There is a common misconception that Carbon Fiber Bikes are designed and built for toughness and vigor as well as for speed benefits. This is wrong. The truth about carbon fiber products is that although they are very light and can be manufactured in to various dissimilar shapes and designs, the actual vigor of the material can be compromised very easily.
If you are serious about using carbon fiber components, or are a serious road racer or triathlete you will know that losing the ounces means all things when it comes to competing sports. Just by using a carbon fiber change part will make a great dissimilarity to the widespread speed and effectiveness of your bike and hopefully give you an edge against your competition.
Hybrid Bike
If your carbon fiber frame on your new mountain bike even gets a deep scratch or gouge after a crash or fall, it can render the bike useless. A crack or break will also mean that the bike is probably best disposed of. Carbon fiber can be repaired, but due to the way that the material is made and shaped specifically to the build of the bike, it will never be as good as before. If the frame develops a crack, this will become the weakest point in the frame and will cause extra stress which will at last cause the tubing to crack open. You will in effect not be able to use the bike on a downhill run or over any bumpy terrain again.
If you are not a serious cyclist, you might consider buying a economy combination frame such as a carbon fiber and aluminum mix which will give you the benefits of the bike being lighter, but will also contribute you with a bike with better vigor overall. If you bought an item such as a carbon fiber seat post, you may find that it is not entirely made from that material and that it is a hybrid mix designed to make it lighter but also stronger.
If you are seeing to purchase a second hand carbon fiber bike or frame, make sure that you know the history of the item and ensure that there are no bumps, scratches or cracks before you buy. However, the good thing is that the person selling the item will most likely be a professional cyclist too seeing to upgrade to a new model and they will have looked after the bike and kept it in good condition.
How Strong is a Carbon Fiber Bike?