Frame dent=not safe to ride
11-20-07, 04:12 PM
#1
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Frame dent=not safe to ride
My Specialized Roubaix has a dent close to the bottom bracket on the outside of the chainstay. It had obviously been caused by a dropped chain. I took the bike to the Specialized dealer where I bought the bike and they said it "should be OK to ride". Not too convinced about this I took it to Specialized dealer #2. They were much more doubtful and suggested that the Specialized rep take a look at it next time he comes by. So I just got the call from the shop, that the rep had recommended against riding it anymore
.
The dent is about 2 mm in diameter, round and almost 1 mm deep. I know it is hard for anyone here to judge the severity of this but I am just wondering if the rep said this due to liability issues and being overly cautious (sorry I have no pictures).
The shop suggested a possible repair by Calfee, who apparently does these things and secondly a new frame from Specialized under their crash replacement program that discounts frames about 30%.
It is pretty easy to put dents into carbon frames and I started to think of the possibilities of something similar happening to more expensive carbon frames. I have been happy with this bike, but now I feel luke warm to bying another carbon frame at all.
I would appreciate any opinions with regard to the necessity of repair/new frame or go with other materials. So much for looking forward to the rides during the upcoming holiday
.The dent is about 2 mm in diameter, round and almost 1 mm deep. I know it is hard for anyone here to judge the severity of this but I am just wondering if the rep said this due to liability issues and being overly cautious (sorry I have no pictures).
The shop suggested a possible repair by Calfee, who apparently does these things and secondly a new frame from Specialized under their crash replacement program that discounts frames about 30%.
It is pretty easy to put dents into carbon frames and I started to think of the possibilities of something similar happening to more expensive carbon frames. I have been happy with this bike, but now I feel luke warm to bying another carbon frame at all.
I would appreciate any opinions with regard to the necessity of repair/new frame or go with other materials. So much for looking forward to the rides during the upcoming holiday
11-20-07, 06:52 PM
#2
eternalvoyage
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If you have the money, why not look into other materials, like Reynolds 953?
I used to like carbon a lot, but this sort of issue has put me off. Now I would much rather have a 953 frame.
I used to like carbon a lot, but this sort of issue has put me off. Now I would much rather have a 953 frame.
11-20-07, 06:56 PM
#3
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If this happened to steel or even aluminum it would be a non-issue.
So much for plastic bikes...
So much for plastic bikes...
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Today, I believe my jurisdiction ends here...
Today, I believe my jurisdiction ends here...
11-21-07, 01:08 PM
#4
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The chainstay is the most common location for frame breakage in any material (even steel) and is not considered particularly safety critical. You notice the bike feeling a bit soft and making some funny noises. Lance A. sprinted to a mountain-top victory in the Pyrenees on a carbon trek with a shattered chainstay.
Other locations for breakage have more immediate results (head-tube, fork, seatpost, crank) and will result in injury.
It is up to you though to decide. Personally I wouldnt ride a carbon frame that was damaged in such a highly stressed area.
Other locations for breakage have more immediate results (head-tube, fork, seatpost, crank) and will result in injury.
It is up to you though to decide. Personally I wouldnt ride a carbon frame that was damaged in such a highly stressed area.
