cause the tubing to crack in half. You will definitely not be allowed to ride your bike on a downhill run or over any bumpy areas again.

Those who are not a very serious cyclist, you should consider buying a cheaper combination frame such as a aluminum and carbon fiber mix which provides you the benefits of the entire bike being lighter, but it will also give you a cycle with much better strength overall. If you bought a product such as a carbon fiber head set, you will find that it is not made from that material and that it is a hybrid designed to make it much lighter but also stronger.

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