pedal menace Posted June 25, 2009 Posted June 25, 2009 I have just made a terrifying, life ending emotional discovery on my trusted steed. Whilst cleaning my carbon bike on the underside I discovered that a stone (or something) hit my down tube about 8cm above the BB and left a hole about 5mm big. And I mean straight through the carbon. Imagine all the tissues I needed between all the tears! Do you think a hole this size will weaken the frame in any way? Being so close the BB area and on the down tube, I assume this to be an area that takes quit e a bit of stress when riding hard. Last thing I want is for the down tube to snap so close to the BB. Your thoughts...SNIFF SNIFF...I am so sad!
droo Posted June 25, 2009 Posted June 25, 2009 Warranty time, I'd say... rather that than a snapped down tube. That's just gonna hurt.
pedal menace Posted June 25, 2009 Author Posted June 25, 2009 But warranty surely doesn't cover a stone hitting the frame causing damage? You recon bike not safe?
Bike Mob Posted June 25, 2009 Posted June 25, 2009 I offered a product a little while ago, a film made to protect cars similar to smash and grab film... Invisible while on your bike and definately would have stopped the stone from going through. Nobody wanted it. Unlucky, I doubt warranty covers that unless the frame material at the area is deemed too thin or brittle? What frame is it?
pedal menace Posted June 25, 2009 Author Posted June 25, 2009 It is a Scott CR-1, not so young anymore but still my pride and joy! Spent some money to get it down to 6.8kg's total. No she's damaged. Aaarghh! But...I still need the hubbers opinion...you think it is safe to continue riding with the bike?
Johan Bornman Posted June 25, 2009 Posted June 25, 2009 Have a beer. It is not serious. Close up the hole with something tansparent, like sellotape or so and keep an eye on it. When you wash your bike, take a good look for cracks radiating from the hole. If, and this is a big if, they happen, they'll start at the hole and spread outwards. Use transparent cover a) to keep water out and b) so that you can inspect it. But I'm convinced that next year this time you'll celebrate the hole's birthday and annonce that it is still 5mm big.
pedal menace Posted June 25, 2009 Author Posted June 25, 2009 Thx Johan..appreciate the feedback and that is what I was so hoping to hear. I understand though that cracks will be an indication of a failure in the not so distant future, but can one cancel the thought of a sudden failure a high pressure (i.e. speed)? No cracks, just a snap at a potential weak point?
Tumbleweed Posted June 25, 2009 Posted June 25, 2009 i'd take it to a bike shop that specialises in carbon repairs, if i were you.
I FLY Posted June 25, 2009 Posted June 25, 2009 I bought some transparent self adhesive 3M film from a motorbike shop in Stubens Valley. We cut this into strips and stuck it on the underside of bikes down tubes. Now when I hear stones hitting the undercarriage I don't worry about damage.
Free Posted June 25, 2009 Posted June 25, 2009 I agree with Johan. The same happend to my road bike. A stone crushed a R5 coin sized piece of my bikes down tube. Its still the same size a year later.
SwissVan Posted June 25, 2009 Posted June 25, 2009 All this talk of stone holes in carbon does it... Canceling the order for my new mtb
techguy Posted June 25, 2009 Posted June 25, 2009 Have a beer. It is not serious. Close up the hole with something tansparent' date=' like sellotape or so and keep an eye on it. When you wash your bike, take a good look for cracks radiating from the hole. If, and this is a big if, they happen, they'll start at the hole and spread outwards. Use transparent cover a) to keep water out and b) so that you can inspect it. But I'm convinced that next year this time you'll celebrate the hole's birthday and annonce that it is still 5mm big. [/quote'] I don't agree, You should get your frame replaced, I'm sure Probike will offer a crash replacement discount on a new one as most other distributors do.
pedal menace Posted June 25, 2009 Author Posted June 25, 2009 This is my road bike...MTB still safe semi clean :-) Haven't been on it since I broke my leg in February. Currently just doing road riding. MTB...SOON!
Johan Bornman Posted June 25, 2009 Posted June 25, 2009 I don't agree' date=' You should get your frame replaced, I'm sure Probike will offer a crash replacement discount on a new one as most other distributors do.[/quote'] You don't say why you disagree. Carbon doesn't suddenly fail without warning. If cracks develop, they'll do so over time. The OP was instructed to keep an eye on it - each time he washes his bike is a good time, since he'll be outside in good light - and any traveling stress cracks will be clearly visible. He'll have plenty of warning should something start to develop. Woven materials such as glass and carbon fibres tend to arrest stress cracks but even so, this isn't a crack, it's a hole in a place where stresses are lateral and away from the hole.
Pappa Bear Posted June 25, 2009 Posted June 25, 2009 Try Cycle Art - I know they do carbon repairs aswell. Ther is also a company called Exclusive Conversions doing alot of carbon work in the auto industry (Porsche and racing cars....) see if you vcan find them for repairs.
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