1

I am living in Canada and it is the sad time of the year where I have to stop riding and store my bicycle for the winter. This summer I acquired a full carbon bike and I want to make sure it stays intact until the next summer.

Considering that the temperatures can drop to -30°C, is it bad if my bike is stored in a shed?

4

1 Answer 1

2

http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/04/bikes-and-tech/technical-faq/technical-faq-carbon-in-cold-conditions_111530 summarises to "No problems"

CF (carbon fibre) components are used extensively in launch/reentry vehicles and satellites where the temperatures range from superheated to near absolute zero. The ultra low CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion) of carbon fibre make it ideal for these temperature extremes. I find it very hard to believe that a bicycle sustained damage during winter storage in a cold garage – regardless of the earthly location. I have seen “green” (not fully cured) paints and top coats crack in extreme temperature conditions but never a CF composite structure.

Although if your bike had water in it and that froze, you would have a different problem. To deal with this, dry your bike, and hang your bike so it drains - often there are two breather/drainholes at the aft end of the chainstays... but do eyeball them first.

1
  • +1. I'm pretty sure that this question, or something quite similar, has been asked before. But this answer appears to be unique and is an almost canonical answer regarding the properties of carbon fibre ate extreme temperatures
    – PeteH
    Nov 13, 2015 at 15:34

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.