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10 Carbon – Important Information

Special characteristics of carbon components made of carbon-fibre-rein-

forced plastics (a), also referred to as carbon or CRP, need to be taken into

account.

Carbon is an extremely strong material which combines high resistance with

low weight. After overstress, however, carbon parts, unlike metal parts, do

not necessarily show durable or visible deformation even though some of its

fibres may be damaged.

This makes it very dangerous to continue using the part after an impact or

undue stress, as it may fail without previous warning thereby causing an

accident with unforeseeable consequences. We therefore recommend that

you have the carbon part, or to be certain, the entire bicycle checked by

your bicycle dealer after every incident, such as e.g. a crash. They may con-

tact our after-sales department in order to make sure you can have absolute

confidence in your bicycle.

For safety reasons, damaged parts made of carbon (b) must never be

aligned or repaired. Replace a damaged part without delay! Prevent further

use by taking appropriate measures, i.e. saw the component into pieces.

Parts made of carbon should under no circumstances be exposed to exces-

sive heat. Therefore, never have a carbon component enamelled or powder-

coated. The temperatures required for doing so could destroy it. Do not

leave carbon fibre parts near a source of heat or in your car during hot or

sunny weather.

Carbon parts have, like all lightweight bicycle parts, a limited service life. For

this reason, change stem and handlebars at regular intervals (e.g. every 3

years), even if they have not experienced any undue stress, such as e.g. an

accident.

Most clamps of bicycle carrier systems are potential sources of

damage to large-diameter frame tubes (c)! As a result thereof

carbon frames can fail during use without previous warning.

Suitable, special-purpose models are, however, available in the

car accessory trade. Inform yourself there or ask your bicycle

dealer for advice.

When you intend to transport your bicycle in the boot of your car, be sure to

protect the bicycle or the carbon frame and parts. Blankets, foam tubes or

the like are a suitable padding to protect the sensitive material from damage.

Do not clamp a carbon frame or seat post in the holding jaws

of a workstand! The parts may sustain damage. Mount a sturdy

(aluminium) seat post instead and use it to clamp the frame

((d) p. 84), or chose a work stand that holds the frame at three

points inside the frame triangle (a) or that clamps the fork and

bottom bracket shell.

Always park your bicycle carefully and make sure it does not topple over.

Carbon frames and parts may already sustain damage by simply toppling

over.

If carbon parts on your bicycle produce any creaking or cracking

noises or show any external sign of damage, such as gouges,

cracks (b), dents, discolourations etc., do not use the bicycle

any longer. Please contact your bicycle dealer immediately; he

will check the part thoroughly!

Make sure all carbon clamping areas are absolutely free of

grease and other lubricants. Grease would penetrate the sur-

face of the carbon material, reducing the coefficient of friction, a

reliable clamping within the prescribed torques being hence no

longer provided. Once greased, carbon parts may never again

ensure reliable clamping. Use special XLC carbon assembly

paste instead (c).

Protect the exposed areas of your carbon frame (e.g. the un-

derside of the down tube) against rubbing cables or stone chips

with special pads your bicycle dealer keeps for sale (d).

Do not combine carbon handlebars with clip-on bars, aero bars

or bar ends, unless they have been specifically approved! Risk

of breakage!