Can a CF bike be a rain bike?
11-24-19, 08:05 AM
#1
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Can a CF bike be a rain bike?
Thanks to randombikeparts.com I put together a 17 pound bike for $700!
So cost wise I can make it a rain bike but should I?
Will clamping fenders on it, all the road grime being kicked up and generally being in the rain etc. effect it?
Thanks
So cost wise I can make it a rain bike but should I?
Will clamping fenders on it, all the road grime being kicked up and generally being in the rain etc. effect it?
Thanks
11-24-19, 08:57 AM
#2
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It won't melt. Look at all the cf mountain bikes being hammered in the mud/rain/snow.
11-24-19, 09:03 AM
#3
cowboy, steel horse, etc
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No rust. Top choice!
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11-24-19, 09:04 AM
#4
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Titl should have been "Should ..."
Yeah, I know CF is tough, but I was also referring to my effort to service it.
For example, inevitably wet grime you forgot to clean gets baked on the underside. With an ALU/Steel frame removing it doesn't remove/effect the top coat. But this CF bike has one of those matt finishes.
Also, this CF bike is absent of drain holes from the moulding process, so if water does get into the frame (i.e. from the seat post area) will that cause issues?
For example, inevitably wet grime you forgot to clean gets baked on the underside. With an ALU/Steel frame removing it doesn't remove/effect the top coat. But this CF bike has one of those matt finishes.
Also, this CF bike is absent of drain holes from the moulding process, so if water does get into the frame (i.e. from the seat post area) will that cause issues?
11-24-19, 09:12 AM
#5
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11-24-19, 10:51 AM
#6
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Epoxy composites will absorb some water. This was investigated by the Geugeon brothers some years ago. While epoxy resin will absorb some tiny amount of moisture, it is not enough to compromise the laminate. You may be able to fine out more by poking around their web site or their online magazine. https://www.epoxyworks.com/
11-24-19, 11:04 AM
#7
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CFRP boats are wet-sailed all season without ill effect.
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11-24-19, 12:27 PM
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If used a lot in the rain I might want a BSA threaded b-bracket. Means I don't have to go to the shop to swap.
OTOH, a carbon won't rust !
OTOH, a carbon won't rust !
11-24-19, 01:43 PM
#9
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Wheels manufacturing and a few other companies make excellent thread-together press-fit BB replacements---a little heavier, but bullet-proof, and easy to remove.
As for cleaning the bike---you would need to clean it no matter whether it was a rain bike or not. I use Simple green and very sofft cloths, lots of rinsing and very little rubbing or scrubbing ... but as others have said, CF is a mature technology which has proven its durability in a lot of applications far more stressful that a rainy bike ride.
As for cleaning the bike---you would need to clean it no matter whether it was a rain bike or not. I use Simple green and very sofft cloths, lots of rinsing and very little rubbing or scrubbing ... but as others have said, CF is a mature technology which has proven its durability in a lot of applications far more stressful that a rainy bike ride.
11-24-19, 02:19 PM
#10
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Im sure the frame will be fine in the rain, but "clamp on fenders" are not nearly as effective as proper mudguards, like SKS longboards or SKS Olympic. Im never going back
11-24-19, 03:06 PM
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Yep, cheap is good for a rain bike!
11-24-19, 04:08 PM
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I live in a small apartment right now and there is not a hose outside for me to use. So, I just turn some warm water on in the shower and lay a couple of crummy towels down and gently rinse the bike off in the shower. Takes a little maneuvering, but in 15 minutes or so, it looks pretty darn good. I just gently wipe it once it's wet, and pretty much all the crud comes right off. No chemicals. Just warm water and some crappy towels and rags. I clean the drivetrain separately.
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11-24-19, 04:53 PM
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Just beware of the dissimilar metals problem wherever aluminum is in contact with the composite. The wetter it is, the more corrosion will occur. Use a good marine galvanic corrosion inhibitor.
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11-25-19, 10:09 AM
#14
RacingBear
If you are looking for fenders I have been pretty happy with crudracer, the latest iteration of mk3 is best one yet.
11-25-19, 10:17 AM
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Any bike can be a rain bike.
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11-26-19, 09:06 AM
#16
Recusant Iconoclast
It's a bike, not a piece of artwork. But it's also not maintenance-free; learn to wrench it yourself. YouTube is a great resource. Now ride the heck out of it.
11-26-19, 01:14 PM
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In my experience, the main thing about whether a bike will make for a good rain bike is how well you can fit full-coverage fenders to it. And that's usually governed by brake bridge and chain stay clearances.
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11-27-19, 12:33 AM
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This is why my rain bike has disc brakes. I have full fenders plus buddy flaps. Chain and derailleurs stay cleaner in addition to shoes and person.
12-01-19, 07:36 AM
#20
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My winter, rain, bad weather bike;
'73 Raleigh Gand Prix...$60
Full fenders...$35.
Put my vintage tubular wheels with 33mm CX tires, pumped to 50-60 psi. Roll over road debris and thru standing water. Bike stays clean, I stay dry.
'73 Raleigh Gand Prix...$60
Full fenders...$35.
Put my vintage tubular wheels with 33mm CX tires, pumped to 50-60 psi. Roll over road debris and thru standing water. Bike stays clean, I stay dry.
12-01-19, 01:07 PM
#21
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Good fender line, not always easy to achieve.
