Below are two paragraphs from the full article to whet the appetite of carbon fiber a.k.a. composite bicycle owners.
What is the lifespan of a carbon frame? by Matt Wikstrom August 1, 2015 http://cyclingtips.com.au/2015/08/what-is-the-lifespan-of-a-carbon-frame/
The bicycle industry has embraced carbon fibre in the same way that steel once served traditional manufacturers. Renowned for its high strength to weight ratio, carbon has revolutionized the bicycle industry, but how long can a buyer expect a frame to last? CTech editor Matt Wikstrom investigates the answer by talking with three engineers working in the bicycle industry. Almost three decades have passed since the emergence of carbon fibre and while the material dominates all but the low end of the road bike market, the reputation of carbon fibre still seems marred by the industry’s early efforts. I regularly encounter owners concerned about the robustness and longevity of their carbon bikes while others expect to retire their bikes after just a few years of use.
The impact resistance of carbon composites has improved in recent years to the point where MTBers are now truly embracing the material. The advances are largely due to innovations in resin technology. “We have the materials that are stiff enough,” said Benoit Grelier, “but the goal is now to work with some materials that have strength in case of an impact. We have had some good results by playing with the resin and nano-components.” “Standard resin is like oil and nano-resin is like water,” explained Grelier. “If you throw oil onto a mesh, it won’t go inside because it is thicker, whereas the water will go directly inside the mesh. If I use a nano-resin, it will go deeper into the fibres and the final bonding will be better.”
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