Is my frame cracked?

[SwissVan]

I noticed this crack on the top tube of my CAAD5 frame. Its about 10mm long and feels smooth to the touch. Is it common for paint to crack in this way or could it be the frame? Its located around 120mm from the headset on top.

In my humble opinion after spending 20 years looking for cracks in aircraft parts (mostly aluminum)

 

That looks a paint compression crack, mostly likely caused by a clamp applied around the top tube.

 

Would it have structurally damaged the metal?

Hard to tell, but I doubt it

[SwissVan]

Hi everyone. Yep this is my first post, have being an avid reader of the forum for a couple of months. Noticed a crack on my trek emonda, top tube close to the seat stay. Dull sound when tapping with coin and has a soft spot feel. Is it safe to ride? What are my options? Any advise appreciated. 5FED3EE7-C363-4209-A223-B6147BB3DDDA.jpeg

Top tube... or seat tube?

Looks like a paint imperfection to me

 

On a lighter note, I’d be more worried about those reflector stripes not being equal length and parallel to each other

[Super Sywurm]

Maybe the alu bent and the paint cracked?

[Maciek]

Top tube... or seat tube?

Looks like a paint imperfection to me

On a lighter note, I’d be more worried about those reflector stripes not being equal length and parallel to each other

top tube, taped to mark crack width, nope not paint only unfortuantely

[SwissVan]

top tube, taped to mark crack width, nope not paint only unfortuantely

Sorry

I thought that was reflective tape for reflecting purpose.... but now i see what you did

[Ampandy]

Yes I am around. Ally is a different animal. Unless you can see beneath the paint do not assume it's NOT a crack. Ally being an age precipitating material means as it ages it gets harder, nice ain't it? What we dont think about is as it gets harder it becomes more prone to cracking because of the vibration it is exposed to and ally DONT like vibration.

[Ampandy]

The top tube should be vented for welding. Take seat post out and check for a hole thorough seat tube to top tube or the same thing from head tube to top tube. Use a thin penetrating liquid like benzine or acetone and fill the top tube. Watch the crack for any leaking.

[Rocket-Boy]

Yes I am around. Ally is a different animal. Unless you can see beneath the paint do not assume it's NOT a crack. Ally being an age precipitating material means as it ages it gets harder, nice ain't it? What we dont think about is as it gets harder it becomes more prone to cracking because of the vibration it is exposed to and ally DONT like vibration.

^ see this is why I said Ampandy is the man!

I learned something today about Aluminium frames