My carbon frame - I havenoticed something which concerns me.

Ben6899

Okay I’m not one to worry about my carbon bike melting in the rain or exploding in the sun, so please don’t flame me for posting this query!

I have noticed something last night which concerns me a little. I was wheeling the bike in the garage on its rear wheel and as the light caught the underside of the downtube, I noticed a slight ripple (read: couple of tiny dimples) in the tube. I don’t know whether they have always been there or not (I bought the bike brand new last June).

Could this ripple be in the clear coat or in the weave of the carbon itself? Is it a “normal” phenomenon? Should I be worried?

Thanks

Ben

Runoutofgears

Could you post a picture?

Ben6899

Unfortunately I'm at work, but I will later.

gundersen

well put it this way.

the carbon fibers are imbedded in epoxy resin.

a common epoxy resin that we all know of is araldite

could you imagine any fibers in araldite moving around?

no

so the only other explanation would be as you say - the paint

sleep tight tonight

Ben6899

Maybe I'm worrying about nothing... the guy at Saddleback (Felt's reps over here) says variances in finishes are common place as everything is laid up/painted by hand. Anyway, here's a photo:

Barrie_G

Just looks like a ripple in the finish, if carbon fibre starts to fail it's going to crack and split, it's not malleable enough to ripple.

redddraggon

Barrie_G wrote:

Just looks like a ripple in the finish, if carbon fibre starts to fail it's going to crack and split, it's not malleable enough to ripple.

Carbon fibres are as floppy as a floppy thing to be fair.

Lig

Hi Ben,

I really think you are worrying about nothing here!

I have a Cervelo R3SL and it has a few blemishes (I agree for this price they should be perfect) but I think its just how it is. Its how they come from the 'paint' shop!!

If it seems solid when you tap it and not loose/flaky in any way then just forget about it, it will just be in the clear coat.....

Lig.

Ben6899

Thanks for the input chaps. Including redddraggon.

gundersen

Thanks for the input chaps. Including redddraggon.

he is spot on - carbon fibers are floppy little things

on-yer-bike

Lig wrote:

Hi Ben,

I really think you are worrying about nothing here!

I have a Cervelo R3SL and it has a few blemishes (I agree for this price they should be perfect) but I think its just how it is. Its how they come from the 'paint' shop!!

If it seems solid when you tap it and not loose/flaky in any way then just forget about it, it will just be in the clear coat.....

Lig.

I have same frame and it has bumps and ripples. I had an RS before and that was the same. Cervelo don't seem very interested in a smooth finish. Things show up more cus they don't use cosmetic carbon weave. But they have a lifetime warranty. Scott Addicts look bumpy too, apparently made in the same factory.