3
Even if you perform regular inspections, if you exceed the limit of
strength of a given part, it may fail if overloaded. After any high force
load, thoroughly inspect all the parts of your bike. High force loads
include crashes, but you don't have to crash to put a high force load
on your bike. For example, hitting a large hole in the road or a sharp
bump such as a railroad track can put large forces on your bike.
The manner in which you ride will determine whether your bike
and its parts will last. If you ride hard or aggressively, you should
replace the bike and/or its parts more often than riders who ride
smoothly or cautiously. When evaluating your use of the fork, there
are many variables: weight, speed, technique, terrain, maintenance,
riding environment (humidity, salinity, temperature, etc.), and the
frame or part itself—so it is impossible to give a precise timetable
for replacement. But as a rule, it is better to err on the safe side and
replace the bike or parts more frequently. If you aren't sure, ask your
dealer.
Carbon fiber is among the strongest materials used in bicycle manufac-
ture. However, carbon fiber has unique qualities, different from metal
parts, and must be inspected carefully for damage.
Unlike metal parts, carbon fiber parts that have been damaged may not
bend, bulge, or deform; a damaged part may appear to be normal to a
cursory glance. Use the following procedures to inspect carbon fiber
parts:
• Check for scratches, gouges, or other surface problems.
• Check the part for loss of rigidity.
• Check the part for delamination.
• Listen for unusual creaking or clicking noises.
These tests may not be conclusive.
The tests are difficult to describe, so as an aid to describing the tests
we provide a movie of inspecting a carbon fiber part in the owner's
manual section of the Bontrager web site. If you have any doubts about
the integrity of a part, do not ride the bicycle.
To Next Page
Loading...