This was just a fun video to show off strength of carbon fiber and how far it has come, a lot of people have said that it is so brittle and flexy but a lot of bike manufacturers have made some great improvements over the years
Yoooooo..omg..im glad you mentioned this topic..im tired of those overseas bike snobs with accents always complaining about new carbon fiber bikes..😂😂😂😂
Carbon dose not explode or shatter....you can smack it with a hammer without breaking it. The chainstay snaped so eays caus the other half was missing at the bb side.
Last season I broke the seatstay on my diverge after I fell over the handlebars and the rear end hit the ground like a pendulum. Since then I can't look at such thin chainstays 😢
...hearing those cracking sounds 3000 meters underwater when there's a dude shitting into a bedpan 4 feet next to you and the guy holding a PS3 controller says everything is fine, all the while realizing you paid a quarter million dollars to be put in that situation.
@@marcinstyle85 there are some companies working on recycling carbon fiber frames into smaller parts, but realistically carbon frames end up in a landfill and are not reusable.
I’ve watched and thought the same with those vids Grant.. This vid actually puts it all into perspective and shows real world tests, yep bit of fun but does actually show results 😊 well done dude.. Pete 🚴🏻👍💪
all the frames that I have built and worked on, form sl7 and sl8 i had no issues with cranks showing wear marks from bb...... now this does not mean it can not happen but it seems there qc has got much better
As long as the carbon is made well it's tough durable stuff. One problem carbon bikes can have is quality control and a lack of resin to save weight and add stiffness. The 2nd and 3rd Gen carbon bikes where super stiff and bomb proof.
The 2 weakest parts of the frame are already broken (seat stays and top tube) but interesting test anyway. To sum up the SL8 frame in a practical sense: A good friend of mine is talented enough to race for a pro continental team in Europe that are sponsored by Specialized. This year they upgraded to the S-Works SL8 and have broken 8 frames in 5 months. Last year riding on the pro version, the team broke significantly less frames although I do not know the exact number. To sum up, if you crash an S-Works SL8 the chances of the frame breaking are pretty high.
GC Performance, thanks for your awesome videos. I’m thinking to upgrade from my 2010 Specialized Allez Sport to a newer bike. Would you recommend Allez sprint that I can upgrade or tarmac expect. My main goal is fitness and fun riding. Anyone any suggestions?
Carbon fiber has very different characteristics than other materials. It’s super strong…and then it’s not. Some areas on a frame are bulletproof and others are extremely fragile.
its almost like alot of things, they are meant to be strong but if something hits it just right it can break and fracture, I have seen this with aluminum as well, morale of the story is, dont fall or dont let your bike fall
Probably the biggest drawback to carbon fiber bikes is that they’re like eggs. You know how eggs are almost impossible to break if you squeeze them from the pointy ends, but if you squeeze them any other way you’ll quickly wind up with a handful of yolk?
@@GCPerformance18 Or have some distracted knucklehead looking down while the group ahead is slowing, and they end up breaking my f#$@&^ seat stay. Nothing like riding the last 35 miles wondering if you're going to make it back on two wheels or in a wambulence. Just sayin@!
This topic is underrated haha I can’t stand euro bike nobs that critique carbon as if they could do better than a brand. Their conclusion is always exactly like you put it 😂😂😂😂
Truthfully, I treat my sworks aethos like it’s made of glass because of how light and presumably delicate it must be. This video gives me confidence that it’ll probably last me for a while longer than I think.
yea the bikes seem so fragile and brittle, now this is no excuse to throw them around but they can for sure take a beating, no one really pays attention to how many pot holes we hit or bumps we hit and sprints or power we put into these frames
The Tarmac SL8 rear stays crack for no reason. This has happened to me. A month ago I was cleaning the frame with a microfibre cloth and when I went over the rear stay I noticed that it was catching. Unfortunately there was a crack that appeared without a fall, blow or anything else, simply because of normal use. With less than a month of use and the brand's warranty does not cover it. I looked for a legal expert and he told me after his tests that it is because the frame has not withstood the fatigue, so there is a manufacturing fault. Now I have to go to court as the brand does not want to take responsibility - DO NOT BUY SPECIALIZED THERE ARE BETTER BRANDS AND THAT OFFER GUARANTEE.
Pressure applied equally all way round (on a round tube) will hardly make an impact. Accidents do not have that effect, neither does material fatigue. Fact is that less carbon layup will have less strength than more of equal quality. How many grammes is your life worth to you? 😊
no lol just more for fun, hoenstly i wish I had the accents they make talking or having a youtube channel way better, my words and mouth sound disgusting
Agree 💯 on inner tubes..I was choosing between Factor & SL6 S Works....had frames at LBS, SL6 Rainbow Sagan you could eat off inside of tubes...Factor looking like 5 yr assembled....hot mess crude inside...went w SL6 at time!
This wasn’t much helpful testing. Except for the clamp test, in other tests you did, frame doesn’t go under much pressure from those directions you tested. Lateral force on down tube when pedaling hard is near bottom bracket, not much in middle. And last test, regarldess, I think that chain stay/bottom bracket junction was very weak. Even though it is not designed to take a beating from that direction.
Rear chainstay was only weak as it wasn’t a fully closed double triangle having been sawn off and missing a seat stay… If the same test was done to a new bike with a rear wheel torqued in. That rear seat stays would not break. Also considering a bottom bracket only flexes marginally when putting through 800w into the pedals would suggest that normally the bottom bracket is very strong.
@@GCPerformance18Great to hear from u Grant! I enjoy ur vids .. & u guesting on others' pods, too. Hey, by chance, I'm 15 mins into this 70 min cat 1/2 Tulsa Crit LIVE! 👍 th-cam.com/users/live8_V-vKW1WeM?si=nJuUkF0ph2J_fXFm
there are a couple videos like this where people cut frames in half, not just 1 but it is all in good fun, i just think people like to see expensive stuff cut in half lol
@@GCPerformance18 :) yes, absolutely, with chunks missing makes no sense at all to weigh it, as would only be an approximate 'guess'. Great informative video anyway!
True they have come very long way! Even those no name carbon frames. I bought one to compare to my Trek slr, the difference is so little for a fraction of the money. Some TH-cam did the same but he covered up all the decals on both bikes and had beginner rider and semi pro rider. You can see most use the same molds as those bike companies.
Are these the new frames Specialized are selling at 40% off? Not that surprising that the frame didn't break. I once had a piece of carbon fibre hockey stick shaft. It is about the same thickness as a top tube and it is IMPOSSIBLE to crush. It has to withstand very rough treatment on the ice and even at just $250 or so, it is impossible to break with your body weight. Super light and the only thing inside was the bladder.
" Uber clamped down" funny stuff....trivia: Uber in German means above ( or better than)..after WW2 Allies banned word Uber in German Anthem..Germany Uber All was illegal to have in anthem & sing....60yrs later Uber cool again!😊
Yr doing great plus yr a bike analyst who isn't a doper...now datz rarified air! ..luv how they call Vinogard "Anchovie" now...better nicknames than what Trump comes up with! 😃
@@GCPerformance18 wow! Thanks so much for your response. Would you say it’s a competitive bike that I could use for racing?? Thanks in advance. Ps love your content, keep it up
He literally said the opposite. Aluminium frames do eventually fatigue fracture. A friend of mine bought a Cannondale supersix from prehistoric age, and proceeded to ride it until the chainstay cracked. Carbon on the other hand should in principle live forever.
cam is an amazing guy, honestly I was just poking fun at some of the other youtubers to do it, but honestly cam puts out really interesting content and does his best to prove his transparency through the process, one of my fave guys to watch for cycling youtube content
This was just a fun video to show off strength of carbon fiber and how far it has come, a lot of people have said that it is so brittle and flexy but a lot of bike manufacturers have made some great improvements over the years
2:46 the $2000 back scratcher 🤣🤣🤣
hahahaha
A man in Australia is making a counter video to show you how less than ideal this frame is 😂😂👍🤷♂️
hahahah ahhh shit a war has been started
There is a reason why those carbon "experts" are not employed to oversee a multi-million dollars carbon production line 😅
Yoooooo..omg..im glad you mentioned this topic..im tired of those overseas bike snobs with accents always complaining about new carbon fiber bikes..😂😂😂😂
hahaha
You're a funny fool!! Great video bro. Love the Durian Rider "I Hate Disc Brakes" accent.
lmao not poking at one person just having fun
Carbon dose not explode or shatter....you can smack it with a hammer without breaking it. The chainstay snaped so eays caus the other half was missing at the bb side.
Last season I broke the seatstay on my diverge after I fell over the handlebars and the rear end hit the ground like a pendulum. Since then I can't look at such thin chainstays 😢
With an inflated wheel on? Fuc*!
@@pierrex3226 It was a side kick like at the moment 14:55
Top tube stronger than that ocean gate sub. 💀
...hearing those cracking sounds 3000 meters underwater when there's a dude shitting into a bedpan 4 feet next to you and the guy holding a PS3 controller says everything is fine, all the while realizing you paid a quarter million dollars to be put in that situation.
That down tube punch felt personal Grant!!
hahahahha wanted to shjow myt strength and try to break it lol
Great video!!! Appreciate you showcasing the engineering that goes behind a carbon fibre frame in a laymans way.
thanks for watching, I was loving this video to be honest, I was suprised at how it held my weight in one spot as well
@@GCPerformance18 me too! And that clamping force near the seat junction!!! Mind blown!!!
I've always needed a way to measure how much spaghetti to cook per person in my house. Now I just need an SL8 top tube cut-out section 😎
hahahahha thats a good one
@durianriders is stronger than you, but he's on TRT 🤣
He’s on Kale and 20 year old rim brake bikes.
@@petersouthernboy6327
Hey, IYKYK
🎉
hahahah dammittt
So what happening with frames like this one in general they are going to the bin or they able to melt them and reused to produce new one ?
you cant melt cabron bro
@@66mikkim So basically is a waste of material and cant be reused ?
@@marcinstyle85 there are some companies working on recycling carbon fiber frames into smaller parts, but realistically carbon frames end up in a landfill and are not reusable.
@@pack_yak thanks mate for clarification 👍
we keep this frame we paid for it
This was a very interesting video and showing off how much brutal force this material can take nowadays, loved it!
yea I was suprised for the downtube test how much weight it could support in a single area
I’ve watched and thought the same with those vids Grant.. This vid actually puts it all into perspective and shows real world tests, yep bit of fun but does actually show results 😊 well done dude.. Pete 🚴🏻👍💪
I appreciate that and glad you liked the content
When are they coming out with the S-works back scratcher? The regular Specialized model just isn't up to scratch (pun intended)
limited edition run cost 6 times more only 99 made
I bet that was fun. Good vid Grant.
I had a good time. Thanks man
Are those glasses OSHA compliant?
lmao yea they are required to stay on all the time now lol
Hi from here 🇵🇹 . What about the BB thread alignment? I heard that most of the times they have to be aligned before installing ckrank
all the frames that I have built and worked on, form sl7 and sl8 i had no issues with cranks showing wear marks from bb...... now this does not mean it can not happen but it seems there qc has got much better
No bulbous BB house, no complicated fugly aero features, yet fast & comfy → 👍
yea they did a good job with the sl8, my bike is amazing
Nice. Unique video. Don't see any bikes channels doing this only those reviews on shoes.
I ifgured I had the opportunity so why not put the product to the test
As long as the carbon is made well it's tough durable stuff. One problem carbon bikes can have is quality control and a lack of resin to save weight and add stiffness. The 2nd and 3rd Gen carbon bikes where super stiff and bomb proof.
this is true
Round tubes are pretty darn strong
yes it seems to be
But box section tubes are more stiff in desired direction
Did I hear some Cam Nich Ols ?
My thought also 🙂
lmao no one in specific I have seen a couple channels have frames cut up
Your best video yet. Entertaining AF 🤣
I am glad you enjoyed
The 2 weakest parts of the frame are already broken (seat stays and top tube) but interesting test anyway.
To sum up the SL8 frame in a practical sense:
A good friend of mine is talented enough to race for a pro continental team in Europe that are sponsored by Specialized. This year they upgraded to the S-Works SL8 and have broken 8 frames in 5 months.
Last year riding on the pro version, the team broke significantly less frames although I do not know the exact number.
To sum up, if you crash an S-Works SL8 the chances of the frame breaking are pretty high.
Or maybe they were riding 3000pc faster because it said sworks and so the crashes were higher speed :D
There is no pro continental team on S-Works. A few continental maybe, Volkerwessels for instance
@@pierrex3226 They have broken a lot more frames this year.
@@GMAN9602 I am masking information to protect the team. The fact is they race in Europe and have broken many more frames this year.
@@vietnguyen4312broken by crash or regular use?
By the way -bets test for this frameset will be - put everything on and go for a ride. I assume it will last some kms
lmao ultimate compliancy
Even in service manual of this frame is write that this is fragile frame, not long lasting and durable😂
GC Performance, thanks for your awesome videos. I’m thinking to upgrade from my 2010 Specialized Allez Sport to a newer bike. Would you recommend Allez sprint that I can upgrade or tarmac expect. My main goal is fitness and fun riding. Anyone any suggestions?
Love the color commentary on Luetchers verdict on carbon construction
$2001 for the sworks back scratcher
this man is winning it lol
Hilarious video! 😄 Thank you!
Carbon fiber has very different characteristics than other materials. It’s super strong…and then it’s not. Some areas on a frame are bulletproof and others are extremely fragile.
its almost like alot of things, they are meant to be strong but if something hits it just right it can break and fracture, I have seen this with aluminum as well, morale of the story is, dont fall or dont let your bike fall
Probably the biggest drawback to carbon fiber bikes is that they’re like eggs. You know how eggs are almost impossible to break if you squeeze them from the pointy ends, but if you squeeze them any other way you’ll quickly wind up with a handful of yolk?
@@GCPerformance18 Or have some distracted knucklehead looking down while the group ahead is slowing, and they end up breaking my f#$@&^ seat stay. Nothing like riding the last 35 miles wondering if you're going to make it back on two wheels or in a wambulence. Just sayin@!
Dunno why but this was so entertaining.
Why thank you
😂😂😂 wicked video mate
hahah thank you!!!
Awesome video 👍.
Thank you!
Grants British accent is spot on 😂
lmoa i got a little shy
Actually I think he's doing Australian!
This topic is underrated haha I can’t stand euro bike nobs that critique carbon as if they could do better than a brand. Their conclusion is always exactly like you put it 😂😂😂😂
hahaha I jsut would watch the videos and not really take away anything useful from it
i think the big problem with your test is that you can't judge whether there is a damage or not... you might simply not see damages in carbon frames.
yea this is true
@@GCPerformance18 still a funny video to watch ^^
It was hurtful to watch🙈 But if you would do this to a Cevelo S5 that would be interesting too😅
Thanks you made this video.
Maybe I try to go to some stores
You are a funny man. Great entertainment.
haha I am glad you enjoyed
Curling has nothing to do with hand strength! But I get the point
of courseeee not but fopr reference i go to the gym 3-4 times a week trying to paint a picture
Love the video 😂
thank you
That is best scientifical empirical testing i have ever seen
hahaha I appreciate the compliment but I do not think this is factual at all
This is cracking me up, thanks!
I am glad you enjoyed
Truthfully, I treat my sworks aethos like it’s made of glass because of how light and presumably delicate it must be. This video gives me confidence that it’ll probably last me for a while longer than I think.
yea the bikes seem so fragile and brittle, now this is no excuse to throw them around but they can for sure take a beating, no one really pays attention to how many pot holes we hit or bumps we hit and sprints or power we put into these frames
The Tarmac SL8 rear stays crack for no reason. This has happened to me. A month ago I was cleaning the frame with a microfibre cloth and when I went over the rear stay I noticed that it was catching. Unfortunately there was a crack that appeared without a fall, blow or anything else, simply because of normal use. With less than a month of use and the brand's warranty does not cover it. I looked for a legal expert and he told me after his tests that it is because the frame has not withstood the fatigue, so there is a manufacturing fault. Now I have to go to court as the brand does not want to take responsibility - DO NOT BUY SPECIALIZED THERE ARE BETTER BRANDS AND THAT OFFER GUARANTEE.
Pressure applied equally all way round (on a round tube) will hardly make an impact. Accidents do not have that effect, neither does material fatigue. Fact is that less carbon layup will have less strength than more of equal quality. How many grammes is your life worth to you? 😊
but i was standing in one spot putting pressure there
You had me at 200 pounds of raw American man
hjahahaha just a ton of meat a fat
I still need to upgrade from my 2013 rim brake bike and you over there cutting up frames of bikes that I want. 😂
super light weight
This is awesome 🎉
thank you very much!!!
The Aussie accent… I have no idea who that is… none whatsoever… 😆
hahahah not jsut one person but mainly just poking at some channels I seen do this in the past
@@GCPerformance18 🤣🤣🤣🤣😵
No! Aasarrrggghh! Phew it arrived cut in half!
lmao
Is your Accent Duranrider? lol
no lol just more for fun, hoenstly i wish I had the accents they make talking or having a youtube channel way better, my words and mouth sound disgusting
Agree 💯 on inner tubes..I was choosing between Factor & SL6 S Works....had frames at LBS, SL6 Rainbow Sagan you could eat off inside of tubes...Factor looking like 5 yr assembled....hot mess crude inside...went w SL6 at time!
hel yea, I think honestly i know I sound biased but specialized has some of the best QC out there
This wasn’t much helpful testing. Except for the clamp test, in other tests you did, frame doesn’t go under much pressure from those directions you tested. Lateral force on down tube when pedaling hard is near bottom bracket, not much in middle. And last test, regarldess, I think that chain stay/bottom bracket junction was very weak. Even though it is not designed to take a beating from that direction.
Rear chainstay was only weak as it wasn’t a fully closed double triangle having been sawn off and missing a seat stay… If the same test was done to a new bike with a rear wheel torqued in. That rear seat stays would not break.
Also considering a bottom bracket only flexes marginally when putting through 800w into the pedals would suggest that normally the bottom bracket is very strong.
Quite the British accent lol
Lmaooo
sometimes peoples dont understand and make direct negative consuming of that is why..
I think this is a compliment but I do not understand this sentence
Can I have that frame? 😆
im sorry it is staying at the store
your content is great, your Aussie accent is horrific. 50 Bananas a day mate!
hahahah thank you!!!
Wonder how many elastic bands would it take to crack a carbon frame tube, like on one of those videos with exploding watermelons.
hahahah thats a great live stream lol
That "bAWWike"...with missing tube sections...is "less than ideal" 😂
Seriously, that was painful to watch.
Can't/couldn't the fork be spared? 😮
hahaha I am sorry just having some late night fun
@@GCPerformance18Great to hear from u Grant! I enjoy ur vids .. & u guesting on others' pods, too.
Hey, by chance, I'm 15 mins into this 70 min cat 1/2 Tulsa Crit
LIVE! 👍
th-cam.com/users/live8_V-vKW1WeM?si=nJuUkF0ph2J_fXFm
haha great stuff 😀
glad yuou enjoyed
Sounds like Cam Nichols😅😅
there are a couple videos like this where people cut frames in half, not just 1 but it is all in good fun, i just think people like to see expensive stuff cut in half lol
But you didn't weigh the frame to prove it is 680g haha. If you ever glue it back together, I will have it. It's about my size now
I didnt have the parts they cut so it wouldnt make sense to weigh it
@@GCPerformance18 :) yes, absolutely, with chunks missing makes no sense at all to weigh it, as would only be an approximate 'guess'. Great informative video anyway!
Lifetime warranty!
hahahah
True they have come very long way! Even those no name carbon frames. I bought one to compare to my Trek slr, the difference is so little for a fraction of the money. Some TH-cam did the same but he covered up all the decals on both bikes and had beginner rider and semi pro rider. You can see most use the same molds as those bike companies.
wow thats crazy but yes they are very nice
you got the accent down!
hahahah I tried for fun
2:49
Hahahaah
That's actually really impressive and surprising, given how light that frame is
yea I was surprised how much that rear stay supported my weight for being a 680 gram frame and in one spot
Hooks > Clamps
Next time send it to me!
yea no problem 1000 percent for sure
I must say, kudo's to specialized for using such a high grade CF to keep strenght and lightness
yea its wild for being 680- grams and for that amount of weight to hold up in one pressure spot
Are these the new frames Specialized are selling at 40% off?
Not that surprising that the frame didn't break. I once had a piece of carbon fibre hockey stick shaft. It is about the same thickness as a top tube and it is IMPOSSIBLE to crush. It has to withstand very rough treatment on the ice and even at just $250 or so, it is impossible to break with your body weight. Super light and the only thing inside was the bladder.
yea I played ice hockey my whole life travel and everything and those sticks would take a beating i was a defensemen
lol i was worried you would end up hurting yourself here bud! jeez
hahahah thank you for the concern
@@GCPerformance18 lol
Grant needs to work on his Vegan Aussie accent 😉
hahahah
Ouch 😮
wouch
Absolutely useless tests all around and I love it.
5:00 Punchman
hahahhaah 1 punch man
@@GCPerformance18 yeah 1:1
Nice accent mate.Good on ya,at least you can sell the fork.😅👌🏻✌🏻💯
hel yea brother!!!!
Wow. Chain stay broke easily imo.
I am an animal!!!
" Uber clamped down" funny stuff....trivia: Uber in German means above ( or better than)..after WW2 Allies banned word Uber in German Anthem..Germany Uber All was illegal to have in anthem & sing....60yrs later Uber cool again!😊
lol yea sometimes I get caught up in filming and the words dont leave my mouth right
Yr doing great plus yr a bike analyst who isn't a doper...now datz rarified air! ..luv how they call Vinogard "Anchovie" now...better nicknames than what Trump comes up with! 😃
I’m desperately waiting for you’re review and bike build of the Tavelo arow! 🙏
I have been riding it, and loving it
@@GCPerformance18 wow! Thanks so much for your response. Would you say it’s a competitive bike that I could use for racing?? Thanks in advance. Ps love your content, keep it up
Aluminum forever.
steel is real brother
Nice! The video I wanted to see 👍
hell yeaaa
can you sell me the fork :)
I am sorry but bike stays here lol
Grant demonstrated why alloy frames are better in the long run. Carbon fiber frames are throw-away in 20 years.
I mean 20 years is along time
He literally said the opposite. Aluminium frames do eventually fatigue fracture. A friend of mine bought a Cannondale supersix from prehistoric age, and proceeded to ride it until the chainstay cracked. Carbon on the other hand should in principle live forever.
@@pierrex3226and alloy have oxidation 😂
giant
lmao nope specialized is not made by giant
@Hambini think this guy taking the piss out of your accent 😂. Time for a proper reaming from a real engineer?
lmaooo just for fun
Slamming Australians 😅
lmao nooooo not at all just having fun with it, I have seen a couple channels do this where they cut the frame there is no one directly lol
GC Performance, not a carbon expert
I approve this message
Still made in china 🤫🤫
as is almost eveyrthing in your life you buy
What's with the accent?!
for fun lol
I caught all the "low-key shade" you threw with that English, or was it Australian, accent. Blimey, Bloke!😂😂😂
hahahha just poking some fun lol
Gotta work on that Aussie accent bro
il do my best next time
@@GCPerformance18 🤓👏
Cant believe my eyes - thats a photoshop!!! 🙈🙈🙈
hahaha no my frienddddd, you think you could hold on to remcos wheel with this?!?!?! lol
Grant, You will end up breaking your bike stand before breaking the carbon top tube.
yea it seemed like it, that was really topugh at the end to keep turning it
Love the "Shill" Nicolls accent.
cam is an amazing guy, honestly I was just poking fun at some of the other youtubers to do it, but honestly cam puts out really interesting content and does his best to prove his transparency through the process, one of my fave guys to watch for cycling youtube content
This painful to watch (great expensive bike frames cut)
five years strong on my specialized roubaix. would never ride anything other than specialized.
they make great stuff