All about bicycles, electric-assisted bikes, technology and safety in the press

In our daily work as we deal with bicycle safety, technology and user manuals we come across lots of safety risks. The most frequent ones are published in articles of the leading German special-interest magazines TOUR – Europas Rennrad-Magazin Nr. 1, BIKE – Das Mountainbike Magazin Europas Nr. 1 and E-Bike – Das Pedelec-Magazin to make this information important for the sector accessible to a wider public.

For many years now the Eurobike Show Daily accompanying the annual international Eurobike Show has given us the opportunity to publish our perspective on major developments in the cycle industry in full-page articles.

We also speak regularly in independent lectures about all topics relating to bicycle technology and bicycle market. In addition, we are regularly cited by further special-interest magazines or trade journals as well as more and more by radio and television and in their media reports, which shows us that we are completely right with our information. The section NEWS informs you about the latest news from our specialist fields. The reports and publications of this section are listed chronologically or according to topics of interest.

BIKE 08/2016
Reading time 1:00 minute

Interview with Dirk Zedler, bicycle expert for bicycle technology and safety

After 20 years of experience with carbon damage - What happens to fail in most of the cases?

Frames are concerned very often, but it’s the cause that is decisive. On the one hand there are defects as a result of poor construction or defective processing. On the other hand there is damage due to overload, e.g. as a result of a fall or pre-damage due to inappropriate handling.

What about carbon compared to aluminium and steel?
According to my experience, steel and aluminium frames are clearly more prone to so-called fatigue breaks. As regards the service life under normal conditions, I'm fully relaxed with high-quality carbon. A critical point is reached, when the bicycle topples over. Incidents resulting in minor damage like dents on aluminium or steel tubes, lead to cracks on a carbon tube.

What are the classic handling errors?
Much too often carbon fails due to overtightening. The assembly requires care and accurateness. Another classic: clamping carbon frames on car roof racks. The wrong combination of parts also produces damage. The days when you could assemble your bicycle with a simple multi-tool are over in these days with carbon parts. In particular the clampings require professional handling and special tools.

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