jppe

Of all the luck. I would bring the bike to Tucson that very possibly has a crack in the top tube of the carbon fiber frame........

I took the 5900 out for a shakedown ride just to make sure I'd put all the parts on correctly. Everything worked great except for a popping or cracking noise under the saddle. I have had this noise for over a year and even had my LBS thoroughly check it out but we never could put our finger on it. On rides I'd usually only hear it after hitting a bump in the road or maybe sitting up changing saddle positions-but not all the time.

Today it was a lot more frequent and easier to duplicate. All I had to do was sit back on the saddle pretty hard or push back on the bars. When I got back to the start, I looked over the frame and finally found what appears to be a hairline crack in the top tube. It runs around the top tube and about 1/4 the way around the tube. The line is well defined and is at the spot where the tube joins the seat post a few inches out from the seat post.

I took it by one of the top LBS's in Tucson and had them take a look at it. After much debate and discussion, we really don't know the extent of the problem. However, they repeatedly said they would not be concerned about riding it tomorrow. Easy for them to say since they don't have to ride it!!

Long story but seems interesting-as I was unloading my bike in the parking lot. A really nice 50+ gentleman was leaving the shop and we made conversation. When he heard why I was there, he offered that he had another bike in his garage in my frame size with full dura ace gear and would be glad to let me ride it. He even went back inside the shop with me to see if I might need it.

I've decided to go ahead and ride my bike and try and take it a little easy. The 50+ fellow was very, very nice and we spent several minutes talking outside afterwards. He gave me a lot of tips on the ride-the various staring groups, the tougher spots on the ride, crossing the 2 river beds on foot, etc. Should make for one interesting day.

Maybe I should just make another tee time........

DnvrFox

This thread might be helpful - it includes info (a ways down) about repairing a TT.

https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/305319-cracked-top-tube-please-give-me-your-opinion.html

DnvrFox

And another

https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/57495-got-crack-my-carbon-repairable.html

Tom Bombadil

Duct Tape!

hotwired

Reinforced with electrical ties! Hotwired in Milwaukee

big john

Good luck jppe! As I'm sure you know, keep an eye on it and if it starts growing, it might be time to SAG.

BengeBoy 

I'm curious about this creature you met in Arizona. Do you mean there are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable 50+ bike riders? So helpful that you would actually describe them as "gentlemen"?

I didn't know people like that existed....

jppe

[QUOTE=BengeBoy;7896364]I'm curious about this creature you met in Arizona. Do you mean there are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable 50+ bike riders? So helpful that you would actually describe them as "gentlemen"?

I didn't know people like that existed....[/QUOTE

I've been able to run across quite a few out on the roads riding bikes and also a number on the golf course....

zonatandem

Hey, show some respect for your elders sonny!
Will be 76 next month, live in Tucson and doing my 25th El Tour . . .
I'll be riding Bike Patrol (again) . . . yeah, we help out all sortsa folks out here, even you 'youngsters'.
So if you're mechanically, physically or mentally impaired on El Tour, us Bike Patrolers are out there to help.
Enjoy the ride!
Rudy/zonatandem

PAlt

You should be finishing about the time this is posting. Hope the ride was successful and the bike held up. That crack in the frame is a bummer, not a good way to end an otherwise successful season. Guess you'll be taking another look at those Storcks,... or maybe a Guru?

big john

Trek is pretty good about their warranty. I've not heard of them denying a legitimate claim.