CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help

Getting expert opinion on possible crack in carbon frame?

(4 posts)
  • Started 9 years ago by HeroicLeisure
  • Latest reply from HeroicLeisure
  • This topic is not resolved

  1. HeroicLeisure
    Member

    Can anyone recommend where to go in Edinburgh to get an expert assessment of a possible flaw in a carbon frame?

    I took my Dolan Mythos in for some minor work recently. They didn't do the work because they found what was considered a possible crack in the frame top tube. Certainly there's some kind of break a few mm long in the lacquer and pressing down on one side shows some small deformation. There are no symptoms when riding the bike.

    I sent pics to Dolan and a description who are of the opinion that it's probably OK, but they have no local agent to check closely.

    So, can anyone recommend where to go in Edinburgh to get an expert assessment of how serious (or not) the issue is?

    Thanks,

    Mick

    Posted 9 years ago #

  2. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    I do know a guy runs a company that makes medical carbon fibre components, but he's based in Aix-les-Bains.

    I could get photos to him, which he might look at, but I doubt he'd want the responsibility of giving anything a clean bill of health.....

    Posted 9 years ago #

  3. Cyclops
    Member

    Carbon fibre damage is notoriously difficult to diagnose and even the use of ultrasound (which most bike shops are extremely unlikely to have or know how to use) is not 100% reliable.

    You can try the coin tap test where you tap the frame with a pound coin and if the area around the crack sounds different it's normally a sign of something nasty.

    Although you might get a "I wouldn't ride that" from your LBS only the very brave or foolhardy are going to give you a 100% guarantee it's okay.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  4. HeroicLeisure
    Member

    Thanks for the advice re the coin tap test. There's an area about 3mm x 4mm behind where the surface lacquer is cracked that sounds dull and indeed pushing hard feels like a bit of a hole. Hmmm ...

    Posted 9 years ago #

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