Plastics, usually under the illustrious name of "carbon", are increasingly replacing metal on bicycles. TOUR lists the most important misconceptions circulating about the black material and shows you tricks for maintaining or restoring its lustre.
Degree of difficulty: for everyone
You will need:
- Tool: Screwdriver
- Excipients: Hard wax, soft cloth, touch-up stick, sandpaper, transparent adhesive film
WARNING:
Carbon components do not deform before they break. If your bike has been involved in a fall or accident, you must examine it carefully. Discolouration, bubbles, ripples or cracks in the surface of components are clear indicators of overloading. Do not simply repair such paint defects, but take a component that has been altered in this way to your dealer so that they can examine it carefully. If in doubt, replacement is always the safe choice.
Misconception 1:
Carbon frames and forks do not corrode
Misconception 2:
Carbon surfaces are insensitive
Misconception 3:
Carbon equals carbon
