How bad is this crack in my bike frame?

Robertmi

Dear fellow riders,

This is my first post here.... Please be kind....

I got my first ever carbon bike a coupe of weeks ago and I guess I cracked the seat tube by over tightening the seat post!

I have since done extensive research and reading on the subject (too late I know) so I know I should get a torque rench and be more careful but my main concern at this stage is how bad this crack really is and how to repair it...

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ifqzo6w0daczms4/Photo%2014-12-2015%2C%2012%2013%2031.jpg?dl=0


I hope I can get some feedback from some of the more experienced riders out there.


Thanks in advance!


Robert

Bobbinogs

I couldn't get that link to work. Can you try and post the image??

sungod

you need to get it repaired otherwise over time the crack may propagate further around the tube, shouldn't be complex

there are several cf repair specialists, if you say which area you're in maybe someone can recommend a local one, being able to deliver/pickup yourself saves the hassle/risk/cost of shipping

for instance, a quick google finds...

http://londoncarbonrepairs.co.uk/
http://www.carbonology.com/carbonology-repair-service-c-147.html
http://www.carbonbikerepair.co.uk/
http://spirecycles.co.uk/services/carbon-bicycle-frame-repairs/

...there are more

Matthewfalle

Link doesn't work

In future remember: carbon paste and torque wrench or Ritchey torque key and jobs a fish, as they say.

Robertmi

I am attaching the image, hopefully its accessible now.

I have been out for a 57km ride with the bike this afternoon and the crack does not seem to be any different. I also did not hear any creaks, etc.

And btw, I am based in Hannover, Germany...

sungod

it has cracked at the circular strain relief at the end of a slot, a high stress area, now the forces that would be transmitted through the cracked part are instead mostly at the tip of the crack

you may not hear anything, it might grow 0.001 or 0.01mm per ride, or it might be 0.1mm, but suddenly you might find it cracks halfway around the tube when you hit a bump or shift weight

the thing is, if you have a crack in a stressed area you have a problem, personally i would fix it before it gets worse, as you can be sure it will not get better!

Monty Dog

It's repairable, get it fixed. Leave it and it'll only get worse

Bobbinogs

Most people are saying the same thing on Road.cc

svetty

You could try installing a jubilee clip around the seat tube below the seat post clamp as a temporary measure to reduce the propogation rate until getting it repaired properly (use tape under clip to protect the finish).......

pilot_pete

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19761932#p19761932]Svetty[/url] wrote:

You could try installing a jubilee clip around the seat tube below the seat post clamp as a temporary measure to reduce the propogation rate until getting it repaired properly (use tape under clip to protect the finish).......

Now you are joking aren't you? :shock:

A jubilee clip? To reduce the propagation rate! More likely to further damage the post/ frame as the jubilee clip bites into it... :roll:

It will be a simple repair for one of the carbon specialists listed above. That is the ONLY way to go if you don't wish to damage your bike further.

PP

k-dog

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19764441#p19764441]Pilot Pete[/url] wrote:

It will be a simple repair for one of the carbon specialists listed above. That is the ONLY way to go if you don't wish to damage your posterior.

FTFY