Has anyone had experience with carbon fiber mountain bikes? I'm still skeptical as to how robust they are. Is it true that a scratch will make the frame useless? And Trek has this process called OCLV ... is that just hype or does their carbon layup process really have significant benefits?
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1This is rather vague ... in general. I'm unsure as to what the question is exactly. Are you looking for testaments as to the robust nature of carbon? Comparisons? Anyways, would love to help but I fear this question will just create rambling imprecise answers... which is what I had started on.– tplunketCommented Oct 3, 2010 at 1:42
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I guess I shouldn't have tried to squash 3 questions in, but I imagined they were specific enough :-) They were: 1. Have you had any problems (personally), with carbon mountain bikes in terms of robustness? 2. Does a scratch really make a frame useless? 3. Is the OCLV technique mostly hype or does it have significant benefits? At this point I'm just trying to find out absolutely anything, so yeah :-)– helloworlderCommented Oct 3, 2010 at 11:45
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what is a robust mtb?– dotjoeCommented Oct 3, 2010 at 23:30
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Scratches are bad if they slash even one fiber, but small scratches might often only be in the lacquer/matrix. Also I think you can patch over a scratch by just putting a couple of layers of carbon fibre above and around it. I guess not many shops are equipped to do that.– NobodyCommented Aug 31, 2018 at 7:59
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2 Answers
Personally, no, I have not had any problems w/ carbon fibre mountain bikes. I am currently on my 5th such steed (Trek Fuel EX 9.8) and it is going quite well. My thumb ... not so well. But, that's besides the point. Of note ... I weigh 145 lbs and ride the bike for what it is meant. I have seen many broken carbon frames. Like wise I have seen many broken aluminium frames as well. Typically when I see a broken frame it is caused by many of the same things.
a)Riding a bike outside of its comfort range. If you have a 26" carbon fibre hardtail, do not think it would work for jumps or all mountain riding. You will break it. Don't take your 4" travel carbon race bike to the downhill course either. Use common sense.
b)Maintain your bike. Use a torque wrench and carbon prep. Check linkages. Keep it clean. Those who don't tend to see things (or miss things ...) break with greater frequency.
Scratch depth has alot to do with this. A simple scratch ... no, it doesn't render it useless. I have many scratches on many carbon bikes. I have paint chips etc... and they are still a-okay. What I would be aware of is a 'scratch' on the handlebar that could result in stress risers and eventual breakage. Again, this goes back to my points above concerning maintenance. Regular maintenance (of any bike) is key. There are also advances in carbon that companies are indicating have created a much stronger frame. The following are two I am familiar with but I am SURE there are more.
http://origin.trekbikes.com/us/en/story/fuel_ex/technology
Cannondale has 'Ballistec Hi-Mod' carbon which I believe is supposed to be similar.
OCLV is just another way of 'laying up' carbon. I have had many OCLV bikes and have enjoyed them immensely. I am sure I would have enjoyed a monocoque frame or a mitred frame as well. In my mind it is the companies warranty that matters most. Will they stand behind you if the frame fails from reasonable riding? In my experience, yes, Trek will. But, I'm not here to push Trek. Buying a well known frame, with a strong warranty from a shop you know will go to bat for you is what I would recommend. In regards to carbon lay up, yes, it does matter. The ability to strategically lay the carbon (or in terms of the new BMC Impec weave the carbon) allows engineers to create strength where strength is needed and to remove weight were less material is necessary. It can be likened to the 'butting' of steel, aluminium and titanium frames.
Sorry for the Trek angle throughout this but as the question regarded OCLV and I have experience with both, it was inevitable.
Under the personal experience:
- A fellow biker broke his carbon seatpost, mainly because it's very hard to fasten it with the right pressure (not everybody carries a torque wrench in the field).
- On my road-bike I have no problem, although I'm kind of big and heavy (105 kg).
