DavidECook

Hello-
I just purchased a new Ti frame and as I was looking it over, I 'felt' rather than saw what appears to be a scratch along the Head Tube. In order to view the affected area, I had to shine a light on it. What scares me about this is that my finger nail catches when I draw across it. The scratch (or crack) runs length wise and is perhaps a couple inches in length. Is it more likely that this is just a scratch that happened during the fabrication process? There are no dents or anything around the affected area and personally I would be surprised if Ti was able to crack in this manner.

So, my question; is there a way to distinguish between a deep scratch and a structural crack? If its a scratch is there a way to 'buff' that out of a Ti frame? (I have a brushed finish, so my understanding is that this sort of thing is possible without affecting the asthetics of the frame as a whole. But I need some else's guidance and wisdom.)

Comments, opinions, and advice is most welcome and thanks in advance.

jimc101

This is something you should really take up with the supplier / manufacturer, as it's new; for a cosmetic or structural defect, there should be warranty on it, and by doing any work yourself, that will invalidate that warranty.

TiHabanero

If the "crack" is very linear, ie, smooth and straight, it is likely not a crack at all. Take jimc101's advice, contact the supplier and have them give you guidance.

DavidECook

Actually, affected area is jagged and rough. But I thought that since it's not readily visible, that it's likely a slightly deeper scratch. I think what concerns me is that my fingernail catches... But Thanks for the input. I've already spoken with my dealer who assured me that they have my back if a larger issue emerges. My problem is that I'm in Germany and my dearler in in the States :-) That makes shipping a lengthier process not to mention the lead time to get a new frame fabricated.

Thanks again!