Crack in lacquer of non drive-side chainstay

PhilA

Morning,

I noticed this weekend after cleaning my bike that a crack has appeared in the lacquer of the non drive-side chainstay, about 1.5" back from the bottom bracket. It's a Kuota full-carbon jobbie. Have a look at it in the photo below:

http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1430960/

The distributor is currently mulling it over and my LBS's (including where I bought it from) have told me it's not unusual for cracks to appear in the lacquer of carbon or even aluminium frames. I was just wondering, with all the cycling experience that's on these forums, if anyone else has had a similar thing happen? Could it be the start of a failure, or is my massive power output (ahem, cough) too much for the lacquer to handle?!!!

Any advice or experience would be most appreciated.

Phil.

Eat My Dust

I'de be asking for a replacement, while the 'mull' it over. Even if it is just a crack in the lacquer, I wouldn't expect a bike costing (I'd imagine) at least a grand, to have any defaults. Another thing is loss of confidence in your bike, I wouldn't want to be hurtling down a hill at 35mph+ with the niggle of a (possilbe) cracked frame in the back of my mind!!

John.T

That does not look good. If the frame is built using internal lugs like a Trek then it is probably only cosmetic. Many Treks show a line in the lacquer after some time. It is usually straighter than this though and is not detrimental.
If the frame is a monocoque construction then I would not want to be riding it and would be pushing very hard for a replacement as it could well be damage in the frame itself. It is in a place that is not likely to have suffered accident damage.

PhilA

John Tiffany wrote:

That does not look good. If the frame is built using internal lugs like a Trek then it is probably only cosmetic. Many Treks show a line in the lacquer after some time.

Well, the distributor did say that there is an aluminium 'lug' that stick out from the bottom bracket shell, which is then layered over with carbon and built into the chainstay.

Would this have the same effect as the internally lugged Trek design?

John.T

With the Trek the line in the lacquer is caused by flex in the lug bonding which is normal. The lug and the tube are 2 separate parts so any movement will show at the join line. If this frame is a monocoque construction with internal reinforceing then there should be no join lines to show. There is a good chance that the lacquer is cracking because the carbon underneath it is. I do not know enough about this particular frame to be more specific. Keep pushing the dealer and keep a very close eye on the crack if you are still using the bike.

thebikeliker

Have you tried Max Factor Knacker Laquer?
Adds glamour to your hammer and lustre to your cluster.