Special Characteristics Of Carbon; Care Instructions - Canyon Urban Manual

34 CARBON
SPECIAL CHARACTER-
ISTICS OF CARBON
Carbon fibre reinforced plastic, also referred to as
carbon (or CRP), has a number of special character-
istics compared to conventional lightweight materi-
als. Having some knowledge of these characteristics
is important so that you can enjoy your high-quality
Canyon for many years and have full confidence in its
material.
Carbon fibre reinforced plastic has proved its value in
road racing with numerous wins. Components made
of this material are extremely lightweight and - pre-
supposing proper design, processing and treatment
- of outstanding strength and stress resistance.
However, there is one particular drawback of this
material – its brittleness. Therefore, when subjected
to stress it does not undergo permanent deformation,
even though its inner structure may have sustained
damage. In the extreme case, the fibres may sepa-
rate, thus resulting in the so-called delamination and
reducing the strength properties of the component.
In contrast to steel or aluminium, carbon components
that have sustained damage to their inner fibres as
a result of excessive stress will show no outwardly
visible deformation. Carbon components that have
been subjected to overstress are therefore liable to
fail during use, possibly causing an accident with un-
foreseeable consequences. If you have had a critical
incident with your bike, we advise you to have the rel-
evant component inspected by our service workshop,
or better still, the whole Canyon!
Always park your Canyon carefully and make sure it
does not topple over. Carbon frames and parts may
already sustain damage by simply toppling over.
Carbon
Be attentive during riding. If your carbon
component produces any creaking, this
may indicate a material defect. Stop using your
bike and contact our service hotline to discuss
the steps to be taken. For your own safety, never
ask for CRP components to be repaired! Damaged
carbon components should be replaced immedi-
ately and prevented from being used by anyone
else.
Carbon components should never be ex-
posed to high temperatures, as occurring
during powder coating or enamelling. The heat
generated by these processes may destroy the
component. Do not leave carbon items in a car in
direct sunlight or near sources of heat for pro-
longed periods.
Most clamps of bike carrier systems are
!
potential sources of damage to large-di-
ameter frame tubes! As a result thereof carbon
frames may suddenly fail during use. Suitable,
special-purpose models are available in the car
accessory trade.
Make sure the maximum overall weight of
rider, baggage (rucksack) and bicycle
does not exceed 120 kg.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Components made of carbon reinforced fibre should
be cleaned with a soft rag and clear water, to which
a little dish liquid may be added, if necessary. Tough
stains of oil or grease can be removed with a petro-
leum-based cleaning agent. Never use degreasing
agents containing acetone, trichloroethlyene, methyl
chloride etc., solvents or non-neutral, chemical or
solvent-containing cleaning agents that could attack
the surface!
You can use car wax to protect the surface and make
it shine. Polishing agents or varnish cleaner contain
solid constituents that might attack the surface.
Do not combine carbon handlebars with
bar ends, unless they have been specifi-
cally approved. Do not shorten carbon handlebars
or clamp the brake levers and shifters further in
the middle than indicated or needed. Risk of
breakage!
Do not clamp a carbon frame or seat post
!
in the holding jaws of a workstand! The
parts may sustain damage. Mount a sturdy (alu-
minium) seat post instead and use this to clamp
the frame, or use a work stand that holds the
frame at three points inside the frame triangle or
that clamps the fork and BB shell.
Like all extremely lightweight components,
carbon components have a limited service
life. The handlebars, the seat post, the carbon
wheels and the stem should therefore be replaced
at regular intervals – e.g. every 3 years or after
15,000 km (9,300 miles), depending on frequen-
cy and intensity of use – even if they have not
been involved in accidents or similar incidents.
CARBON
Special pads protect carbon from damage
Protect the exposed areas of your carbon
!
frame (e.g. the underside of the down
tube) with special pads against rubbing cables or
stone chips.
Avoid greasing carbon components.
!
Grease would penetrate the surface of the
carbon material, reducing the coefficient of fric-
tion and hence impairing the stability of the
clamping joint when tightened within the permis-
sible torque range. Once greased carbon fibre
may never ever be fixed in a secure and safe way
again!
Check your carbon component regularly
e.g. when cleaning your bike, for external
damage, such as notches, cracks, dents, discol-
orations etc. If the cloth gets caught on some-
thing, this area must be examined. Stop using
your Canyon. Contact immediately our service
hotline at +44 208 5496001.
35