Carbon Frame Testing

[Davideff]

Hi, I recently ran out out of road whilst riding in France. My front wheel dropped down into the ditch (about 600mm, or 2 feet in old money), and I was shot off the front. The bike didn't have an impact as such, and just bounced along behind me until we both stopped. There is no visible damage, but I would like the integrity of the whole frame checked before I continue using it, or I cut it up so no one else can get hurt!
We are both back in Essex now, so if any one has had experience of testing, or able to recommend somewhere (in the SE is best, but its worth it to me to travel). Many thanks. Dave.

 

[Smokin Joe]

If there is no visible damage I'd stop worrying and carry on riding. It's tough stuff, not Waterford Crystal.

Anyone who is that worried about carbon fibre is better off not riding one at all.

 

[Pumpkin the robot]

Basically this ^^^^
I went into the side of a car that pulled out in front of me while I was doing 30mph. I contacted a few specialists and they said they can do ultra sound tests on it, but if there was no visible damage they were 99% sure it was fine.
7500miles later and I think they may be right.

 

[ayceejay]

Your frame is made from carbon fibre because of its strength to weight ratio and is consequently used in
a lot of application where that is an advantage from racing cars to aeroplanes.

 

[steveindenmark]

Just use it gently until you are confident it is ok. But Carbon is tough stuff.

 

[PK99]

Just use it gently until you are confident it is ok. But Carbon is tough stuff.

http://www.bustedcarbon.com/

 

[Accy cyclist]

http://www.bustedcarbon.com/

Yes that is my fear. Carbon cracking without any warning!
How come every time i go into a bike shop to buy a carbon framed bike i come out the shop with an aluminium one? For the sake of a supposed 2 minutes knocked off a 1 hour ride i'd rather feel safer on good old alloy!

 

[steveindenmark]

http://www.bustedcarbon.com/

That looks like a case of some ham fisted rider overtightening his seat post.

 

[Mr Celine]

No, you really need to get it checked out. The staff at my company offers a comprehensive service.

Once we receive your frame it goes to Emma, who gives it a close visual inspection.

It's then closely inspected by the superior feline senses of tiddles -

Our photographer Raymond takes a picture (He's looking a bit grumpy - Emma's just dumped him!)

Finally you'll get a written report from these guys.

Yes, for just £100 plus post and packing you get-

An Emma eye scan
A cat scan
An ex-Ray photograph
A lab report.

Or just do what Smokin Joe says.

 

[FrankCrank]

...as you carry out the tests, it's worth checking that it doesn't dissolve in water. Simply put some fresh rain in a watering can, and sprinkle liberally over the frame. Allow a reasonable time for the rain water to soak in, then check to see if any sections have dissolved.
You may decide to ignore this little test altogether, but can you sleep at night knowing that torrential downpours are forecast for the next few days?........

 

[outlash]

How come every time i go into a bike shop to buy a carbon framed bike i come out the shop with an aluminium one?

Because you're easily won over by sales patter?

 

[screenman]

Accy, I am surprised you trust alloy when you could have one made from scaffold poles.

 

[Citius]

How come every time i go into a bike shop to buy a carbon framed bike i come out the shop with an aluminium one?

 

[Davideff]

Thanks for the replies, in particular the more sarcastic ones.......I should have known better than to expect anything else from a bunch of cyclists I suppose!
Just to put it into perspective though, having broken my back & neck in the same accident in Sept, and with a second chance to carry on cycling, (as I managed to get away with no permanent injuries), I'm quite keen not to tempt fate by falling off again in a hurry. Tried it once, and did'nt like it.
Happy pedaling! Dave.

 

[FrankCrank]

....sorry for being so flippant - glad to hear you made a full recovery....