Carbon Frame vs. Rubber Tyre: Material Behavior & Wear Mechanisms Carbon Fibre Frames

Composite Structure: Carbon fibre is a layered composite—fibres bonded with resin. It’s incredibly strong in tension and stiffness, but vulnerable to abrasion, impact, and point loading.

Localized Wear: Frames typically wear through due to:

Cable rub, chain slap, or heel scuffing—repetitive friction in small zones (Tyre Rub).

UV degradation or resin fatigue over time, especially if exposed to harsh conditions.

Improper clamping or over-torquing, which can crush fibres internally.

Failure Mode: When carbon wears, it doesn’t gradually thin like metal—it can delaminate or crack suddenly once the resin matrix is compromised.

Rubber Tyres

Elastic & Abrasive-Resistant: Tyres are made from vulcanized rubber compounds designed to flex, grip, and absorb impact. They’re engineered to wear slowly across a large surface area.

Self-Sacrificing Design: Tyres are meant to wear down—hence the tread. But they’re also:

Thicker, with multiple layers (tread, casing, bead).

Reinforced with materials like Kevlar or nylon to resist punctures and deformation.

 Why It Seems Counterintuitive

It’s easy to assume the frame should outlast the tire because it’s “stronger.” But strength isn’t the same as abrasion resistance or fatigue tolerance. Carbon is optimized for load-bearing, not frictional wear. Rubber, on the other hand, is optimized to endure friction and impact—and be replaced regularly.

If you’re seeing wear-through on a carbon frame at CBR, it might be worth modeling a few scenarios:

• Cable routing stress points—especially on older internal systems.

• Heel rub zones on chainstays or seatstays.

• Tyre clearance issues—especially with wider setups or flexing under load.

Tyre rub or friction on inside of Chain stay is wear and tear