Ancient carbon

[Swede]

Is it safe? There seems to be quite a bit of mistrust in old carbon fibre but is that based on anecdotal evidence or are there some hard facts? Presumably people are concerned with de-lamination, embrittlement leading to some sort of catastrophic failure, which I can understand but does this stuff have a shelf-life? Who were the manufactures BITD and what were there products like?

 

[mattr]

It depends, some early carbon was truly dire.
Incorrectly finished, badly joined, terrible adhesive jobs.

Other stuff was ok.
Some brands it seemed to vary almost week by week......

 

[xerxes]

Re:

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzw1_2b-I7A[/youtube]

 

[Minifreak]

I bought a beautiful perfect looking lendal carbon fibre handlebar from a friend after he swapped to a riser bar in the mid 90's. The day after it snapped as I landed from a jump off a kerb! Lots of gravel rash and a one handed ride home. Do not trust old carbon handlebars

 

[klappkettler]

http://www.bilder-upload.eu/show.php?fi ... 600821.jpg

maybe i can say something if i ever finish building up this little cutie

 

[Elev12k]

Early carbon (Koga) Miyata MTB frames can be considered safe and durable.

 

[My_Teenage_Self]

I've 3 old carbon frames. I ride them all, and treat them the same way I treat 20 year old steel and alu frames.

That is to say, I don't trust old steel or aluminium any more than I do Plastic! internal corrosion on thin tubes will end any frame after 20 years, and carbon doesn't really 'age'.

Once you understand the quirks of each material, including how they fatigue and fail etc, they all have weaknesses. If you trust the inherent design and structure, go for it.

 

[legrandefromage]

I've 3 old carbon frames. I ride them all, and treat them the same way I treat 20 year old steel and alu frames.

That is to say, I don't trust old steel or aluminium any more than I do Plastic! internal corrosion on thin tubes will end any frame after 20 years, and carbon doesn't really 'age'.

Once you understand the quirks of each material, including how they fatigue and fail etc, they all have weaknesses. If you trust the inherent design and structure, go for it.

There is sooooo much wrong with those statements!

Anyway, heres a bit of googly non wiki info on composites in general:

http://www.twi-global.com/technical-kno ... cts-found/

 

[My_Teenage_Self]

I've 3 old carbon frames. I ride them all, and treat them the same way I treat 20 year old steel and alu frames.

That is to say, I don't trust old steel or aluminium any more than I do Plastic! internal corrosion on thin tubes will end any frame after 20 years, and carbon doesn't really 'age'.

Once you understand the quirks of each material, including how they fatigue and fail etc, they all have weaknesses. If you trust the inherent design and structure, go for it.

There is sooooo much wrong with those statements!

Anyway, heres a bit of googly non wiki info on composites in general:

http://www.twi-global.com/technical-kno ... cts-found/

Everyday is a schoolday, what was wrong the statements I made?

 

[My_Teenage_Self]

Re-reading my post, I'll stand by the fact that carbon doesn't age (that is to say, it won't corrode, or degrade), but I'll make it clearer that it certainly can fatigue and fail, as can steel or aluminium; or titanium.

does that make more sense?