Are old carbon frames dangerous?

brightoncyclinggardener

Howdy folks, I'm new 'round here, go easy...

Basically, I've got a giant cadex carbon MTB, it's a 1991 cadex CFM 3. Anyway, some whippersnapper saw it and said "you wouldn't catch me riding that!" claiming that old carbon bikes are prone to frame shattering! Sounds like bowlocks to me but it's given me the fear, any thoughts?

Many thanks!

whydoesitalwaysrainonme

I think old carbon becomes brittle as it gets older because the weave starts to undo itself and i think maybe something to do with UV? i'd ask somebody who knows what they're talking about though lol

grantway

All carbon can shatter but mostly when riden harder than they are designed to do

nicklouse

this is the old lugged frame?

i would not worry too much if the tubes look ok..

amt27

I've got a Giant Cadex CFM1 1992 which is now a single speed, owned it from new. These frame were known for being very stiff and a harsh ride, which says to me they are quite strong and maybe over-engineered.

I hardly ever ride it, maybe to the shops once in a while.

I've heard stories of the glue in the lugs failing, but no evidence to prove it. Also remember a pic of someone snapping a downtube on a jump.

I suppose the polymers in the resin can be effected by UV light, maybe the paint and lacquer prevent this.

Put it this way, I wouldn't want to give the abuse I give my Stumpy 08, leisure riding fine, but I value my teeth, plus I also worry about the fatigue life of the cro-mo forks and syncros stem, which are the same age.

dave_hill

amt27 wrote:

I also worry about the fatigue life of the cro-mo forks...which are the same age.

Jeez, if that's all you've got to worry about you've got an easy life mate... :shock:

amt27

dave_hill wrote:

amt27 wrote:

I also worry about the fatigue life of the cro-mo forks...which are the same age.

Jeez, if that's all you've got to worry about you've got an easy life mate... :shock:

meaning?

brightoncyclinggardener

My frame is exactly the same as this one:



The frame says carbon and kevlar, I know where the kevlar is though.

Some of the lacquer is coming off the top of the top tube but it all looks structurally sound, as far as I can see...

Also, I have to say, I also was not going to lose any sleep over the life left in the forks, I thought they were bomb proof, forever?

Many thanks for the replies by the way.

Cheers!

Shorty12

Hit it with a hammer? :P

elPedro666

Have you tried asking Giant? Don't know if they'd be any help but if anyone should know the fatigue/shelf life of the frame...

I guess the original warranty's a bit too much of a long shot? :!:

I rode the old ALM1 through Macclesfield Forest yesterday, gave it a proper pasting too, and that was just great - I'd forgotten what a lively little frame it was! I'm guessing they're pretty similar layouts.

I'd carry on enjoying it until it breaks, then you'll figure out some ingenious way of getting home and it'll all just be a good pub story... 8)

amt27

brightoncyclinggardener

yeah, I emailed Giant last week asking them but they have so far ignored me. Charming!

k2rider

i had a 9 year old k2 carbon frame and it was the strongest frame ive seen , virtually indestructable, only problems there was were the alloy bits bonded on to it.

dave_hill

amt27 wrote:

dave_hill wrote:

amt27 wrote:

I also worry about the fatigue life of the cro-mo forks...which are the same age.

Jeez, if that's all you've got to worry about you've got an easy life mate... :shock:

meaning?

Meaning Newcastle United will qualify for Europe before they fail...

Howay the Lads!!

elPedro666

I guess older carbon frames were probably well overbuilt - any failures at all would have been so well documented as to seriously damage reputations, even if four times as many ali ones snapped at the same time!

bomberesque

I have never heard of carbone shattering. Given its nature I'd say it's actually impossible. More likely you'll get a spiral crack following the weave around the tube or one of the joints at teh lugs will go.

Steel fork should not be a problem fatigue-wise

I'd be fascinated to hear what Giant have to say on the subject though

ride and enjoy :-)

ride_whenever

the roadies were having a discussion about this, and somone posted a cannondale CF frame being attacked with a lump hammer. Even though the BB shell had been removed the frame withstood some serious abuse....

bomberesque

ride_whenever wrote:

the roadies were having a discussion about this, and somone posted a cannondale CF frame being attacked with a lump hammer. Even though the BB shell had been removed the frame withstood some serious abuse....

sounds wicked; I demand a LINK :twisted:

brightoncyclinggardener

Thanks again for your responses!

I've emailed Giant again asking them whether it's safe or not, will let you know if I get a response.

It seems the frame is a bit small for me anyway so it might all be academic

Cheers!

supersonic

Here is a Taurine getting hit with a hammer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lsDXEEUlRE

Then an alloy frame...

Not representive of the main stresses on a frame, but interesting all the same.

stubs

Now we know why Cannondale used to be called Crack n Fail they were building frames that stood up to attack by a lump hammer.