??? for you carbon experts

[Volant]

Why do some carbon components start to get a yellow tinge to them over time? I would assume it's probably UV-related. I'm curious as I've seen carbon bars and carbon steerers that have exhibited this phenomena. What causes it? Is it anything to be concerned about? Is Nick still persuing these threads? Or any other carbon guru?

[garysol1]

I would think the yellowing you see is a reaction from the clear coat finish, not from the actual carbon material.

[Pete Serotta]

clear finish on some of components....uv and time

[Volant]

Thanks. That's what I was thinking (the clear, or gel coat; not the carbon turning yellow) due to UV.
Still curious if it affects anything other than aesthetics?

[nicrump]

some epoxies yellow if not UV protected. some cheap clears yellow even though they have UV inhibitors.

a good high quality UV clear should remain "water white" clear.

now the hard part, an epoxy which has yellowed over time due to UV exposure might not be a good thing.