Ghost Bike - Information on the Frame Construction; Proper Handling of Carbon Parts

GHOST
User Manual Status 04/2009 // Spec 2010
4.28
Carbon is a colloquial expression for carbon fibre-reinforced plastics. This designates a fibre-plastic
composite material in which the carbon fibres are embedded in several layers in a plastic matrix.
This matrix consists of thermosetting plastics (epoxy resin). The primary functions of the matrix
material are to transmit and distribute the occurring forces and to fix the fibres.
As with all fibre composite materials, the tensile strength is significantly higher than the strength
transverse to the fibre direction. The carbon fibres are therefore arranged in multiple directions in
order to be able to meet all the occurring forces.
4.8.1 Information on the frame construction
Exact analyses and realistic simulations of the forces occurring in the frame have enabled the fibre
orientations in the different areas, such as in the pedal bearings or at the control tube, to be
designed more efficiently.
Our GHOST carbon frames are manufactured using the Tube2Tube process. This technique of
which only a few manufacturers have a perfect command enables GHOST to employ the material
efficiently exactly where it is needed, and to leave it away where it is not needed. In this process,
individual prefabricated frame segments are joined together in turn until the frame has been
completely assembled.
These high-end products are produced manually. Differences can therefore occur in the finish, but
these are not grounds for complaint.
4.8.2 Proper handling of carbon parts
1. No additional parts may be attached to carbon tubes by means of clips, screws,
clamps or by any other methods that exert mechanical loads on the carbon
tube. The forces occurring can damage the carbon fabric.
2. Clamping on assembly stands:
• Never
clamp your bike at a carbon tube or carbon saddle post in the jaws of
an assembly stand.
• Use an aluminium saddle post with the same diameter and insert it into your
frame as described in chapter 7.3.
• You can then clamp your bike in the jaws of an assembly stand at this
saddle post.
3. Take care when using shackle locks! Under certain circumstances these can
damage your frame.
• Ensure when using shackle locks that these only touch the corresponding
carbon tube and do not exert any force on the tube.
4. Saddle clamping bracket / saddle post:
• The maximum tightening torque of the saddle clamping bracket bolt is 6 Nm
(minimum torque 5 Nm).
• The saddle tube must not be reamed out or otherwise mechanically
machined.
• Saddle post and saddle tube must not be greased. Use only the carbon
assembly paste supplied with the bike.