Carbon Fiber Wheels

[Jonathan Clark]

Is there any talk of letting people use carbon fiber wheels in the SB classes? CF wheels have come along way in the last 10-15 years. They're actually OEM equipment on some of the premium bikes. They're also legal in CCS and WERA.

[Allen Dye]

They are still illegal per the rulebook and I don't think there has been any discussion to allow at this point.

[Linz Leard]

As an engineer, I would like to have the discussion. Manufacturing processes and materials have come a long way since carbon fiber first showed up as a wheel. That said, one of the reasons they were disallowed in the past was to keep some control on grass roots roadracing. Depending on the class, I think there is a case for presentation. I will bring it up.

[Jonathan Clark]

They are still illegal per the rulebook and I don't think there has been any discussion to allow at this point.

I understand that they're illegal, this is why I'm bringing it up. I think that it's a rule that would be worth looking at.

Linz: I appreciate you looking into it.

[Allen Dye]

I understand that they're illegal, this is why I'm bringing it up. I think that it's a rule that would be worth looking at.

Linz: I appreciate you looking into it.

I'm sorry Johnathan...I read it as the question of legality. I believe originally they were not acceptable as the technology was new and potentially dangerous. Over the years I think the question is around the cost. Of course that cost is decreasing I think.

This has little to do with your question, but a couple of data points for you; there are several competitors that have run lightweight aftermarket wheels, only to go back to stock. Many of our tracks are bumpy and evidently the aftermarkets were getting bent up a bit. That's not rumor, I've been told this specifically. Additionally, just this weekend, I saw several taco'd/unrepairable front wheels as a result of crashes. Ouch. Expensive for sure.

We'll definitely bring it up however.

[Jonathan Clark]

I'm sorry Johnathan...I read it as the question of legality. I believe originally they were not acceptable as the technology was new and potentially dangerous. Over the years I think the question is around the cost. Of course that cost is decreasing I think.

This has little to do with your question, but a couple of data points for you; there are several competitors that have run lightweight aftermarket wheels, only to go back to stock. Many of our tracks are bumpy and evidently the aftermarkets were getting bent up a bit. That's not rumor, I've been told this specifically. Additionally, just this weekend, I saw several taco'd/unrepairable front wheels as a result of crashes. Ouch. Expensive for sure.

We'll definitely bring it up however.

All valid points, Allen. The bike in question comes from the factory with Marchesini's, so I'm screwed either way if something happens. At this point, BST's are actually cheaper than ordering new OEM wheels from the dealer.

[Walter Walker]

The issue with carbon wheels is that damage is often hard to identify without expensive testing. Damage that goes un detected often lead to catastrophic failures. That being said the technology has improved over the years so it's probably time to take another look at it.