Life of Carbon

How long is a CF road frame expected to last? Is there a finite life to newer CF frames?

After 3000 kms and 6 months of 5 day a week use, I killed a womens cf frame. It was replaced with a mens frame and has been good so far. I may have gotten a lemon though, I know people who have had cf frames for years without issue.

Do you think that a relatively well maintained, non-crashed CF frame can last 10+ years?

Do you think that a relatively well maintained, non-crashed CF frame can last 10+ years?

Depends on who made it and what the QC was like in the factory. The bonding is more likely to fail than the carbon just collapsing. I rode a 1994 Specialized Allez for a year or so a couple of years ago and that was solid (some of the earlier ones had issues with the bonding though….). I've seen front derailleur mountings fall off almost new carbon frames. Conversely I've seen at least 5 million aluminium frames die from metal fatigue and people ride around on those without a seconds thought.

If all else fails, Roberts Composites on the North Shore can probably fix it.

I haven't seen a carbon bike broken from fatigue in my professional capacity. Seen plenty of threaded BB shells come unbonded.

Don't know if a constantly creaking press fit or a bb that comes apart after 5 years is better.

After 3000 kms and 6 months of 5 day a week use, I killed a womens cf frame.

Where did it fail?

Near the bottom bracket and into the rear triangle. Like the former poster said, it was stress on the BB.

Carbon frames have an infinite lifespan. Don't worry about wearing a frame out- unless something like a foot is rubbing on it.

Carbon fatigue is a non-issue for carbon bikes.

Thanks folks, you've put my mind at ease. I'm considering getting a new (or new to me) CF roadie and started questioning if I was making the right move.