New Canyon CF frame - are these marks normal?

celery101

Have finally got everything together (ok, bottom bracket doesn't arrive until next week) for my first ever build - a Canyon CF with Record/Chorus.

The frameset arrived - and Canyon were really helpful re questions and good with communications re the delivery date. But, something is playing on my mind.

There are two marks on the downtube and I really need some feedback to tell whether they are normal. Have put two pics in. As you can see, the marks are not huge, but are clearly visible.

Canyon said this is normal as there is basically just a clear coat over the bare carbon. I can understand that for the vertical/horizontal marks, but would that also be right for these marks, which are thumb-print shaped?

I'm not moaning about Canyon, they have been helpful and responsive and I don't think I could have got such a good frame anywhere else for the ££, but I just want some feedback/opinion before I build this bad boy up.

Its my first carbon bike - am i being a bit precious?

(To clarify - this is not one of the frames sold with optical defects).







[img]]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3007/5739947207_5a81440891.jpg[/img][/img]

rolf_f

My Ribble is unidirectional carbon. TBH, the black parts are absolutely bonkers covered in marks and the like. Really they should paint the black but in a way, I like it. But I do keep thinking its got scratched and then realising that the mark is under the lacquer.

Your frame looks a lot tidier but if it really is just clear coat, I'd have thought there would be more than just those two patches.

celery101

cool - cheers mate - interesting - i just wanted some feedback before i got building so good to know other carbon frames have similar marks.

wicked

celery101 wrote:

Have finally got everything together (ok, bottom bracket doesn't arrive until next week) for my first ever build - a Canyon CF with Record/Chorus.

The frameset arrived - and Canyon were really helpful re questions and good with communications re the delivery date. But, something is playing on my mind.

There are two marks on the downtube and I really need some feedback to tell whether they are normal. Have put two pics in. As you can see, the marks are not huge, but are clearly visible.

Canyon said this is normal as there is basically just a clear coat over the bare carbon. I can understand that for the vertical/horizontal marks, but would that also be right for these marks, which are thumb-print shaped?

I'm not moaning about Canyon, they have been helpful and responsive and I don't think I could have got such a good frame anywhere else for the ££, but I just want some feedback/opinion before I build this bad boy up.

Its my first carbon bike - am i being a bit precious?

(To clarify - this is not one of the frames sold with optical defects).







[img]]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3007/5739947207_5a81440891.jpg[/img][/img]

No you are not being precious and the fact it's good value is nothing to do with it, the frame has got to be right. If it's bothering you now that feeling will only get worse, get in contact with canyon and tell them your concerns.
If you are anything like me you just want to build it up and ride it but a little time sorting it now will pay off in the long run.

EKIMIKE

It's 100% normal. I've got the same frame and those sorts of markings occur all over the frame. It's just what UD CF looks like.

It's a bit of an industrial look but i don't mind it really.

celery101

ekimike - that's 100% just what i wanted to hear. i've seen a white cf close up, but not a black one and i just wanted to be sure it was ok/normal. i expected the linear marks, but couldn't figure out why there would be marks these shape, but you've totally put my mind at rest.

and, wicked, you are spot-on, i do just want to get it built. it's killing me having everything except the BB - which i ordered online and delivery was delayed (will arrive next week - probably with the rain/bad weather!).

cheers muchly for the advice.

fludey

I have a similar patch on my Felt AR4 as well, just looks like a mark in the clear coat and its been there for a year and not changed in anyway....so think you should be fine

bruce225

Wow!! not happy with that feel sorry for us Boardman Carbon owners...

freddiegrubb

bruce225, elaborate please.

hounslow

2011 Boardman team carbons have lots of cosmetic 'blemishes', due to the matt finish on the carbon.

giant_man

maybe this is more common with matt finish frames who knows? wouldn't exist on cf frames with good laquer.

bruce225

freddiegrubb wrote:

bruce225, elaborate please.

Old post when i was a bit worried about mine...

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12752176&highlight=

rolf_f

giant mancp wrote:

maybe this is more common with matt finish frames who knows? wouldn't exist on cf frames with good laquer.

Matt lacquer will tend to hide flaws more than gloss. However, any clear coat, gloss or matt, by definition, is going to show up what's underneath to some degree. Otherwise it wouldn't be clear......!