An Australian firm has launched an international training program to help bike shops and bike mechanics better detect hidden damage to carbon fibre frames.
The move is in response to concern about undetected damage to the frames and forks of these bikes on the used bike market.
Australian Coroners' investigations into bike rider deaths have found that people who buy used bikes are often unaware of serious faults that have later caused tragic crashes.
Cycle Inspect, founded to develop solutions to this hidden damage, has established the NDT Foundations training program, which promotes the early detection of damage that may present an increased risk to cyclist safety.
Cycle Inspect co-founder and NDT lead Thomas Bunyan says the program will help raise awareness of the hidden dangers of riding or buying equipment that is damaged, or contains flaws.
"Our program also promotes early intervention (repair) where appropriate and responsible."
Fellow co-founder Michael Briggs says the industry must keep ahead as the bicycle industry continues to embrace composite materials and innovative technologies,
"It is imperative that professionals possess the necessary knowledge to initiate a dialogue with, and guide customers through, a screening process to promote equipment longevity.
“Whilst we certainly encourage every reputable dealer currently servicing any number of carbon fibre bicycles to strongly consider offering our standardised testing solution, we feel that encouraging businesses to start engaging customers in intelligent discussions regarding screening is an important place to start”.
According to Cycle Inspect survey data, almost one in two people who rode carbon fibre bikes (48%) and had been involved in an accident, did not seek an inspection to screen the surface and subsurface of their bike. Briggs says this is largely due to a lack of reputable and accessible specialists.
The online NDT Foundations program is now open for enrolment. Visit https://www.cycleinspect.com/how-it-works/mechanics/ndt-foundations/ to learn more.
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