The fake Carbon debate

[Sparkybean]

I don't get why people want real carbon fibre unless the entire bike is made of it for weight savings. One or two panels isn't going to make it any difference.

First of all it's pricey!

Does it really look that great?

Is it because it's considered a fairly exotic material that people want it for the bling factor?

So the point I'm arriving at is why would you want fake carbon fibre?

(I will admit though I do like a completely carbon bike, but only in the same way I like a completely black bike. It's the co-ordination of it)

 

[McLovin]

fake carbon or not? depends on where you use it :BLAA:

 

[Randomchaos]

The fake CF can be ok in certain areas. Those fake bar-ends and levers and such, those look awful to me.

Real carbon fibre wheels would be nice as hell . I like the look of painted carbon fibre, where in the reflection of the sunlight you can kinda see the weave under the paint. You would be fairly surprised though with how much weight you can end up saving by changing out the plastics to CF. Hell even the rearsets done in full CF would save a lot of weight! Isnt CF fairly brittle though? For those making up some parts, how about some nice engine case covers for us

 

[armystrong]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Botch
Carbon fiber is used on race bikes because it's lighter than similar-strength metal or plastic; by laminating or sticking on CF on the already-existing parts, you're just making everything heavier.
Unless you're going for increased abrasion resistance, as Mr. Buck mentioned...

And the only beautiful CF is the copper-colored stuff on that HJC helmet..

I have a CF HJC helmet...your right the weave on those helmets is a work of art....very sexy indeed!

+1
I've got the CF J. Rocket copper...I like it. Looks even sexier with the dark shield!

 

[DeusEx]

My uvex is full carbon and it is superlight, it weights only 990 gramms...

On my side pod covers on the bike, after I messed up with the paint, I sent them to a shop which specializes on 3M-carbon vinyl cover. I must admit, that it looks way better than I thought it will. Almost like real carbon, even the texture feels real when you touch it. Only difference, it is not shiny like my helmet, due to lack of clear coat. But for 50euros, I'd say pretty decent!

 

[Nelly]

Going out of my skull with boredom sitting here,I've been looking on E bay,at fake carbon trim.
I know a mate with a Blade,that's covered in it.Swingarm,clock faces,controls,petrol cap,you name it

Personally,I can't stand the stuff as it rarely looks anything like the colour or weave of real carbon,but I understand that if your on a budget,carbon goodies aint cheap, but it rates on my desirability list about as highly as light up dust caps

what are your views?

Have you got a link for "light up" dust caps?

Nelly