Buying a used carbon mountain bike is perfectly fine
. However, it’s more important to thoroughly check a carbon frame than a metal frame, as carbon does not crack the same way metal frames do.
Why you shouldn’t buy a carbon bike?
Here are 4 reasons why it can be a bad idea to buy a used carbon bike:
Damage can be invisible
. Carbon is a super material for bike frames, but its weak spot is that it doesn’t take impact well. A frame can be cracked or otherwise compromised without showing a thing.
Are old carbon bikes safe?
Myth: A carbon frame won’t last as long as a metal one. Reality:
As long as you don’t crash hard or take a hammer to the frame, a carbon bike can theoretically last forever
. In fact, steel and aluminum last only so long before the metal fatigues and can no longer be used safely, but carbon remains stable indefinitely.
What is the lifespan of a carbon fiber bike frame?
Unless they are damaged or poorly built, carbon bike frames can last indefinitely. Most manufacturers still recommend that you replace the frame after
6-7 years
, however, carbon frames are so strong that they often outlast their riders.
Do carbon mountain bike frames break?
Carbon bikes are becoming much more reliable, and cracks are becoming much less common. However,
carbon bikes do crack
. This is often caused by prior damage to the frame, and sometimes manufacturing faults. If you notice a crack in your frame stop riding it, as carbon is well known for failing spectacularly.
How hard is it to break a carbon bike?
Hansell says, ‘
It’s quite hard to damage carbon “just a little bit”
, so if it looks like a crack then chances are it is a crack. ‘Also, the elasticity of carbon fibre is usually less than the paint, so if the paint is cracked, there’s a high chance there’s been some kind of trauma to the carbon too. ‘
How do I know if my carbon bike is damaged?
If you can’t feel it with a fingernail, the crack probably isn’t in the carbon. Another trick is to whack the tube with a quarter over and around the crack. Do the same at a similar location that doesn’t have a crack.
If there are any differences in sound, the frame has probably sustained damage
.
How do I know if my carbon fiber frame is damaged?
Look closely for scratches, especially anything deep or through the paint. With a dollar coin, tap on any suspect area and listen for a change in sound. A normal “tap” sound will become a dull thud when the carbon is broken. Gently push on the suspect area to feel if it’s softer than the surrounding area.
Does carbon fiber deteriorate?
The problem is made worse by the fact that unlike plastics, aluminum andmany other materials, carbon fiber can’t be easily recycled.
It won’t degrade
, and it is extremely difficult to recycle.
Is a carbon fiber bike worth it?
For our money,
the feel of carbon is superior to aluminum, and may, in fact, be worth the upgrade cost in itself
. There are two major factors that we see as a benefit of a carbon frame over an aluminum one: dampening and torsional stiffness.
Should you buy a used carbon mountain bike?
Should I Buy a Used Carbon Mountain Bike?
Buying a used carbon mountain bike is perfectly fine
. However, it’s more important to thoroughly check a carbon frame than a metal frame, as carbon does not crack the same way metal frames do.
Do carbon frames crack?
Carbon does not develop small cracks
which could fail later like a steel or alloy frame might, by nature of it being a composite material.
Does the sun damage carbon fiber?
Will Sunlight Weaken Carbon Fibers?
Even though the carbon fibers themselves are not susceptible to UV damage
, the resin used to bond carbon fibers together can be, meaning that your carbon fiber parts or frames could degrade over time, “in theory”.
Can carbon fiber bike frames be repaired?
Yes, you can
! The process of repairing a carbon fiber bike frame that is cracked, damaged, or split is to lay new carbon fibers and epoxy them in the same direction as the original fibers. The end result is a stronger bicycle frame than the original build at a negligible weight gain.
Do carbon bike frames fatigue?
“If you look at carbon materials in general,” he said, “
they’re very good in fatigue
, much better than any aluminium or steel would be. If done properly, a frame could last you forever.”
Does carbon fiber get brittle over time?
No, it doesn’t breakdown over time
, if constructed properly and not ridden past it’s design limits. The resin can become discolored.
