Is this carbon frame a write-off?

Paul Kiernan · 17-03-2021 06:14PM #1

When I had the front mech off I noticed a white stain under the lacquer where the clamp is. It looks like the clamp has cracked the lacquer and let moisture in? Is the whole frame kyboshed? Can it be repaired? Is it worth repairing (I reckon frame is worth about 150 euro)? Are there carbon specialists who could look at it (I'm in South Dublin)? TIA, Paul

Eamonnator · 17-03-2021 06:43PM

CyclePlus in Greystones do great carbon repairs.

Daroxtar · 17-03-2021 06:43PM

Paul Kiernan wrote: »

When I had the front mech off I noticed a white stain under the lacquer where the clamp is. It looks like the clamp has cracked the lacquer and let moisture in? Is the whole frame kyboshed? Can it be repaired? Is it worth repairing (I reckon frame is worth about 150 euro)? Are there carbon specialists who could look at it (I'm in South Dublin)? TIA, Paul

Just looks like the clearcoat has lifted. I don't think I would worry much about it. (Of course I could be completely wrong)

Tony04 · 17-03-2021 07:18PM

Hard to see but could just be a scratch on the finish. I have a carbon seatposts that look lethal but are actually just scratched.
Put pressure on it and see if it grows. Carbon is hard to predict a crack you might notice could fail 10 metres down the road, or you could ride it for years without issue, but dont ride if it is a crack if you can, a cracked frame also looses huge value. Carbontec palmerstown is probably your best bet.

Plastik · 17-03-2021 07:42PM

As you've said, if it's cracked it's not worth replacing. I've one with a cracked downtube in the attic. A carbon repair on that anywhere in Ireland will cost more than the RRP of a new frame from Planet X.

iwillhtfu · 17-03-2021 07:47PM

If you know for a fact the tube hasn't been compressed at all I'd say it's just the clear coat. Take the seat post out and have a look down the seat tube you'll see if it's got any abnormal bulge or crack. If you wanted you could sand back that portion of clear and recoat yourself.

Cee-Jay-Cee · 17-03-2021 09:54PM

It’s just the clear coat has lifted. You can still see the carbon weave and it looks intact. I’d get a hard gloss and paint over it and forget about it. It’s in a place that if it did crack or break it’s not going to do any immediate harm, the bike won’t collapse or fold in two. Clear coat it and ride on.

magicbastarder · 17-03-2021 09:58PM

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

I’d get a hard gloss and paint over it and forget about it.

not sure if that'd work - i'd agree that it's almost certainly cosmetic, but it's just that i think you'd need to inject the gloss between the delaminated clear coat and the carbon, painting over it would still leave it looking the same?

MojoMaker · 18-03-2021 10:16AM

N+1 Paul.

You have permission.

Is this carbon frame a write-off?

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