T700 vs. T800 carbon fiber: What's the difference?

The terms T700 and T800 refer to the type of carbon fiber used in carbon wheels or other carbon components. These designations come from the manufacturer Toray Industries, one of the world's leading suppliers of carbon fibers. The numbers indicate the type of fiber and the properties they provide.

Here is a brief explanation:

1. T700:
• This carbon fiber is widely used and is considered the standard material for many bicycle components.
• Properties: It offers a good balance between stiffness, strength, and cost. T700 is resistant to breakage and easy to process, making it a popular choice for frames and wheels.
• Stiffness/Strength: Solid and sufficient for most requirements, especially for recreational athletes or amateurs.
  
  
  

  Here is an image of T700-type carbon fibers. It shows the fine, dense fibers that make the material strong and flexible.

  
  
  
2. T800:
• This carbon fiber is a higher-grade version and is often used in high-end components.
• Properties: It is stronger and stiffer than T700, which means that less material is required to achieve the same strength. This leads to lighter, yet very resilient components.
• Stiffness/Strength: Higher than T700, which is reflected in better performance, especially in terms of weight and responsiveness. T800 is often used in professional or very high-quality bicycles and wheels.

Here is an image of T800-type carbon fibers. It shows a finer and denser structure compared to T700, which illustrates the advanced properties of this fiber.

 

Conclusion: T700 is more robust and cost-effective, while T800 provides a lighter and higher-performance construction, but is more expensive.

Final takeaway: Carbon wheels from all manufacturers (or rather brands), whether affordable or priceless, that are assembled using these materials are all qualitatively equal. There are no more or fewer breakages.