How easy is it to dent, ruin a high quality carbon fiber frame



jrstudman81

Banned
Aug 18, 2011
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I know these frames cost an arm and a leg, but how easy is it to destroy them v.s. an aluminum, titanium, and steel frame? I don't want to spend all my money on a carbon fiber framed bike and find out that is can be destroyed by dinging it against something. I know they can be ruined in a car crash or crashing the bike hard.
 
These were my fears as well. I recently bought a carbon frame bike. I had cross shopped all brands and materials. After weighing the pros and cons of them all, I choose carbon. Best ride quality, IMO. As light as anything else. Frame guarantees as good as they can get, lifetime on some brands. Just treat with respect like you would any other bike and you should be happy.

I know they can be ruined in a car crash or crashing the bike hard. This can be said about any frame material in general.

Aluminum- IMO, chatty ride, transfers more vibrations. Dents easily. Usually does not corrode. Very light frames.
Titanium-IMO, expensive, hard to find without special ordering before you even see the bike you will be riding/buying. Does not corrode. Does dent, but pretty hard to do.
Steel-IMO, classic material, heavier (usually), good ride quality. RUSTs when exposed to elements.

Carbon, IMO, smooth ride, stiff as they can get. As light as anything else. Sexy tube shapes abound! Have to be careful about scratching the carbon, this may lower Carbon weave integrity. May want to buy a torque wrench. Sexy looking frames! Yes, I said sexy twice. Exposed carbon fiber weave is cool to look at!

Happy hunting!

Mike
 
Carbon can be as frail or durable as you need. A team mate hit the deck doing about 20 mph on a really nice light carbon frame and broke his frame in 6 places. A Parlee Z4 or Z5 on the other hand is really tough, I have a Z4 and it's been through a lot, and the most incredible ride you could hope for.
 

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