Colnago CLX 3 - rough carbon around internal cabling

Hicksdesign
Hicksdesign Posts: 121
edited March 2013 in Workshop
I wonder if anyone out there has come across this problem. I took my Colnago CLX 3 into the LBS to have the rear brake lever checked over - it had a very 'crunchy' action compared to the front lever. It felt like a cable problem and they discovered that where the rear brake cable passes inside the top tube there is a rough area of carbon on the inside that its rubbing against. When I put the quick release on the rear brake you can feel the difference - the lever action is smoother again.

I can't see it myself (unless I remove all the cabling I guess) but I'm told it's near where it comes out the back of the top tube. My LBS weren't keen on trying to deal with it in case it caused the frame to crack.

So, my questions are: Has anyone else had this problem? Did you take it to an authorised dealer to sort out (or replace frame), or try and return it to where you bought it? I got this from Wiggle in the sales last year, but have since upgraded the 105 shifters and mech to Ultegra, so a return is out of the question.

Comments

  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,321
    Assuming you can't return it under warranty, a few options

    1) Have you considered using an outer cable as well as an inner inside the tube... would it fit or the hole is too tiny?

    2) is it something you can easily sort out yourself with a tiny file and a bit of patience? Remember carbon is a very soft material and can easily be smoothed. The area is under no particular stress (it has been drilled after all) so the risk is inexistent. People over-worry about these frames
    left the forum March 2023
  • Hicksdesign
    Hicksdesign Posts: 121
    Thanks for the reply! The LBS said that the hole is too small for an outer all the way through, but I'm tempted to have a look myself and see if I can get it with a needle file.
  • Hicksdesign
    Hicksdesign Posts: 121
    Had a go tonight with a set of needle files, but not much improvement. I think the rough area is too far inside to get too, and there's definitely no room for threading an outer cable all the way through. I think I'll try contacting Colnago UK as the next step and see where I get to.

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