Bicycle Mechanics - Flaking clearcoat on Epoxy fork

Ok, I am adding some fenders to Reynolds Ouzo Pro Aero forks and I figure the rubberized metal straps that go around the bottom of the fork should have a layer of electrical tape to cushion them before I put on the straps just to make sure they don't wear the carbon. Anyway, I get a fold in the tape and pull it off to have another go at it. Only problem is a large flake of clearcoat comes off with the tape when I pull it off. My question is- Does this comprimise the fork in any way? The part of me that has worked with epoxy and fiberglass weaves before tells me no, and that the part that flaked off is likely an overcoat to protect the epoxy resins from UV. If this is true then It should be OK as long as it is covered with the tape. The carbon weave appears intact under the flake, it just doesn't have the shiny look that the topcoat gave it anymore.

There is another side of me though (the one that likes to go 40 mph down hills and worries about these things) that wants a second opinion. Anyone out there care to chime in?

Fiberglass rules apply. Are the fibers exposed or is it merely in the gelcoat? If the fibers are still covered then no big.

Fibers are still covered. Just the gelcoat. Thanks for the peace of mind.

Ok, I am adding some fenders to Reynolds Ouzo Pro Aero forks and I figure the rubberized metal straps that go around the bottom of the fork should have a layer of electrical tape to cushion them before I put on the straps just to make sure they don't wear the carbon. Anyway, I get a fold in the tape and pull it off to have another go at it. Only problem is a large flake of clearcoat comes off with the tape when I pull it off. My question is- Does this comprimise the fork in any way? The part of me that has worked with epoxy and fiberglass weaves before tells me no, and that the part that flaked off is likely an overcoat to protect the epoxy resins from UV. If this is true then It should be OK as long as it is covered with the tape. The carbon weave appears intact under the flake, it just doesn't have the shiny look that the topcoat gave it anymore.

There is another side of me though (the one that likes to go 40 mph down hills and worries about these things) that wants a second opinion. Anyone out there care to chime in?

question 1: why are you putting fenders on a fork designed for a TT or triathlon racing bike?
question 2: why are you putting on fenders if you live in arizona?

just FYI, it is not wise to clamp anything around a carbon fork. carbon is strong stuff, but it doesn't respond well (as you've seen) when things are done to it that it isn't designed for.

1. it is my commuting bike which I am also using for randonneuring
2. last time I rode in the rain I got soaked, dirty, and my schedule is busy enough that I need to take any riding time I can get, even if it is raining. Incidentally in a normal year rain is not uncommon in the desert in wintertime, it may not be daily but I have had enough rides ruined because of it to feel a need for fenders. If you live in Flagstaff fenders are a must if you want to commute in winter as well as full weather gear for snow and blizzards.

Lastly, the clamps have a rubber coating, under that is electricians tape, and even then they are not clamped tightly. I have them located around the bottom where the aluminum plugs for the dropouts are located. They are not clamped any tighter than your average bike computer unit mounts are.

BTW- Forks came with the bike (Mercier Corvus) when I bought it, don't know why the mfg put it on this bike. Reynolds 531 frame with rack braze on on back ( I like the frame as I can use it for more than just racing or club riding). Fork is 2 years old at this point and has about 13000 miles on it. I guess I could just buy a new fork but this one seems to be working just fine still. Anyway, short story is, I just ended up a giant sponge after riding home in the rain a few weeks back and wanted to be prepared next time (which will likely be tomorrow).

Fenders are a safety item in any riding, so far as I am concerned. Splashes and gravel stink when in a person's face.