Possible cracked headtube

[TyronLab]

So I had started hearing a squeak from my front end a few rides back, specifically off road when the fork compressed.

 

At first thought it was the axle that needed grease, then thought it was the headset that needed tensioning. Neither of these helped. Today after my post ride bike was I noticed a hairline crack on the side of my headtube. Definitely a crack as I can feel a clear step when I rub over it with my thumb.

 

Now, its so fine that it might be just paint, but the fact that there's the noise makes me think its structural.

 

Bike is a 2017 Trek Stache 7.

 

Any advice on next steps, Trek's warranty coverage for second owners etc?

[ChrisF]

limited warranty for the 2nd owner ... check their website for the exact details ....

[capediver]

So I had started hearing a squeak from my front end a few rides back, specifically off road when the fork compressed.

 

At first thought it was the axle that needed grease, then thought it was the headset that needed tensioning. Neither of these helped. Today after my post ride bike was I noticed a hairline crack on the side of my headtube. Definitely a crack as I can feel a clear step when I rub over it with my thumb.

 

Now, its so fine that it might be just paint, but the fact that there's the noise makes me think its structural.

 

Bike is a 2017 Trek Stache 7.

 

Any advice on next steps, Trek's warranty coverage for second owners etc?

If there's no pictchur, it ain't cracked!!!!

[Vetseun]

If there's no pictchur, it ain't cracked!!!!

Ja. It isnt a crack till we tell you that it is a crack.

You know how it works here Pal.

[TyronLab]

Yeah if I could figure out how to upload pictures on mobile I would happily share. You may have to wait for Monday!

[ChrisF]

Yeah if I could figure out how to upload pictures on mobile I would happily share. You may have to wait for Monday!

Scroll to the very bottom of the page .... select "Desktop" ....

 

Functionality is there, but way toooooo much information for a small screen.

 

 

Might be safer to ride with a cracked top tube than trying to use the desktop function on a phone ....

[TyronLab]

By golly by jingo I just learnt something! Thanks!

 

Crack location and the forces needed to make the squeak occur seems to tie together.

 

Not exactly a massive fracture but enough to have me take it into the shop before riding it again.

 

 

[ChrisF]

Ouch ....

 

Hope they replace it ....

[Bub Marley]

Looks like just a paint crack to me. I’m not sure why it’s creaking but could be something else causing that. But yeah let them check it out.

[Me rida my bicycle]

Remove the fork and have a look on the inside. If cracked should be visible from the inside.

[dasilvarsa]

Could be a Paint Crack but if it's not.

If you cannot get it fixed under warranty try.

http://www.smartcoprojects.co.za/

Steve Fixed my Seat Tube Better Than New.

[Pure Savage]

By golly by jingo I just learnt something! Thanks!

 

Crack location and the forces needed to make the squeak occur seems to tie together.

 

Not exactly a massive fracture but enough to have me take it into the shop before riding it again.

 

20200905_225305.jpg

 

20200905_225149.jpg

Looks like a cat hair to me...

[LongDonkey]

Looks like a cat hair to me...

He is not trying to sell it....... Yet......

 

[TNT1]

Dumb question for the day, how would the paint crack if the thing under it doesn't crack?

[love2fly]

I had a frame crack in 2 places. One where seat and top tube intersect. Sent back to manufacturer in Taiwan. They ground the gel oat down to the carbon cloth and no crack so it happens. They replaced as the other but unrelated crack was deemed a defect..

 

quote name="TNT1" post="3707774" timestamp="1599478448"]

 

Dumb question for the day, how would the paint crack if the thing under it doesn't crack?

[MORNE]

Looks like a cat hair to me...

more like the dutch version of cat hair...