Carbon Frame Fatigue?

billy whippet
billy whippet Posts: 171
edited May 2009 in Workshop
I have (among other bikes) a 16 year old carbon trek oclv frame that I bought new, raced on for a few years, and then basically retired... I had it built up again last year to use occasionally as felt a bit nostalgic about it, but suddenly felt a bit unsafe flying down long fast descents, not trusting the 16 year old carbon, despite it having a lifetime warranty, and despite there being no (real) creakings anywhere... my question is - Is the frame now just a period piece, or is it safe to use? It's never been crashed, and there's no dings or gouges out of the frame..

thanks for any advice

Comments

  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    CFRP composites don't really suffer from fatigue as a metal would. Unless there's any obvious damage it should be fine.
    I like bikes...

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  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    If designed properly, carbon composites have an almost unlimited fatigue limit and they certainly don't go 'off'
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • John.T
    John.T Posts: 3,698
    My Trek has been in regular use for 10 years now. Still as rides good as new. Probably done 30000 miles now.
    My Fleet.

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