2015 Trek 7.3 fx frame defect?
 

I purchased this Trek 7.3 fx about 2 months ago from a LBS. I was cleaning it last night and noticed this crack looking thing on one of the chainstays. It almost looks like it was glued back on. But it also looks like it was professionally cut? I really have no idea. Check out the pictures and let me know what you think.

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http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=468598

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Have you touched it with your fingers?

Certainly looks dodgy to me, but I haven't dealt with carbon that much.

Yes I touched it and it's sharp around the edges like it doesn't fit perfectly.. Dang it.

Btw this is an aluminum frame. And I'm only 190 lbs so that's not it. Anyone ever seen this on a new trek?

its not an extra glued on piece over the top to protect the chain stay is it? does it curve around at the top and bottom?

Are you talking about the clear plastic tape on top of the drive side chain stay? That is to protect the chain stay from chain scratches. You can remove it if it really bothers you, but your chain will chew into the finish.

It's a clear, adhesive backed protector against scratches from the chain. Like a clear sticker.

No, it's the crack on the Frame itself. Some pictures are from the outside looking in, others are from the bottom where you can see the crack going alongside the bottom of the chain stay.

Azza, I don't think so. It looks just like the other chain stay but this one looks like a piece chipped or was cut off and glued back together.

so can it be taken off then? That's good news!

You could remove it and replace it with one of these:

Lizard Skins Chain Stay Protector | Chain Reaction Cycles

But why would you? It is supposed to be there.

Chain slap protective for the paint and metal beneath it.. its a feature not a defect , leave it alone .. just ride the bike...


The Trek Dealer is who You go to ... this forum cant do anything to cure the perceived problem ..

Thanks bob, but the reason I posted here is because of all the members we have that can help me (like they did). Why would I bring my bike into the LBS when I can get the answer here? Now I know what it is, thanks guys!

I'm going to agree that it's a chainstay protector - just a clear one glued on. That's why you feel the rough edge. Many bikes have them. Sometimes they're clear to make them "invisible", others may be shiny silver and quite visible. It's to protect the paint. Leave it there - it's supposed to be there, and if you take it off, eventually you'll notice you'll be scratching and scraping the paint off the frame. Actually, if it's taken you two months to notice it's there, I'd say they did a good job of hiding it!