Buying used carbon bike....what to look for?
12-02-05, 10:04 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Buying used carbon bike....what to look for?
Hi, I am meeting a buyer today to check out his carbon Giant and another tomorrow to check out his Kestral....when buying a used carbon frame, what are some of the things I should look out for? Does it crack or ding like an aluminium frame? Are there wear and tear signs/tells that I should look for? Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks.
12-02-05, 10:34 AM
#2
Former Hoarder
Besides all the obvious signs of wear, I'd look for a frame that came with a lifetime warranty. Now, these warranties are only good for the original owner, so I'd want to know if the person you are dealing with is the original owner and if they'd be willing to represent the bike in the future should you ever need service.
It means establishing a relationship beyond just the usual buyer/seller - one where you'll need to keep in contact after the sale - but if you are dealing with a decent person, it shouldn't be a problem.
Good luck.
55/Rad
It means establishing a relationship beyond just the usual buyer/seller - one where you'll need to keep in contact after the sale - but if you are dealing with a decent person, it shouldn't be a problem.
Good luck.
55/Rad
__________________
12-02-05, 03:07 PM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Look for any signs of surface abrasion, deep scratches or cracks. Also look out for bubbling of fibre or white spots on the fibre-this is delamination. Be wary of any repainted CF bike (the eBay bargains). Check seatpost for signs of galvanic corrosion (it will be impossible to remove the post). Ask him exactly why he's selling the bike.
12-02-05, 03:17 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: fogtown...san francisco
Posts: 2,276
Bikes: Ron Cooper, Time VXSR, rock lobster, rock lobster, serotta, ritchey, kestrel, paramount
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
check the top tube, bottom bracket and chainstay. make sure there is protector.
12-02-05, 03:47 PM
#5
Senior Member
Check the tubes partway down from the joints with your finger to feel for hairline cracks. That's what happened to mine when I crashed it hard head-on. The fork shattered, but you couldn't see the problem on the frame. It happened where the internal lugs ended.
12-02-05, 04:07 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 98
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i agree with Doc. ask why the bike is being sold. check it out closely, and be sure to ride it. double check the components and make shure it shifts into every gear without fuss.
