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It is late summer in the US and I am starting to look forward to autumn and winter mountain biking. I have a carbon fiber frame though. Didn't get to ride it last winter due to a broken collar bone (almost landed that jump). So, anything to be concerned about riding a carbon fiber mountain bike in cool/cold weather? I am talking anything from 50°F/10°C down to sub freezing temps.

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The fiber itself can probably handle temps down to near absolute zero. The resins used to bond the fibers will get stiffer with cold, but should be good to 40 below or so. Just getting down to freezing ain't cold at all. After all, they make Shuttle wing parts out of carbon fiber. – Daniel R Hicks Aug 30 '11 at 12:04
I hardly believe that bike parts would be tested to the same tolerances as shuttle wings. Just because it's the same material, doesn't mean it can withstand the same stresses. That doesn't mean it won't withstand it, but just stating that the logic isn't valid. – Kibbee Aug 30 '11 at 19:01

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Did a quick look around... And Zinn in Velonews gets questions like this. Short answer is no. Essentially carbon fiber is a pretty tough material and barring manufacturing flaws should put up with a lot.

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and my "no" is to your question "So, anything to be concerned about riding a carbon fiber mountain bike in cool/cold weather?" - as I just realized I'm saying the opposite based on the topic header. – edgaralgernon Sep 2 '11 at 17:21
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I have been using carbon handlebars on my mtb for two years now with any issue. Even did a race that was so cold that my drink tube froze before I even started!

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