question about different kinds carbon fiber

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2007-04-27 1:25 PM

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Regular
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Chico,Ca/Encinitas,Ca
Subject: question about different kinds carbon fiber
I've been looking at some different carbon fiber bike frames. Some of them have 12k weave and others have a 3k weave. According to some info i read the 3k is 80-100 grams lighter. What is the difference between 3k and 12k? Would one be better than the other? Thanks for the help.

2007-04-28 9:15 PM
in reply to: #779251

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Master
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White Oak, Texas
Subject: RE: question about different kinds carbon fiber

Well I am no expert but since no one else answered Ill tri  the high density weave has many fibers going a short distance the low density weave has a few fibers going a longer distance the idea is that having fibers in line over a longer distance provides greater longitudinal strength  with out adding weight and it tends to be less expensive to make.

2007-04-29 8:34 AM
in reply to: #779251

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Master
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Newbury Park, CA
Subject: RE: question about different kinds carbon fiber
It means 3k and 12k strands per band of carbon. It is kind of the look like the difference between a sweater knitted with really thick yarn versus a sweater knitted with really thin yarn. But unlike in sweaters where one might actually be warmer, on these carbon finishes there is no tradeoff between the two. It is more so about the look you prefer.

I posted the same toptube areas of the Lucero and the Caliente for comparison below. And if you look closely you can see that the 3K is actually a weave, while the 12K actually is only a layup and does not go "under and over."


3K





12k



"Tour R&A Cycles"
As seen on insidetri.com
http://www.racycles.com/video/video_menu.html

All the best,

Al Cabbad
R&A Cycles
"This Brooklyn shop is a mega store for pro bikes and probably has more bikes in stock in the dead of winter than your LBS will sell in a decade."-- Dan Empfield
2007-04-29 8:35 AM
in reply to: #779251

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Master
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Newbury Park, CA
Subject: RE: question about different kinds carbon fiber
2007-04-30 12:34 AM
in reply to: #779251

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Regular
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Chico,Ca/Encinitas,Ca
Subject: RE: question about different kinds carbon fiber
Thanks everyone for all the help.
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