Timster86

Hey all,

I've been reading these forums for a long time, first time poster. I know these forums tend to have an exaggerated view of bike problems:

"Don't buy a carbon bike, because if they are exposed to sunlight the epoxy will denature and one bump will cause your frame to explode. Don't buy aluminum because after the third ride the bottom bracket will fatigue and break. Don't buy steel because a drop of sweat will cause the entire bike to rust into nothing in the span of three hours, etc."

But, my question is regarding to chain stay damage on a carbon bike. Is it likely that chain suck/drop will damage the frame of a carbon bike? (Specifically, I am looking at the new defy advanced line)

Thank you very much.

buffalowings

It really depends. Chainsuck shouldn't happen in the first place if the drivetrain is kept clean. Dropped chains can be prevented with a chainkeeper. But chainsuck or a drop does occur, it might just scratch the clearcoat a bit..or it can potentially destroy the chainstay.

TrojanHorse

I've done it before and didn't kill the frame.

I'd prefer not too though, see @buffalowings advice.

gsa103

Chainsuck is quite uncommon, I wouldn't worry about it. Mainly happens with heavily worn or bent chainrings.

Dropping the chain to the inside is definitely a problem, but a chain keeper makes it nearly impossible. Putting some helicopter tape or other protective film on the chain stay will protect against cosmetic damage from a dropped chain.