Damaged fork - opinions

dinyull

Bought a new bike from an online retailer last week, received on Thurs and ridden Friday.

At the weekend whilst changing wheels over and giving it a quick clean I noticed a chip missing from the fork dropout. (First off apologies for the quality of pics)





Pic of opposite dropous showing how the dropout should look:





I've had a quick measure - the non damaged dropout measures at 10mm - damaged drop out measures at about 6mm. So talking about a 4mm chip.

There doesn't appear to be any other signs of damage so I'm not too worried about the integrity of the fork. Is it something I should be speaking to the shop about - seeking fork replacement???

Opinions please.

dinyull

Should add - the chip is 4mm x 10mm.

fenix

Hard to see from the pics - but I think its just paint. So not important and you do get chips there.

I would get a new camera though.

dinyull

I appreciate the pics aren't the greatest, but it's definitely not just paint missing. There is a very definite chip or shard of carbon missing - as above the chip missing is approx 10mm x 4mm.

bbrap

Looks like the front end has been dropped onto a hard surface without a wheel in place. Could conceivably have been a rock hit it whilst out on your 1st ride but looks unlikely (as it would have probably taken a chunk out of the end of your skewer as well). I'd take it back and ask for a new fork.

sungod

put a bit of plain card behind the bit you are trying to show, then maybe the point of focus will be correct

assume you mean the driveside/righthand dropout

the images aren't clear, but it looks like the 'lawyer lip' has been snapped off, is that correct?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fork_end# ... r_lips.JPG

if so, that's not good, the purpose is to prevent the wheel being forced out if the qr isn't tight enough to retain it

dinyull

sungod wrote:

put a bit of plain card behind the bit you are trying to show, then maybe the point of focus will be correct

assume you mean the driveside/righthand dropout

the images aren't clear, but it looks like the 'lawyer lip' has been snapped off, is that correct?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fork_end# ... r_lips.JPG

if so, that's not good, the purpose is to prevent the wheel being forced out if the qr isn't tight enough to retain it

That's the one. I'm at work so won't take another pic as I'm not interested in 'proving' it's damaged on here.

Just wanted opinions on what people would do if their new bike came with this damage.

sungod

sure, well I'd be sending it back, it's a safety feature, one day it might help avoid a nasty prang

fenix

Isnt that part of the fork metal though ? Bonded into the carbon ?

dinyull

Some better pics which I've sent off to the shop.

Bobbinogs

Aha! Good stuff. Looks like a piece of the carbon bonding into which the steel dropout is embedded has been chipped off. I would look for a replacement fork (fitted, of course) although some shops may try and go for the "prove you didn't do it yourself" defence.

Start positive though, make it clear you are looking for a common sense resolution rather than a complete refund, etc.

dinyull

"prove you didn't do it yourself" - that's what I'm worried about.

I've removed spacers so have had the fork untightened, replaced the wheels and it's been ridden 24 miles now but can hand on heart say I haven't dropped the fork or noticed anything striking the bike. Fingers crossed they play nicely as there is no way I can prove it.

meacho6

Can anyone advise me the best way forward to pursue compensation for RTA. I was known kedgeree off my bike and the driver has been reported by the police for careless driving. I have sustained injuries and damage to my bike and not sure how to proceed. I am reluctant to use no win no fee lawyers but this appears to be only way forward.

fenix

Read this Meacho6 - viewtopic.php?f=40052&t=12722930

keef66

"I was known kedgeree off my bike and the driver has been reported by the police for careless driving"

Gotta love predictive text.

Get yourself a good lawyer.