Care and corrosion of carbon frames
How to prevent corrosion through care
Carbon itself, or the carbon laminate as a fiber composite material embedded in epoxy resin, is weather-resistant and can not corrode itself. However, unsealed aluminum contact surfaces may cause corrosion. Unsealed components such as cable stops, cable guides, but rarely stems, or the great classic unsealed seat posts in direct contact with carbon in the saddle tube are to be mentioned here. Another example is a bonded bottom bracket sleeve made of aluminum.
In general, corrosion has a negative character. However, a distinction must always be made between detachable and non-detachable connections on the carbon frame. Thus, corrosion would e.g. at cable stops and at the aluminum bottom bracket, so in the production designed as a non-detachable connection, first of all, it seems to be more strengthen than problematic. However, this is not a call to promote corrosion by moisture and wetness. Because in the long term this can affect the function of the carbon frame as well as even destroy it. Corrosion in the bottom bracket area would therefore indicate a lack of processing, in which moisture, wetness in a self-contained, non-releasable connection sets and causes corrosion on unsealed, unwetted surfaces.
In contrast, the detachable connections. Most of today's aluminum components are coated, anodized, whether stem or seat post. However, scratches, damage to the surface during installation (sometimes unavoidable), and a moisture film can cause corrosion. Corrosion is a slow process, so it is more than advisable to loosen a seat post made of aluminum at least once a year, to move, to prevent a "sticking" in the seat tube. In addition, the seatpost can be sealed with a thin film of spray wax for safety, to be sure.
At this point, it should be mentioned that this only for the combination of carbon (seat tube) with aluminum (seat post) has its validity.
When mounting carbon (seat tube) with carbon (seat post) fat-free and wax-free contact surfaces are the top priority and the use of carbon paste is mandatory.
If it comes to a rain or splash water ride, it is advisable to store the carbonbike afterwards in a dry room, if possible, store so that moisture can condense quickly, evaporate. To clean a dirty carbon frame from splashing electrolydrinks, road dirt, sweat, etc. a damp cloth or universal cleaning cloth should be used. For stubborn dirt, we recommend the use of a special intensive cleaner, which is applied with a pump spray nozzle.
To clean a carbonbike, you should never use a steam jet, which removes the dirt better and more easily by spraying pressure, but presses moisture in the gaps and transitions and thus can hardly evaporate. Furthermore, it can come to the paint blasting / paint damage to carbon surfaces by the steam jet pressure. So please refrain from the simple, quick cleaning with the steam jet, the bike will thank them and the value is guaranteed.
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