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CARBON
SPECIAL
CHARACTERISTICS
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, pos-
sibly causing an accident with unforeseeable conse-
quences. If you have had a critical incident with your
bike, we advise you to have the relevant 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 components in
a car in direct sunlight for prolonged periods or
near sources of heat.
Most clamps of bike carrier systems are
i
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
i
rider, baggage (rucksack) and bicycle
does not exceed 100 kg. Carbon wheels are gen-
erally not approved for trailer towing!
SPECIAL FEATURES OF CARBON WHEELS
As carbon wheels are made of carbon fibre reinforced
plastic they come with particular aerodynamic prop-
erties and low weight.
WHAT TO BEAR IN MIND WHEN BRAKING WITH CAR-
BON WHEELS
As the braking surfaces are made of carbon, there are
some things to keep in mind. Only use brake pads that
are suitable for carbon wheels. We recommend that
you always use the brake pads of the wheel manu-
facturer!
Shimano and Campagnolo offer carbon brake pads,
as well. These are, however, designed to match
Shimano and Campagnolo rims. Carbon brake pads
usually wear down faster than conventional brake
pads. Keep in mind that the braking response of the
rims needs getting used to, in particular in wet con-
ditions. Therefore, test your brakes in a place free of
traffic until you have full control of your bicycle.
The brake surfaces of the carbon rims are sensitive to
heat. Therefore, when you are riding in the mountains,
avoid any drag braking. Riding downhill e.g. with a
permanently activated rear wheel brake may heat up
the material and result in a deformation. The rim may
sustain damage and the inner tube may burst, thus
causing an accident. Always use both brakes simul-
taneously and release them intermittently to allow the
material to cool off.
CARBON
Wheels with carbon rims have a particular brake behaviour
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 workstand that holds the
frame at three points inside the frame triangle or
that clamps the fork and bottom bracket shell.
Check the condition of the brakes and
i
make sure you only ride with brake pads
that are suitable for carbon rims!
Check the condition of the brake pads at
short intervals, as they might wear down
faster than with aluminium rims.
Note that your bike's braking power is
greatly reduced in wet conditions. Do not
go for a ride, when it is about to rain or in wet con-
ditions. Nevertheless, if you will find yourself with
your Canyon on a wet or moist road, ride particu-
larly carefully and at clearly reduced speed.
37
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