Unused frame/fork
#1
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Unused frame/fork
I have an unused custom steel frame from a small local guy, along with a Columbus Muscle fork (CF). No components what so ever. Been sitting waiting to be built up for a while. Twenty years to be honest. It has gained a few nicks here and there on the frame from all the moves. Nothing that can't be touched up.
Questions: Does carbon fiber go bad? Is it worth building? What issues might I run in to trying to get a build kit?
Thanks!
Questions: Does carbon fiber go bad? Is it worth building? What issues might I run in to trying to get a build kit?
Thanks!
#2
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Whether it's "worth" building depends entirely on the resources you're willing to expend for the amount of use the bike will see. Supply chain issues may delay/limit some parts availability. I've never heard of a shelf life for carbon fiber that hasn't been exposed to the elements.
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When carbon fiber forks debuted, we were told they would shatter and we'd all wind up in wheelchairs.
Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.
These days carbon fiber forks are ubiquitous.
All materials have lifetimes, subject to a lot of variables. Is your C/F fork painted and/or has it been out in the sun? Has it been subjected to temperature extremes in non-climate controlled storage?
Here's a video with a lot of information on bike C/F:
Note: If it was me, I'd have a custom steel fork made to go with that custom steel frame - mostly because of aesthetics. But that's just me.
Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.
These days carbon fiber forks are ubiquitous.
All materials have lifetimes, subject to a lot of variables. Is your C/F fork painted and/or has it been out in the sun? Has it been subjected to temperature extremes in non-climate controlled storage?
Here's a video with a lot of information on bike C/F:
Note: If it was me, I'd have a custom steel fork made to go with that custom steel frame - mostly because of aesthetics. But that's just me.
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Hell, I'm still riding a twenty-year old cf fork, and I'm pretty sure that it's not as nice as yours.
I can't believe you have had a custom frame just sitting around that long! I would've built it up a little sooner...Like, 19 years, 11.5 months sooner.
I can't believe you have had a custom frame just sitting around that long! I would've built it up a little sooner...Like, 19 years, 11.5 months sooner.
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#5
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Yeah, I know. Things changed and I never got around to it.
Just wondering if I should hold on to it or scrap it. It's not some fancy builder.
The money was spent years ago, so really no loss now. Will probably never build it up.
Just wondering if I should hold on to it or scrap it. It's not some fancy builder.
The money was spent years ago, so really no loss now. Will probably never build it up.
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Well, sorry to say frame went to metal recycling. Fork went to...well, just went to...
First bike related stuff I've tossed in years.
First bike related stuff I've tossed in years.