Operation Manual

106
28. Special characteristics of carbon
28.1 Carbon - special characteristics
As is the case with all products made of car-
bon composites, also referred to as CFK, with
MERIDA frames, some particularities have to
be paid attention to, as well.
Carbon is extremely strong and durable
with very low weight, making it perfect for
the production of high-performance parts.
However, one of the characteristics of car-
bon also is that the components do not bend
when overstressed though the structure may
already be damaged. If a carbon item has
suffered a heavy impact or undue stress of
any kind, it may – unlike steel or aluminium
parts – not show obvious signs of damage,
like deflections. This should not be taken as
a sign that the part is undamaged, since the
internal carbon fibers may have sustained
serious damage.
After having been overstressed, a pre-dam-
aged carbon part may fail without any previ-
ous warning. This makes it very dangerous
to keep on using the part after an impact
or undue stress. If you continue to use a
damaged bike part, this may lead to acci-
dents with unforeseeable consequences. We
strongly recommend taking the respective
part or – even better – the whole bike to your
MERIDA dealer for examination after an inci-
dent, e.g. a crash.
If necessary, he may contact our service
department in order to clarify open ques-
tions.
Damaged parts made of carbon must never
be repaired. They must be replaced at once!
Make absolutely sure that any damaged
part will never be used again. It should be
destroyed to be certain that further using is
impossible.
Parts made from carbon should under no cir-
cumstances be subjected to excessive heat.
Therefore never paint a carbon part and
cure it by heat. The temperatures required for
enameling or powder-coating will destroy the
component. Do not leave carbon fibre parts
near a source of heat e.g. a radiator or in
your car during hot or sunny weather.
Carbon parts have, like all very light
weight constructions, only a limited
service life. For this reason, change stem
and handlebar at regular intervals as a pre-
ventive measure (every 3 years e.g.), even
if they have not experienced any crashes or
similar.
If your MERIDA carbon frame or
carbon fork makes any cracking
noise or shows any dents, deformations, dis-
colouration, scratches or notches, do not use
the bike until the part has been replaced!
Contact your MERIDA dealer at once. He
will check the part thoroughly!
Make sure all carbon clamping areas
are absolutely free of grease and
other lubricants. Grease would penetrate
the surface of the carbon material, reduc-
ing the coefficient of friction and hence
impairing the stability of the clamping joint.
Greased carbon may never again afford
a safe clamping joint. Please use a special
carbon assembly paste in clamping areas.