FAQs about Carbon

Carbon – I have a question...

Carbon – everyone knows it, but there are still a lot of questions about it. We have put together some of them and answered them here.

For certain components that are only loaded along one plane and where the carbon fibers are aligned unidirectionally, their stiffness is 5 to 10 times higher than that of steel or aluminum.

In terms of weight, titanium is lighter than steel, but heavier than carbon. A titanium frame is most comparable to an aluminum frame, although this depends on the shape of the frame chosen. Carbon is very sensitive to impacts and unusual loads, and aluminum gets dents relatively quickly.

Carbon, also known as carbon fiber, is a polymer material made up of thousands of long, thin carbon fibers. Carbon fiber is five times stronger than steel and twice as stiff , meaning it has high strength and rigidity, but is still very lightweight.

In fact, a carbon frame can last a lifetime . Unlike steel and aluminum, good carbon, like the kind we use on our bikes, doesn't experience material fatigue. So under normal circumstances, there's no need to worry about your carbon bike suddenly becoming damaged.

In terms of rigidity, carbon is also superior to aluminum alloys , although this advantage can sometimes become a disadvantage.

Carbon is not susceptible to corrosion from contact with salt water, salt mist or acids, nor to fatigue. The service life of composite components is therefore almost unlimited .

What can a carbon frame withstand? A carbon frame is stiffer and has greater tensile strength than an aluminum frame, for example . If the carbon composite material is processed correctly, the parts are assembled correctly and the ride is free of falls, there is hardly anything that a carbon frame cannot withstand.

The process is very complicated and makes the material very unenvironmentally friendly . Very sensitive: After a fall, it is difficult to tell whether the frame has been damaged. Cracks in the frame cannot be repaired and in most cases force the owner to buy a new bike.

Do not expose your carbon frame to high temperatures, this will compromise the integrity of the carbon fibers and resin . So try to store your bike far away from heat sources and avoid leaving it in a parked car in the sun.

The WD-40 BIKE Cleaner and the WD-40 multi-purpose product make cleaning easier and do an excellent job of protecting the carbon frame. A wax treatment gives a visually appealing shine and ensures that the components under the paint cannot corrode.

Severe damage often requires professional repair, which involves removing damaged fibers and replacing them with new ones . This repair method restores the structural integrity of the frame and requires specialized expertise and equipment.