Bike guru’s: are there any issues in riding a carbon frame under say 40 degrees? I was told in the past this is verboten but have never been able to confirm this. I ask as I am considering building up a carbon frame as a winter ride.
thanks
Wow, good question.
Most carbon bike manufacturers borrowed their technology from the aerospace industry. I’d anticipate that their temperature parameters were greater than what we’d desire riding. You’d also presume that the vibration parameters would be greater as well, but I’m unclear on the variances between the two dynamics. This would be fun for a physicist to explore.
At any rate, do what I did. Buy a cheap aluminum or steel frame for your winter riding, or better yet, get a cyclo cross frame. More fun, and better variety of roads to pursue.
Rocketboy
artistry, thy name is Tibbs
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I am not a bike guru, but just wanted to give you a personal experience. I have a '92 Specialized Epic Carbon road bike (aluminum lugged and bonded) with an aluminum fork that I ride around the mountains in 15-20 degree weather (add going down them at a decent speed, so probably abit colder) and haven’t experienced any failures thus far. No cracks, epoxy breakdown, or bond failure occured after rides. Tell you what, when I bought it used 3 years ago, I was concerned about the carbon frame breaking, and the dealer responded in writing that he would replace my used frame with a new Giant carbon frame for free (as long as I survive the failure I guess 
if it ever fails in the future. Hopefully frame designs have improved since 1992 and have addressed your concern.
Wei
I recall a Zinn column where a bike rep or engineer responded to this question and stated that carbon only displayed decreased performance in extremely cold temperatures, temperatures far, far below freezing. Let’s say -80. Look for it on Velonews.
I ride my Trek 5900 year round in temps from 20 to 100+ degrees. I’ve got over 30,000K on the bike and it shows no worse for wear.
As an earlier poster mentioned, carbon is an aerospace derived product that is not affected by any temps you are willing to ride in. I should also mention that none of the other tradtional bike frame materials would have any issues either.
Ride and enjoy. I’ve finished a number of rides in falling snow and I can remember every detail of those rides. Epic rides require epic events.
I have ridden carbon road and mountain bike in the snow and it has never caused a problem.
I would not say that there is a problem with riding a carbon bike in the winter time. I know that the epoxy to hold the metal fittings is only affected by temperature extremes not usually seen in everyday use (250 degrees F to unbond 3M DP460, never tried to unbond it with cold). You would have an easier time destroying your bike whilst storing it in car on a hot, hot day.
I have put some of my fabrications into the freezer for fun and they have been okay. I would say that you would be safe on your carbon bike.