Crack! Not the best sound for any cyclist to hear, especially when it comes from their beloved carbon bike frame. Although lighter and stiffer than aluminum or steel, carbon fiber creates a unique and problematic dilemma for cyclist who pump the pedals the unfriendly sound of a crack that is spreading.
A carbon bike frame crack is something that all cyclists should become familiar with if they are looking to save their beloved steed for many seasons to come. There is nothing less disheartening than hearing the sound of a crack grow louder and louder, creating an undeniable doubt that your frame will make it many more tours of a nearby mountain range or around the block—the realization of your frame’s mortality when a crack starts to spread.
Knowing how to prevent a crack from spreading is a main component of savvy bicycle ownership. One of the most important steps a cyclist should take is to understand what causes carbon frame cracks to begin with.
A crack in a carbon frame usually occurs from an impact shock, such as a crash. However, a crack can also be caused by fatigue from prolonged stress in a certain area of the frame, such as the bottom bracket shell or from a small bump on the frame which can weaken the material and cause a crack to spread.
Once you have identified the cause of the crack, it is important to take steps to mitigate any potential spread. Since a carbon frame is composed of a combination of epoxy resin and finely woven carbon fibers, the two materials will require different treatment.
The first step is to make sure the carbon frame crack is covered with a protective layer and sealed to prevent any dirt or debris from entering the crack and making it worse. A variety of products are available designed specifically for this purpose including resin-dispersing epoxy, fiberglass films, and various frame paint products.
The next step is to apply additional rigidity to the area where the crack occurred. This can be done with a special epoxy coating that contains a hardener designed for carbon frames. After the epoxy coating is applied, another layer of material should be used to keep the rigidity in place. This material can come from fiberglass or bamboo sheets, or even a specially designed carbon repair kit.
Once the rigidity has been increased, it’s important to add load to the frame in order to ensure any further crack issues will be avoided. This can be done by bolting on additional tension bars to the frame, or even by attaching a second set of wheels to the frame. Either of these methods will spread the load on the frame evenly and prevent any further cracking.
Finally, it is important to remain diligent in examining the frame on a regular basis. Keeping an eye on the frame for any movement, cracks, or odd noises can keep you ahead of the game. If anything arises, be sure to take the necessary steps to stop the crack from spreading.
These steps are outlined in hopes of keeping carbon frame crack calamities and tragedies away from all cyclists of the world. Keeping your carbon frame crack free will allow you to maximize the performance of your beloved bike and enjoy more years of spinning through the countryside, or even just around the block.
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