Working With Carbon Fiber Parts - Gary Fisher Cronos Service Information

Working with Carbon Fiber Parts

Carbon fiber parts are different from metal parts, so they require different treatment.
Keep carbon away from sharp edges or excessive pressure
Carbon fiber composite can be damaged by sharp edges or clamping mechanisms
which cause a point load, or a high pressure area. The clamps on some parts are not
compatible with carbon; some stems, seat post clamps, etc. have sharp edges and/or
clamps that create pressure points. Before installing any carbon fiber part, or attaching
any component to an existing carbon fiber part, make sure the parts or components are
carbon-compatible.
As carbon frames have gotten lighter and lighter, you can now feel movement in the tubes
when you squeeze them. This is normal and no reflection of the strength of the frame.
However, repeated compression of the sides of the tubes is not good for them, and could
eventually lead to frame damage. Do not squeeze the frame tubing with your fingers, and
especially never clamp the tubing in any mechanical device, including car racks.
Clean carbon parts before installation
With the interfaces of metal parts, grease is used on the clamping surfaces to prevent
corrosion. When making adjustments, always grease the threads and shoulders of bolts.
Grease reduces corrosion and allows you to achieve the correct tightness without
damaging tools.
However, with most carbon parts you should avoid grease. If grease is applied to a carbon
part that is clamped, the part may slip in the clamp, even at the recommended torque
specification. The carbon part can be assembled in a clean, dry state. As an alternative,
we recommend the following special carbon prep products:
+ Tacx carbon assembly compound
+ Fiber Grip™ carbon fiber assembly gel from Finish Line
On the other hand, the bearing seats of the Cronus frameset do require grease, as
explained in these instructions.
Never modify the fork, frame, or components
The parts of the Cronus frameset have been carefully designed to meet the strength and
function requirements of safe riding. Modifying these parts in any way may make the bike
unsafe. As an example, removing the redundant wheel retention tabs on fork tips could
make the fork less functional.
Suspension forks can add stress to a bike frame. Never add a suspension fork to a road
bike, or change style and/or length of forks. If you are unsure if a fork is compatible
with a frame, call Gary Fisher customer service. Any modification of a frame, fork, or
components means that the bike no longer meets our specifications and will therefore
void the bike's warranty.
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GARY FISHER SERVICE INFORMATION