Carbon Fiber: The Right Stuff

Simply put, most carbon fiber is made by stringing together large groups of carbon atoms. Then extreme heat is used to burn away impurities, leaving just the desired carbon. Single filaments of carbon “fiber” (each 1/10^th to 1/20^th the diameter of a human hair) are grouped together to make what are called tows (ribbon-like groupings), numbering from 1,000 (1K) to 24,000 (24K) filaments each. Depending on what the end use will be, tows of different densities are used to create various types of carbon-fiber fabric, either unidirectional or woven.

Every bicycle frame manufacturer says that it uses only the highest quality carbon fiber and so do we. Just remember that there are only four major carbon fiber manufacturers in the world, all based in eastern Asia and no single bike maker gets the “good” stuff. Gerard Cycles uses Toho 24T (700 modulus) and 30T (800 modulus) carbon fiber (made in Japan) to get what we believe is the best balance of stiffness, compliance, and strength.