Boardman Team Carbon: Carbon Quality?

paulhomer

Hello,

I have just bought a Boardman Team Carbon bike; it's the first carbon bike I have ever had. The paint work is not even and is discoloured in places, some places looking like it has grease on the paint, but closer inspection reveals it's actually under the lacquer.

Is this normal for a carbon bike, or, has Halfords offloaded a substandard frame to me?

Thanks

kingrollo

paulhomer wrote:

Hello,

I have just bought a Boardman Team Carbon bike; it's the first carbon bike I have ever had. The paint work is not even and is discoloured in places, some places looking like it has grease on the paint, but closer inspection reveals it's actually under the lacquer.

Is this normal for a carbon bike, or, has Halfords offloaded a substandard frame to me?

Thanks

"The Paint work is not even" ......what ?

Anonymous

I think I know what you mean, the frame has a kind of mottled effect.

I'm pretty sure this is normal with unidirectional carbon fibres frames ect.

I'm sure if you go i to a local branch of Halford's and look at the bikes in store you'll notice similar imperfections.

You get the same thing with unidirectional carbon handle bars and the such.

I shouldn't worry about it.

If you still concerned post a few pictures here and someone who knows more than me should be able to give a better answer.

porker33

This was one of the reasons why I didn't buy a Boardman team when it received such glowing reviews.

Looking at a few different bikes in store I noticed this inconsistency in the finish of the frame. Unfortunately I was not prepared to live with it after spending ££££.

Not a criticism as such, but considering the excellent value of the Team Boardman, they surely have to cut costs somewhere, which is probably why it doesn't cost twice as much as it does.

When I enquired about the finish, I was told it was purely cosmetic and due to the construction process, I don't think we have heard of any structural problems on the boards with these frames, so the strength is obviously there....I wouldn't worry about now you have bought the bike, just get out there and enjoy riding it.

marin_maniac

I think you'll find its the unidirectional nature of the carbon as opposed to carbon bikes which use a cosmetic layer on top.

I love my team carbon.

paulhomer

Thanks for the advice you've put my mind at rest, not too concerned about cosmetics as long as the structure is sound.

rake

thats what raw carbon looks like. they could have painted it black, but it wouldnt look like carbon.

father_jack

This was one of the reasons why I didn't buy a Boardman team when it received such glowing reviews.

ROFL. I'm sure 99% of people here are posers with no intention of using a bike, lest one spec of dust gets on the frame.

rake

there are some real materials scientists on here that go purely by eye :roll: