Originally Posted by
rickair7777
ABS will deteriorate if exposed to UV (sunlight) or oxygen (air).
Obviously UV should not be an issue.
ABS pipe lasts for many decades in indoor applications, so the oxidation issue is probably limited to the exposed surface... a rollaboard frame would be thicker than a schedule 40 pipe wall, so probably nothing to worry about there.
From a materials science perspective, I'd prefer carbon fiber for impact resistance, assuming I need lighter than steel or aluminum. That's for commuting by air, if driving to work ABS should be fine.
I had the same thoughts regarding ABS, except I would hypothesize commuting by air (forced bag check sometimes) might turn out better with ABS. My experience with aluminum is that the airliner below-cabin baggage handling experience WILL bend one of the vertical frame members, without fail, with say 10 exposures to that environment. I had one "go" on the very first occasion after a full rebuild. I just sent-off my 10-years in-service aluminum frame bag for rebuild. I managed to limit the checked experience to maybe four or five times, but it got bent and twisted. Before I even asked you folks for insight, I was thinking ABS would do better under abuse, barring age-related brittleness. 100% agreed on carbon fiber. Thus far, not on the option list, nor likely very affordable if it were.
Thanks for your thoughts.