How much extra tlc do carbon fibre frames require? For example, a Trek 5200: I know it is more abrasion-prone, but I've heard they shouldn't be clamped into a hitch bike carrier for fear of damage (my carrier, as most, has rubberized holders)...is this true?
I hear they can be damaged by UV radiation and that they have UV protectant on them...is this so? If so, what happens when the protectant wears off? Can you leave a cf frame in the sun for an afternoon?
People note it is a 'new' material and so not much is know about durability....but it's been around for 15 or 20 years and race cars are made out of cf...so how 'failure prone' is it really?
I ask because I am trying to decide whether to purchase a cf Trek 5200 or a Litespeed...I liked the Trek better but I worry (given the cost of either) that the Trek won't last as long.
Any suggestions/idea?
I hear they can be damaged by UV radiation and that they have UV protectant on them...is this so? If so, what happens when the protectant wears off? Can you leave a cf frame in the sun for an afternoon?
People note it is a 'new' material and so not much is know about durability....but it's been around for 15 or 20 years and race cars are made out of cf...so how 'failure prone' is it really?
I ask because I am trying to decide whether to purchase a cf Trek 5200 or a Litespeed...I liked the Trek better but I worry (given the cost of either) that the Trek won't last as long.
Any suggestions/idea?
