Originally Posted by
Branko D
Bike going soft over time is a better failure mode than ride -> crack.
Originally Posted by
ctak
Well said. As damage tolerances improve, gradual softening of the carbon matrix is much more likely than a sudden snap or crippling crack (conventional wisdom) for the vast majority of users.
According to the F1 polymer scientist in the video, it is merely a measurable reduction in stiffness or elastic modulus, which he (a) questioned whether most cyclists can even feel, but (b) conceded may make a small difference in professional racing. Softening makes it sound like the epoxy resin is melting and turning into caramel or putty.
Originally Posted by
Branko D
It would be cool if there was a commercially viable (read: cheap) method of assessing bike frame damage.
According to this BikeRadar article (
Inside FFWD's Dutch factory, where 'handbuilt' is the mantra - BikeRadar), FFWD X-rays its carbon fiber rims to check for latent defects.
This forum has given me the impression that a fair number of road cyclists are also dentists, of whom some are named "Fred". Every dentist I have visited has an X-ray. Maybe I am onto something here?