Got carbon?

We're all feeling the pinch at the pump, but next it's likely to happen in bike shops across the country. I've read about this concern before, but it appears the carbon fiber shortage is getting more serious. Read the news article HERE from Bicycle Retailer.

The aerospace industry is taking up the largest portion of supplies as just three Airbus A380 superjumbo jets require more carbon fiber than the entire bicycle industry combined! The article states if not for carbon suppliers visiting bike shows to see the professional designs the pipeline might have dried up completely.

As with the oil industry this is about supply and demand. Many industries are finding ways to utilize carbon in order to become more competitive, and with advancing technology companies are turning to carbon in larger quantities. As the demand from multi-national corporations continues to increase the carbon supply will decrease while prices will increase.

What's curious is that carbon suppliers would choose to not do business with bicycle frame builders. If bike companies are able to pay market prices and pay their bills on time then suppliers shouldn't discriminate. If I were a carbon bike builder from China I'd have reps knocking on the doors of suppliers and building relationships. What do you think companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin are doing? If supply issues persist my guess is they'll look to either become carbon fiber manufacturers or purchase several suppliers themselves. Vertical integration works great when you're a multi-billion dollar corporation.

I have owned several carbon frames and loved riding them, but I didn't have any success in keeping them from cracking. In my view carbon is a good material for riders lighter in weight, but if you're a 175+ pound power style rider then chances are you'll have trouble. I went back to the more reliable aluminum frame with carbon fork. I did so reluctantly after giving carbon several years and several frames to change my mind, but aluminum won out.