// MANUAL
If you hit something or have a crash, what can you expect from your carbon ber bike?
Let’s say you hit a curb, ditch, rock, car, other cyclist or other object. At any speed above a fast
walk, your body will continue to move forward, the momentum carrying you over the front of
the bike. You cannot and will not stay on the bike and what happens to the frame, fork and
other components is irrelevant to what happens to your body. What should you expect from
your carbon frame? It depends on many complex factors. But we can tell you that if the impact
is hard enough, the fork or frame may be completely broken. Note the signicant difference in
behavior between carbon and metal. See Section 2. A, Understanding metals in this Appendix.
Even if the carbon frame was twice as strong as a metal frame, once the carbon frame is
overloaded it will not bend, it will break completely.
WARNING: Be aware that high temperature in a conned environment can affect the
integrity of composite materials, resulting in component failure which could cause you to
lose control and fall.
INSPECTION OF COMPOSITE FRAME, FORK, AND COMPONENTS:
CRACKS:
Inspect for cracks, broken, or splintered areas. Any crack is serious. Do not ride any bicycle or
component that has a crack of any size.
Delamination:
Delamination is serious damage. Composites are made from layers of fabric. Delamination
means that the layers of fabric are no longer bonded together. Do not ride any bicycle or
component that has any delamination. These are some delamination clues:
1. A cloudy or white area. This kind of area looks different from the ordinary undamaged
areas. Undamaged areas will look glassy, shiny, or “deep,” as if one was looking into a clear
liquid. Delaminated areas will look opaque and cloudy.
2. Bulging or deformed shape. If delamination occurs, the surface shape may change. The
surface may have a bump, a bulge, soft spot, or not be smooth and fair.
3. A difference in sound when tapping the surface. If you gently tap the surface of an
undamaged composite you will hear a consistent sound, usually a hard, sharp sound. If you
then tap a delaminated area, you will hear a different sound, usually duller, less sharp.
Unusual Noises:
Either a crack or delamination can cause creaking noises while riding. Think about such a noi-
se as a serious warning signal. A well maintained bicycle will be very quiet and free of creaks
and squeaks. Investigate and the source of any noise. It may not be a crack or delamination,
but whatever is causing the noise must be xed or replaced before riding.
WARNING: Do not ride a bicycle or component with any delamination or crack.
Riding a delaminated or cracked frame, fork or other component could lead to complete
failure, with risk of serious injury or death.
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