Carbon bikes

The purchase of a carbon fiber bike might be an excellent investment especially if you are cycling enthusiast or are looking to improve your times in various competitions, such as road racing or triathlons.

Titanium frame bikes are also great and nice, but inexpensive carbon fiber frames are far more affordable and popular in the same time. In fact, some of the best bike frames available on the market today are made of carbon and most industry top frame manufacturers currently produce at least one carbon fiber frame.

Such carbon fiber bike frames are manufactured in three different ways. They can be manufactured in one full piece with the carbon material enveloping the structure in various directions to ensure strength and lightness. They can also be made of tubes from common alloy or steel frames joined directly or with lugs. Every design is light, durable and strong ensuring a comfortable ride.

Bike manufacturers use carbon fiber in various designs because carbon can be modeled or enveloped into numerous different shapes. They can be flat for more aerodynamic performance or square for increased strength. Most carbon fiber bike frames are a combination of various shapes and designs for strength, aerodynamics or style.

Carbon fiber is plastic that is strengthened and reinforced by a graphite textile and it is also identified as carbon fiber reinforced plastic or carbon fiber composite. The plastic generally used is epoxy.

Carbon fiber is not cheap to manufacture, but it is compensated by the outstanding weight to strength ratio. That is the main reason why carbon fiber is used in high quality cars, boats, bikes or airplanes. It is also used in the highly competitive and high performance Formula 1 race cars.

Although carbon fiber bikes are considered tough and strong, the actual strength of the material can be easily compromised.

Committed road racers or triathlon athlete are fully aware that the use of carbon fiber parts are making a huge difference to the general speed and effectiveness of the bike and you will have an advantage over your competition.

A deep scratch or gouge resulted after a crash on the bike can seriously damage the carbon fiber material. Although, carbon fiber can be repaired it will never be as good as before. A crack on the frame will make the bike virtually useless, as that crack will be the weakest point in the frame and will eventually break because of the additional stress.

Unless you are a professional rider, you might want to purchase a more affordable frame, for instance a carbon fiber and aluminum combination. You will get a light but in the same time a strong bike. Carbon fiber seat posts are frequently made from a mix hybrid, making it lighter but stronger as well.