Road Bike Racing - Cracks in Carbon Fiber Frames

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kidspjm
06-20-03, 07:55 PM
Hi,

I have been looking into purchasing a used bike with a carbon fiber frame. I have seen quite a few adds stating that the carbon fiber frames have cracks in them. In particular cracks at the head lug down tube junction, and/or at the seat tube bb lug junction. Can someone tell me if these cracks are typically cosmetic or would you be concerned of structural damage? Most adds sound as though the cracks are only aesthetic. What do you think. Would you purchase a used carbon fiber frame with cracks in it?

Thanks for your help

A.troll
06-20-03, 08:11 PM
Carbon Fiber is a strong material but it has one major shortcoming: when cracked it tends to fail catastrophically. I would never buy a CF frame with a crack in it, especially a crack in a high stress location, like a tube junction.

I like to keep my boyfriends all in one piece. Do not buy a cracked carbon fiber frame!

:love:
Kev
06-20-03, 09:26 PM
I agree with A Troll if the frame has a crack don't get it! CF is very strong but if it is cracked it will break.

khuon
06-20-03, 10:53 PM
Buying a cracked CF frame is like buying used underwear with a hole already worn in the bottom.
Flaneur
06-21-03, 12:03 PM
I would never buy a used carbon fiber or aluminium frame, period. Other considerations aside, the cost of repair- and likelihood of success- would steer me to a safer option.

Wouldn't ride carbon if I weighed more than 175 pounds, either. A nice specialist /racing toy, but not an everyday bike.