Carbon road fork lifespan

Hey - just checking to see the general opinion on the lifespan of a 'basic' carbon road fork... in particular, I ride a 07 Genesis Flyer which has the original forks, which have been ridden pretty hard for the last 7 years. I don't see any signs of cracking or damage but I've always viewed carbon bike components (probably wrongly) to be more fragile than their metal counterparts so I'm thinking if it's time for a change?

Whilst looking around I have seen to possible options from BLB, namely the

1. AVENTON LITE FORK - CARBON
   http://www.bricklanebikes.co.uk/aventon-lite-fork-carbon

2. BLB AF02 CARBON FORK
   http://www.bricklanebikes.co.uk/blb-af02-carbon-fork-matt-finish

Does anyone have any experience with either of these??

Heard horrible things about the Aventon stock fork snapping and haven't heard anything about the BLB one but for the same price, you could get a Columbus (which I would probably trust more).

If you're worried about the fork, take it to a reputable LBS and ask their opinion whether the fork is fine or not.

Hmmm, snapping's not good

I don't know what they would see what I can't, and rather than taking it to a shop where it's their motive to sell things, I wanted to see if people see no issue in running a carbon road fork for 10+years or whether its a good idea to replace as a precaution after a certain time.

Carbon fibre has extremely high fatigue resistance. Unless you expose it to a preposterous amount of UV or actually gouge or crack the fibres, it'll last longer than you.

^^Well, yeah. Any shop with half a brain would have to recommend a new fork.

AFAIK forks are good. Just wait until you crash to replace them :)

People seem to overlook handlebars though. Alloy bars should go in the bin every two years.

Alloy bars should go in the bin every two years.

lolwut?

I'd be a lot more wary of carbon forks with an alu steerer than full carbon forks (the latter I'd probably never plan on replacing). The bond between alu steerer and the carbon is where there's most likely something going to go wrong.

I had just bought some replacement carbon forks (alu steerer) for my Tempo just before it got stolen. It had done ~50,000km or so by then (no point replacing based on time if the bike rarely gets used). I might get round to fitting them to the new Tempo (assuming I still have it) in 2020 or so (it gets a lot less usage now).

I use Deda Black Rain forks as I have mudguards and long reach (57mm) brakes.

dealwithit.gif

I like this quote from Zinn's blog;

Carbon lasts longer than metal. Only love is stronger than carbon. Bonding is a different story.
–Fulvio Acquati, Deda Elementi

I guess Fulvio is Italian.

^^ any sort of evidence that alloy bars should be binned every two years? Wouldn't manufacturers mention it on the packaging if there was any sort of failure likely, or face enormous lawsuits? How often do they replace aluminium aircraft?

No. Just common knowledge amongst cyclists and mechanics really.

Wouldn't manufacturers mention it on the packaging if there was any sort of failure likely, or face enormous lawsuits?

I don't think failure is likely. They recommend inspection by a mechanic I think.

How often do they replace aluminium aircraft?

Wat? They'll replace each component at predetermined intervals deemed safe. Just like you and your bike but probably a bit better organised :-)

I don't know what they would see what I can't, and rather than taking it to a shop where it's their motive to sell things.

Yes, because we're trying to drain your wallet.

Just get it inspected by a mechanic, they'll be able to tell you whether it's worth going for a new fork or carry on with the existing one.

However, if you feel like getting a new fork, by all mean, come over and let us drain your wallet.

Common knowledge that alloy bars should be binned every two years? Hmmm. And as said before, what on earth would a mechanic be able to see that you couldn't? Obviously if there's visible damage they need replacing but it's crazy to throw them out all the time for no reason. My point about planes was that I bet the parts go through a shitload more stress than bike handlebars and last a lot longer than two years...I have no evidence for that last bit but then that makes two of us!

I have no problem in supporting my LBS and as an ex-cycle mechanic of 5+years I meant what I said by I don't know what they would see that I wouldn't, it's more info that I wanted to be able to make an informed decision, cheers

Common knowledge that alloy bars should be binned every two years? Hmmm. And as said before, what on earth would a mechanic be able to see that you couldn't?

I'm not a mechanic so I can't tell you that. I'm also not a lawyer either but I think you are being naive re' the law.

Obviously if there's visible damage they need replacing but it's crazy to throw them out all the time for no reason.

uh, huh.

My point about planes was that I bet the parts go through a shitload more stress than bike handlebars and last a lot longer than two years...

I think you should replace your handlebars when they next service Hubble. That's made of aluminium.

I'm not going to replace my aluminium bike frame every 2 years, why would I replace my handlebars? All those decade old 3t and cinelli ones seem to be doing just fine

Did not realised you were a mechanic, in that case, ignore me and just go for the Columbus fork.

^^ Have a think.

They're items that are twisted/flexed constantly. They will eventually harden and snap and cause a shitty accident. Seems as they cost £20 and it's easy and practical to change them, why would you run them beyond 'definitely safe'.

All those decade old 3t and cinelli ones seem to be doing just fine

lol. The ones that haven't snapped are, yes.

But in all fairness, aluminium frames are also subject to a lot of twist and flex, especially in the extremes like the seat/chain stays and head tube area, think when riding hard out of the saddle, but I appreciate your point about erring on the side of caution

A frame and handlebar are two very different component.

Relatively speaking... no they are not. Or at least not flexed to near their limit (which is important with aluminium, because that's what makes it harden).

Back to the op... here is that zinn article:
http://velonews.competitor.com/2002/12/bikes-and-tech/technical-faq/technical-qa-with-lennard-zinn-carbon-forks-2_3270

Probably going to get some new bars then. What about stems?