Chip in Carbon Frame

Aaronblinkme

Any advice on whether the chip in this carbon frame is just superficial - and if so best way to repair it? Thanks in advance

First.Aspect

Resolution is a bit low, but does that go all the way through?

MattFalle

Can't see due to poor quality pics. Soz.

Aaronblinkme

I was told it doesn’t go all the way through - these are the only pics I have?

First.Aspect

MIght be black paint, primer and a tiny bit of carbon showing then. But too pixilated to tell really.

Is it something you have or something you are thinking of buying?

Aaronblinkme

Thinking of buying! Apart from that the frame is in immaculate condition. It was described from the chain dropping

Wheelspinner

While it's a good thing the seller has at least shown the imperfection, if it was me, I'd not buy a frame like that unless I could actually see it for myself. I've bought a few frames with "minor" chips and marks which have turned out to be a bit more significant.

pinkbikini

Looks to be caused by a jammed chain, as you’ve been told. Bit of touch up paint and clear lacquer (maybe a satin one if you can find it) and once chainset is on you won’t notice it.

Highly unlikely to cause any major issue structurally. I had a frame with a worse chip than that in the chainstay. I tried to destroy frame by laying flat and bouncing up and down on rear triangle (90kg) - no breaking. Sawed halfway through each chainstay and tried again - no breaking. Carbon really is incredibly tough.

But if you have doubts then either a personal inspection or walk away - peace of mind is worth more than a bargain.

MattFalle

tbh, if it is jeffed its a simple repair for a carbon repair shop, if its not then a blob of nail varnish.

make sure any price you pay reflects future costs.

is it such a special frame that you must have it? can you just not find another that isn't giving you worries?

First.Aspect

It is most likely in a place where the carbon is pretty thick, I agree, but it is still a fair way from the BB.

Slightly odd place for that kind of damage. Can only think it is from back pedaling after a chain drop. Or perhaps jamming into a box or the boot of a car. And even if it is just the paint, it will occurred where the chain is crushed between the frame and the chain ring.

If it were mine and I'd done it myself, I would know whether or not I'd applied the equivalent of a pit bull's bit force and likely wouldn't worry in the slightest. But I'm not sure I'd buy it, particularly sight unseen.

Ben6899

I had an old Cadex frame with a heck of a chunk out of the carbon BB shell - caused by chain suck - no problem.