Carbon Virgin !!

KonaMike

I am now the proud owner of my first carbon bike.
Its a Look 566 that I spotted in the local Bike Shop window about 8 months ago,I mentioned to the wife (as a joke) that it was in my size !! She went in the following day and started to pay it off for me as an wedding Anniversary surprise!!!
So Saturday I went to collect it and I love it !! A MASSIVE upgrade from my Giant Defy 4.

Only one problem........ I'm terrified of it !! Having never owned a Carbon bike before (Defy four has steel forks) I am a bit nervous of its tolerances,how strong it is and what torque to put on things when adjusting the setup,what to clean it with etc.
I am sure its just new bike nerves but any Carbon care tips would be appreciated.

Thanks

bails87

Buy a torque key if you're worried, but a bit of common sense should suffice. Clean it with soapy water and a sponge.

Google "Santa Cruz carbon test video". It's not an inherently weak material*.


*Except it obviously will melt if it gets rained on.

cyclingprop

Most parts will be labelled with max torque. Buy a torque wrench. £40 now will save you £100 later when you (don't) over torque a new carbon seatpost.

nicklouse

there is nothing on a frame that is affected by tightening.

a Torque setting is there mainly to stop people stripping threads on nuts or bolts.

and just use it and treat it as you would any bike.

cyclingprop

nicklouse wrote:

there is nothing on a frame that is affected by tightening.

a Torque setting is there mainly to stop people stripping threads on nuts or bolts.

and just use it and treat it as you would any bike.

Experience causes me to beg to differ. But then that could be a combination of tightness AND load placed on the component.

SteppenHerring

Even the carbon naysayers that I know use carbon forks. And which bit of your bike do you really not want to fail at speed?

Enjoy it.

rolf_f

nicklouse wrote:

there is nothing on a frame that is affected by tightening.

a Torque setting is there mainly to stop people stripping threads on nuts or bolts.

and just use it and treat it as you would any bike.

Really? Are you saying that it doesn't matter how much I tighten my front mech clamp - it won't crack the seat tube?

I'd love to believe that as it would save me from much fear and paranoia.

To KonaMike - congrats on a great bike. Nice to see someone new join the select ranks of Look riders on BR.

spasypaddy

until i see a picture i wont believe you.

Morning Rolf

rolf_f

spasypaddy wrote:

until i see a picture i wont believe you.

Morning Rolf

Hello Mate - fancy seeing you here

KonaMike

Thanks all for the speedy response !
I was handling it like its made from Egg shell all weekend :roll:
Cheers Rolf F ,I am really pleased with it,although its a much better bike than I am a rider :oops:
I will get some pics up tonight,stuck in work at the moment wishing I was out riding.

clarkey cat

You sound like you have a great wife.

KonaMike

clarkey cat wrote:

You sound like you have a great wife.

She is a legend !! She suffers from MS (relapsing/remitting) so can be very ill during a relapse,but she is one of the most happy,thoughtful and selfless people you could meet .......I wish I was half the person she is,I am a lucky man !!
On a lighter note......what the hell am I going to get her for Christmas to top this ??!!!!!!! :shock:

cyclingprop

KonaMike wrote:

clarkey cat wrote:

You sound like you have a great wife.

She is a legend !! She suffers from MS (relapsing/remitting) so can be very ill during a relapse,but she is one of the most happy,thoughtful and selfless people you could meet .......I wish I was half the person she is,I am a lucky man !!
On a lighter note......what the hell am I going to get her for Christmas to top this ??!!!!!!! :shock:

Sounds like you need to get something she doesn't know she wants yet (or believes is not possible).

Shoes or a new handbag should do it.

the_fuggler

Lovely story. I'm sure you'll come up with something inspired in return!

Of course, none of this has actually taken place unless we get to see pictures of the new machine!

tailwindhome

nicklouse wrote:

there is nothing on a frame that is affected by tightening.

a Torque setting is there mainly to stop people stripping threads on nuts or bolts.

and just use it and treat it as you would any bike.

If you over tighten a seat post bolt would the frame not crack?

tailwindhome

DON'T USE A FRAME FIT PUMP!

graham.

Mr Bails said that it will melt if it gets raind on. This is not true.
It will only melt if it is used in the sun, it will dissolve if it gets rained on!
Treat it like anything else you cherish, use it as it was made to be used and enjoy it.
Nice to here a good news story.







Has your wife got a sister?

Sentral

I'm assuming carbon is impervious to frost and high summer temps in the sun? At least I hope it is

SteppenHerring

Sentral wrote:

I'm assuming carbon is impervious to frost and high summer temps in the sun? At least I hope it is

Not a factor in the UK.

First.Aspect

TailWindHome wrote:

nicklouse wrote:

there is nothing on a frame that is affected by tightening.

a Torque setting is there mainly to stop people stripping threads on nuts or bolts.

and just use it and treat it as you would any bike.

If you over tighten a seat post bolt would the frame not crack?

Mmm. And aren't some threads technically part of the frame - if you strip them, that's it. Pretty sure that this statement is cobblers, I'm afraid Nick.

First.Aspect

Sentral wrote:

I'm assuming carbon is impervious to frost and high summer temps in the sun? At least I hope it is

No, it gets a bit sticky in the sun but is usually okay. But if the temperature goes below -10, it shatters. FACT.

gabriel959

To be fair to Nick he is only a mountain biker so not a real cyclist.

KonaMike

I will post some pictures up on the weekend when hopefully I will be getting out on my first 'proper' test ride ....which will probably be a day of seat height and setup fettling !!