Should a crashed Carbon Frame be written off?

craigus89

Following my other thread about my incident and crashed bike, I wondered if anyone in the know or anyone with experiences similar can offer their thoughts. Bike is currently being assessed by the bike shop where I bought it for value of damage, I have a solicitor dealing with a PI claim etc.

Speaking to a couple of people and they seem to think that seeing as it is a carbon frame it should be written off as there may be damage that is currently not visible. I think I have seen threads on this before but can't find them and didn't pay much attention at the time.

Interestingly, a different LBS I popped into the other day to get some bits from told me the same thing, they would write it off if it was an insurance claim to be on the safe side. Is this really necessary? Seems a bit extreme to me...

Sirius631

If it's coming out of insurance, it's like it's being paid for by someone else. That said, if bikes are being written off unnecessarily then it will result in higher premiums for everyone.

Of course a bike shop would recommend writing it off; they've got an eye on a sale, no matter how unlikely it is.

On top of that, it's like having the family pet put down. Now I'm guilt tripping you.

Rigga

I wonder what the pro teams do after one of their riders has a crash, how do they check the frame for any potential weaknesses? Do they simply get out a new bike? Sorry to thread hijack...

fenix

I think the cost of injuries atec from a catastrophic failure of a once crashed frame vs the cost of writing it off makes it an easy decision for insurers.

It all depends on the type of crash though.

Good point about pro teams. It would be good to hear what they do. It'd make an interesting article.

Monty Dog

Most shops don't have the knowledge or capability to test a carbon frame to ensure that the structural integrity of the frame hasn't been compromised - all they can do is look at it - therefore few would be prepared to give a categoric statement that it would be safe to ride.

Pro teams are sponsored by bike companies - they'd never want to a see a frame break

moyesie

Of course an LBS is going to suggest writing the frame off.

1.) They don't have the ability to determine for sure if it's beyond repair, safe for use.

2.) There is a good chance the insurance settlement will be coming their way!

Bozman

I've had a few big crashes on carbon frames and they've been fine and one of them was a side impact from a car, but on the one occasion where an insurance company was involved they' wrote everything carbon off.
The assessor told me that there was no way that they could guarantee the integrity of anything carbon after an impact, so i got to keep the bike and received a cheque to the value of all of the carbon parts minus 15% depreciation.

nferrar

If it's covered by insurance then for peace of mind I'd want it written off. If it wasn't covered by insurance then I'd consider the type of crash and try and gauge how much force the frame received and in which direction but if there weren't visible signs of damage chances are I'd carry on riding it (I've certainly crashed a few times on one of my carbon road bikes and still ride it), there's always a risk though so it's up to the individual if they want to accept that risk.