In just a few years, carbon fiber has become the star material in the manufacture of bicycle frames. It is a lightweight, rigid, and very resistant material that, however, requires certain attention and care to protect it and prevent damage. Here are 10 tips to protect and keep your carbon bike frame looking like new and thus prolong its life. If you have a bicycle with a carbon fiber frame, you are a lucky cyclist. You will be able to enjoy all its advantages: light weight, stiffness, better energy transfer from pedaling, absorption of vibrations at fatigue points... There are many and varied benefits to owning a carbon bicycle. But enjoying all these advantages for a long time also requires specific care for the material. Although carbon is much more resistant to impacts or deformations than aluminum, a crack or break in the frame can be very costly to repair (from €200 to €500 in many cases). To avoid problems and keep the frame looking like the first day, we invite you to perform these 10 simple but very effective maintenance tasks or tricks.

1. Cleaning: water, soap, and a soft cloth

There are no secrets or miracle products for cleaning carbon fiber frames. They usually have the same paint finishes as aluminum ones. Therefore, they are cleaned the same way: water (avoiding pressure hoses), neutral soap, and soft cleaning tools (cloths or towels), generally microfiber so as not to scratch the surface. There are, on the other hand, specific products on the market for cleaning and protecting carbon frames. However, these products do not replace general cleaning with water and soap. Brands like Morgan Blue have them in their catalog: they clean, polish, and protect the tubes from the action of external agents, such as mud or dust.

2. Keep the bike away from radiators and heaters

When parking your bike or storing it in the garage, do not leave it next to metallic or sharp objects. On a wall, for example, rest it on two points: the grips and tires (by turning the bike) to prevent it from falling. Also, avoid placing it next to a radiator or heater to protect the finish.

3. Use carbon assembly paste

Friction or rubbing between carbon and aluminum components and the frame itself can end up degrading the carbon over time, increasing the risk of cracks or fissures appearing. Or it may break in the event of a fall or strong impact. Using a specific carbon paste, whose composition and texture are non-slip, prevents both parts from rubbing. Only use this paste for assembling fixed parts of the bike: seatpost-seat tube or handlebar-stem. And remember to clean the surface well before applying it.

4. Respect the recommended tightening torque

It is very important to apply just the right amount of force to the bolts when installing a seatpost, handlebar, or any other component or accessory. The recommended tightening torque is usually engraved on each component. It must be respected for all components and materials, but especially for carbon, since it requires a lower torque. Otherwise, excessive pressure could damage it or cause it to splinter as soon as it receives a strong impact. If you have a different value for each component, always apply the lowest one.

5. Avoid exposure to sun or rain

If you are not going to ride your bike for a while, you can cover it with a specific protective cover, a blanket, or a large plastic sheet to prevent dust from entering and to protect it from moisture. If you are going to store a carbon bike for a season, always do so indoors. Never leave it in the sun for a long time or in places exposed to moisture. In addition to damaging the components, the frame's finish could lose its properties (color, shine, etc.).

6. Use suitable tools

In the case of tightening torque, and to make sure we apply the correct amount without overdoing it, it is advisable to get a torque wrench that marks or limits that torque. There are many of them on the market recommended for bikes or components, and for as little as 10 euros you can get a portable one with the recommended Nm (the unit used for torque) for component assembly. On the other hand, as we have already mentioned, for cleaning it is advisable to use soft cloths and brushes. If you don't want to take risks, both physical and online cycling stores offer cleaning products designed to respect and protect the paint on frames and materials such as carbon.

7. Use specific protectors

In addition to adhesives and tapes to prevent cables from rubbing against the carbon frame, you can also protect other sensitive areas of greater surface with hard protectors, such as those for chainstays or down tubes. Both areas are the most exposed to mud, dust, or chain grease sticking to them. The classic foam chainstay protectors that wrapped around the tube with Velcro are now a thing of the past. Now, bike and component brands themselves offer almost custom hard plastic and rubber protectors, which are lighter, have a better finish, and protect these parts of the bike more effectively. If you are very particular about cleanliness and the condition of the frame, consider installing one of these protectors.

8. Avoid rubbing between parts during transport

If you are going to carry the bike inside the car or on a bike rack, pay special attention to protecting the frame or carbon parts. If you think they might rub against another element, place a clean cloth or some plastic item in between to prevent them from rubbing. Also, do not overtighten the ties or clamps to secure the wheels to the bike rack if the rims are made of carbon.

9. Stop cable rubbing

It is quite common for the bike not to guide the cables properly on the outside, causing the housings to rub against the frame. Over time, this can erode the paint and the surface layers of the frame, exposing the structure. Prevent this by placing a protective adhesive (these are sold at any bike shop at a very good price) in the area where it rubs, thus separating both elements.

10. Don’t make DIY repairs

Finally, if you see any type of crack in the finish or any small fissure or impact on the frame, it is best to go to a mechanic to assess the damage. Generally, repairs to carbon frames require specific products and a complex and costly process, so these are not problems that can be easily solved at home. On the other hand, after suffering a serious fall, even if you don’t notice any damage to the frame at first glance, it’s always advisable to take it to your trusted mechanic for a general check-up of the bike and the frame. An inspection by a professional will be much more thorough and reliable and will prevent the appearance of more serious damage in the future.