I need a different perspective: while washing my bike I found damage to the top tube about 1/3 of the way back from the steering tube. I can't tell if the damage is minor or a serious structural problem sufficient to cause a catastrophic failure. I can't see that the tube is penetrated but the damage seems to extend through the paint into the metal. I know the metal is very thin at this point on the tube. The finish is factory clear coat over aluminum. It looks like something fell on the bike during the winter. I really do not want to buy a new bike or swap the frame.

The mechanics at my lbs couldn't judge the severity of the damage either but assured me that when aluminium fails it does so quickly with ugly results. They sent a picture to Cannondale but I doubt they'll comment on the safety of any damaged frame.

I had to downgrade the picture to meet the forum file size requirement so some of the detail is lost. I should add this is a 63" frame and I'm 6'6" at about 280.

Would you ride it?