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Special Characteristics of Carbon
With components made of carbon (carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics), also
referred to as CRP, some characteristics have to be kept in mind.
Carbon is an extremely strong material which combines high resistance with
low weight. After overstress, however, carbon components, unlike metal parts,
do not necessarily show durable or visible deformation even though some of the
fibres may be damaged.
This makes it very dangerous to continue using the carbon component after an
impact or undue stress, as it may fail without previous warning thereby causing an
accident with unforeseeable consequences. For this reason we recommend that
you have the component, or to be certain, the entire STEVENS bicycle checked by
your STEVENS dealer after every incident, such as e.g. a crash.
They must be replaced at once! Prevent further use by taking appropriate
measures, i.e. saw the component into pieces. Damaged carbon frames can pos-
sibly be repaired. Contact your STEVENS dealer.
Danger:
If carbon components on your STEVENS bicycle produce any creaking or
cracking noises or show any external sign of damage, such as gouges,
cracks, dents, discolourations etc., do not use STEVENS bicycle any longer.
Contact your STEVENS dealer immediately; they will check the component
thoroughly.
Danger:
Do not combine carbon
handlebars with aero
bars, unless they have
been specifically ap-
proved. Do not shorten
carbon handlebars or
clamp the brake levers
and shifters more in the
middle than indicated
or needed. Risk of
breakage!
Caution:
Most clamps of bicycle
carrier systems are
potential sources of
damage to large-diam-
eter frame tubes! As a
result thereof carbon
frames can fail during
use without previous
warning. However, there
are special-purpose
models which are suita-
ble, available in the car
accessory trade. Inform
yourself there or ask
your STEVENS dealer for
advice.
Danger:
If your frame or seat post is made of carbon, do not grease the seat post.
This would reduce the friction and render any clamping with accept-
able clamping forces impossible. Use special carbon assembly paste to
increase the clamping force.
Danger:
Make sure that all carbon clamping areas are absolutely free of grease and
other lubricants! Grease will penetrate the surface of the carbon material,
thereby reducing the coefficient of friction. This will no longer provide
reliable clamping within the prescribed torque values. Once greased, carbon
components may never again ensure reliable clamping! Use special carbon
assembly paste instead.
Caution:
Do not clamp a carbon frame or seat post in the holding jaws of a work-
stand! The components may sustain damage. Mount a sturdy (aluminium)
seat post instead and use it to clamp the frame, or choose a work stand
that holds the frame at three points inside the frame triangle or which
clamps the fork and bottom bracket shell.
Components made of carbon should under no circumstances be exposed to
excessive heat. Therefore, never have a carbon component enamelled or pow-
der-coated. The temperatures required for enamelling or powder-coating could
destroy the component. Do not leave carbon fibre components near a source of
heat or in your car during hot or sunny weather.
When you intend to transport your STEVENS bicycle in the boot of your car,
be sure to protect the bicycle or the carbon frame and components. Blankets,
foam tubes or the like are a suitable padding to protect the sensitive material
from damage.
Always park your STEVENS bicycle carefully and Make sure that it does not
topple over. Carbon frames and components may already sustain damage by
simply toppling over and thereby hitting e.g. a sharp edge.
Note:
Protect the exposed are-
as of your carbon frame
(e.g. the underside of
the down tube) against
rubbing cables or stone
chips with special pads.
You get them from your
STEVENS dealer.
Note:
Some (carbon) frames
have a threadless press-
fit bottom bracket, the
shell width is 86.5 mm.
In this case the bearing
cups are press fitted di-
rectly into the frame. For
mounting and dismount-
ing such pressfit bottom
brackets contact your
STEVENS dealer.
