Carbon fork: fixing mudguard insert

CW83

Hello,
I have just got a 2nd hand bike fitted with an Alpha Q CX-10 fork.

The fork has eyelets and an insert at the rear of the fork crown for attaching a mudguard.

The insert (I haven't tested yet whether it's aluminium or steel, but I think it's aluminium), basically a threaded cylinder that fits into a hole at the back of the fork, pulls out of when I screw a bolt into it to hold the upper part of the mudguard.

I think it was originally a simple press fit; perhaps it was glued.

I want to glue it back in, or wedge it in place with something (though it would have to be something very thin), without damaging or compromising the carbon fibre.

Has anyone else had a similar problem with this or any other brand of carbon fibre fork?

If I use glue, what sort should I use?

This is not a big issue, as I've been able to use two strategically placed black zip ties to hold the upper part of the mudguard; they work well and look smart in a functional sort of way, but I'd prefer to use a bolt.

Thanks.

Yossie

Araldite will work fine it and not affect the carbon.

g00se

Could it be a Sheldon Fender nut?

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/problem-solvers-sheldon-fender-nuts-per-pair-prod18687/

CW83

Thank you both for your replies.

Tx g00se: it's a CX fork, ie cantilever brakes. There's neither a hole in the front of the fork nor under the fork crown, just one at the rear for the mudguard. A Sheldon nut is not going to be appropriate, I think, unless you're envisaging something I can't imagine (in which case, please, let me know). But thanks.

Yossie: tx for Araldite suggestion, it is an option I'd been considering. I hope you don't mind if I ask if anyone else can second this suggestion, I like to triangulate positions, ideas, and opinions.

Best,

rpd_steve

It is a riv-nut. Most engineering shops could put a new one in for a few quid/beer. They start off a a barrel of thread with a plain crushable section and are inserted with a tool and compressed like a pop rivet. The wall of the rivnut buckles and crushes onto the wall of the fork against the flange on the outer surface.

Araldite will do the job too and wont damage the carbon. If it dosnt work you havnt lost anything.

CW83

Thanks RPD Steve for the confirmation re Araldite. BTW, it doesn't look like any rivnut I've seen as it has no crease, lip, or bulging as I'd expect from a rivet- or swage nut. On the outside it's a smooth, regular cylinder/disc. It's possible the previous owner replaced the original nut with this. In any case, I will Araldite it. Thank you all.