Frame crack?

pangolin
pangolin Posts: 6,656
How worried would you be about this?

It's suspiciously close to where the seatpost ends.

Carbon frame, matte paint.




- Genesis Croix de Fer
- Dolan Tuono

Comments

  • pangolin
    pangolin Posts: 6,656

    - Genesis Croix de Fer
    - Dolan Tuono
  • N0bodyOfTheGoat
    N0bodyOfTheGoat Posts: 6,063
    Hard to say, but it made me go and check my 2016 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc!
    ================
    2020 Voodoo Marasa
    2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
    2016 Voodoo Wazoo
  • How thick is the paint? Can you see whether the crack extends into the carbon (probably not as this is usually only possible where the paint chips, but worth a look with a loupe/magnifying glass).

    Having had a couple of steerer tubes crack, carbon can crack along a seam in that kind of thin fissure, similar to your pics.

    That is not to say it is a carbon crack but something to keep an eye on.

    The problem is, and others may know better, with a painted frame it is very hard to tell unless you take it to a specialist, and even then it is not a 100% guarantee (unless the frame is clearly cracked, which yours isn't).

    The tap test with a coin does give an indication, but again it is just an indication.

    I would get two bits of tape and wrap one around the seat tube at the top of the crack, and the other at the bottom. If the crack starts to extend beyond the tape (or widen noticeably) then might to time to get it properly checked.
  • Munsford0
    Munsford0 Posts: 680
    The close up photo does look concerning to me. Is it the original seatpost and has it ever been ridden with it beyond its minimum insertion?

    Assuming you bought it new, think I'd be contacting the retailer
  • pangolin
    pangolin Posts: 6,656
    Munsford0 said:

    The close up photo does look concerning to me. Is it the original seatpost and has it ever been ridden with it beyond its minimum insertion?

    Assuming you bought it new, think I'd be contacting the retailer

    Yes original, and no never over extended. Thanks for the comments.
    - Genesis Croix de Fer
    - Dolan Tuono
  • Only way to check is sand it down or xray it if its out of warranty .
  • DeVlaeminck
    DeVlaeminck Posts: 9,107
    It does look like a crack - I'd get it checked out - carbon repair can be very economically viable.
    [Castle Donington Ladies FC - going up in '22]
  • me-109
    me-109 Posts: 1,915
    You can get some cheap USB boroscope/ endoscope type cameras these days. If you haven't got one, it would be worth getting and using that down the seat tube. If the frame is cracked through that should be visible.
  • webboo
    webboo Posts: 6,087
    You could try and run some petrol down the inside of the seat tube and see it leaks through the crack. Petrol will go the smallest of gaps if I’m right with remembering what I was taught 50 plus years ago.
  • pangolin
    pangolin Posts: 6,656
    edited June 2023
    Not looking good and firmly out of warranty :'(

    If anyone spots any bargains on road frames, 58 - 60cm, for discs and thru axles, please let me know!
    - Genesis Croix de Fer
    - Dolan Tuono
  • N0bodyOfTheGoat
    N0bodyOfTheGoat Posts: 6,063
    pangolin said:

    Not looking good and firmly out of warranty :'(

    If anyone spots any bargains on road frames, 58 - 60cm, for discs and thru axles, please let me know!

    When you say 58-60cm, are you basing that off the very odd geo of the Cubes, that size small compared to many other brands?
    ================
    2020 Voodoo Marasa
    2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
    2016 Voodoo Wazoo
  • The petrol test is a good idea, but as the poster says, on old one. Vapes are a thing now, so maybe puffing a load of that down the seat tube in the dark, then close off the top and see if any smoke comes out of the crack with a torch.
    It's a variation of how we trace water leaks on cars these days.
  • MidlandsGrimpeur2
    MidlandsGrimpeur2 Posts: 2,123
    edited June 2023
    Are you definitely out of the warranty period? The standard is 2 years but Cube seem to offer an additional 6 years on carbon frames made after 2012. Have you gone past the 6 year mark too?
  • veronese68
    veronese68 Posts: 27,851
    Even if out of warranty it might be worth contacting them if you bought new. Can't think of the wording but its something to do with reasonable life expectancy, a bike frame should last a considerable time. If bought used you are probably on your own.
  • pangolin
    pangolin Posts: 6,656

    pangolin said:

    Not looking good and firmly out of warranty :'(

    If anyone spots any bargains on road frames, 58 - 60cm, for discs and thru axles, please let me know!

    When you say 58-60cm, are you basing that off the very odd geo of the Cubes, that size small compared to many other brands?
    58 for most, 60 for cube!
    - Genesis Croix de Fer
    - Dolan Tuono
  • pangolin
    pangolin Posts: 6,656

    Are you definitely out of the warranty period? The standard is 2 years but Cube seem to offer an additional 6 years on carbon frames made after 2012. Have you gone past the 6 year mark too?

    Hmm, the cube page I read said 3 years for carbon, and the retailer agreed.

    I'll try cube direct though it's worth a punt.
    - Genesis Croix de Fer
    - Dolan Tuono
  • Munsford0
    Munsford0 Posts: 680
    Planet X demise likely to result in any suitable frames appearing shortly??
  • If it is a crack, get it repaired! It's a dream (easy) repair for a reputable carbon repair outfit. Depending on where you are, there's a multitude of places. Probs IRO £200 repaired/ painted (don't quote me on that though)
    • Target Composites (Cheshire)
    • Fibre-Lyte (North East)
    • Carbon Reincarnation (Lancs)
    etc etc etc