hairline crack on carbon frame

billyhead · 15-09-2013 11:44AM #1

Lads, I have a superficial hairline crack in the top tube of my carbon frame. Looks like cosmetic damage more then anything else. I also have a tiny dent in the tube after the bike blew against the edge of a wall this morning. The dent is like a miniscule chip out of the paint work which also looks like cosmetic damage. Just looking for feedback on whether or not I should be concerned about this or am i just been paranoid

ednwireland · 15-09-2013 11:58AM

post acouple of pictures - might be easier to assess

Cee-Jay-Cee · 15-09-2013 02:01PM

It's possible the crack is Only in the lacquer and doesn't run right through the carbon itself. A picture will help

billyhead · 15-09-2013 03:10PM

Unfortunately I don't possess a digital camera and when I use my mobile to take a snap it does not appear visible. The chip is about 5mm height by 5mm width on the side of the top tube about 4 inches from the seat post. The crack referred to in my initial posting is more like a superficial scratch and has not broken the paint work. I will have to get a loan of a digital camera to upload it here.

ford2600 · 15-09-2013 03:21PM

billyhead wrote: »

Unfortunately I don't possess a digital camera and when I use my mobile to take a snap it does not appear visible. The chip is about 5mm height by 5mm width on the side of the top tube about 4 inches from the seat post. The crack referred to in my initial posting is more like a superficial scratch and has not broken the paint work. I will have to get a loan of a digital camera to upload it here.

Go to your lbs if they know their stuff. If not go somewhere that does

billyhead · 15-09-2013 06:46PM

Here it is. Managed to get it uploaded. What do you guys think?

o_c2ad11d2c65c7e56-0.jpg

bcmf · 15-09-2013 07:52PM

It looks like it is just the lacquer,top coat of paint. Should be ok.
But if you are looking for an excuse to buy a new bike then you have one.

billyhead · 15-09-2013 07:55PM

bcmf wrote: »

It looks like it is just the lacquer,top coat of paint. Should be ok.
But if you are looking for an excuse to buy a new bike then you have one.

Yep. Good excuse to buy that Winter bike I have always wanted:D

billyhead · 16-09-2013 08:13AM

Would anyon else with experience with carbon frames feel the frame would be compromised from the chip, or is it just cosmetic damage only?

07Lapierre · 16-09-2013 08:17AM

Hard to tell from a photo, but i have a 7 year old carbon frame with chips all over it...still going strong.

billyhead · 16-09-2013 06:14PM

Thanks guys. Kinds of puts my mind at ease as I paid nearly 2000 for the bike nearly a year and a half ago. I suppose the only thing to be sure that its okay is to go out and ride it.

bcmf · 16-09-2013 08:24PM

Billy you are Lusk or Rush based arent ya.
If ya want me to have a quick look then no bother.
Just pm me.

billyhead · 16-09-2013 08:49PM

bcmf wrote: »

Billy you are Lusk or Rush based arent ya.
If ya want me to have a quick look then no bother.
Just pm me.

Thanks for the offer BCMF. I am probably fussing over nothing. I am going to stop into Richies in Swords on Wednesday after a long spin planned that morning and I will see what he thinks

billyhead · 16-09-2013 08:51PM

. The good thing about it if its structurally sound is that the bike will have shaved a little weight:D

hairline crack on carbon frame

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