Taking care of carbon

Moaner

I'm taking delivery of my first carbon bike in a couple of days - absolutely on springs, but have in mind that under some circumstances it isn't as robust as the titanium that I'm used to.

I've read on here not to clamp it onto a roof rack. Does the same apply to clamping the seat post into a workstand? (The seat post is also carbon).

I sort of hook the saddle onto the workstand and just use the clamp to hold it lightly in place - any idea if that is safe with carbon?

Also, any other tips on avoiding carbon-cracking-type mishaps greatly appreciated.

(I already know it will dissolve if I take it out in the rain :roll: )

Ta very much.

ris

i have no experience of roof racks / workstand clamps, but if you are planning to work on the bike yourself and tightening elements that clamp to carbon then a torque wrench might be a good investment, for peace of mind at least!

racingcondor

You should be fine clamping a seatpost into your workstand (just don't tighen the clamp up ridiculously). The main risk is that some carbon tubes (particularly top tubes) can be very thin so, while they're plenty strong under riding stresses they don't like to be squashed (it's the price you pay for an ultralight frame).

The ritchey torque key is a great buy as a cheap alternative to a torque wrench and will do 90% of the jobs you need. Personally I've found having a torque wrench has made me more confident with expensive carbon parts.

Don't worry too much though, carbon is tougher than most people give it credit for.

Moaner

Thanks to both of you for the steer

Flasheart

Just don't get it wet FFS!!