If you want to grab a bike to use either in your everyday life or for holidays, you will find that there are many different options out there in terms of the style of bike that you could opt for. One that might catch your eye is the carbon frame. This is a modern option for bike owners that has many advantages to it. Let’s take a look at whether it could be the right choice for you!
What is a Carbon Frame Bike?
A carbon frame bike is made from carbon fibre. This is an incredibly lightweight material that is also very strong, so it is a great choice for those who enjoy cycling. The carbon used to make carbon fibre is in fact thinner than a strand of human hair, and these strands are then woven together to create a very strong and durable material.
Since it is not made from metal, carbon fibre is incredibly easy to shape. This can be surprising when you consider its strength, but it is actually able to deliver some great results. Many things nowadays are made from carbon fibre, in multiple different industries.
As it is so light, it is therefore an excellent choice for cyclists. If you like to be able to pedal fast and really get up some speed, a carbon fibre bike can be a great choice as you do not have to contend with the weight of the bike itself. For this reason, it can also be a great choice if you need to tackle a lot of hills when out cycling as you do not have so much to pull up the slope with you.
Does Carbon Fibre Have Any Disadvantages?
Though the lightness of carbon fibre is a great advantage, there are several disadvantages to this style of bike too. Carbon fibre is incredibly strong, there is no denying it, but it can also be prone to shattering if you are not careful. If you were to come off your bike at the wrong point, there is a real risk that the frame of the bike itself could snap during the crash.
This is not the only scenario in which the bike could become damaged. If a rider were to fall on one of the thinner parts of the bike, or if they were to put their weight on a weaker part, there is the potential for the bike to break. They are very strong, but they are not indestructible.
Luckily, it is possible to repair carbon frame bikes if they do become damaged. If you think yours needs a little care, make sure that you find an expert who specialises in repair carbon frame fixes. This can be a difficult job to do, and you also need to make sure that the repair is actually possible in the first place. It can be tricky to repair carbon fibre and a patch job might not be the best option. Sometimes, if you cannot restore the same level of strength, an expert will recommend that you replace the frame rather than repair it. You need to find someone who knows what they are talking about here so you can be certain that you have the right diagnosis.
Are Carbon Frame Bikes Expensive?
Yes, you will find that most carbon frame bikes are more expensive than others than alloys. They could represent a good investment for someone who wants to move more towards the pro circuit, or someone who wants to spend a lot of time out on their bike. Basically, if you know that you are going to get a fair amount of use out of your bike, it is likely to be an excellent investment for you.
However, if you know that you are only a hobbyist cyclist who wants to find a great machine to ride around on, you might want to look for something that might not be so much of an investment. There are some great examples of affordable carbon fibre bikes on the market, but there are plenty of other options that could also work just as well for you.
You will frequently find carbon fibre bikes in the company of professionals and those who like nothing more than packing up their bikes and riding all weekend long. They could be a great option for you if you want a lightweight bike that you can get a great performance out of, though you do need to remember that there are other great options on the market! If you do decide to opt for carbon fibre, you should be able to find a bike that performs well no matter where you might take it. Take a look for a bike that could suit your needs now!
