What is this stuff made out of and can it be patched?

I wondered about this too. My fork looks like that.

I don't care to patch it but just wondered if it was a shiny plastic coating or clear coat. At one point I thought about replacing it but then I figured I'd just wait for it to explode.

Seriously, my 2002 fork looks like that and I wondered.


-Tim-

Yes especially for the two small ones going to the carbon I'm wondering if it's something to path with nail polish or something similar.

Well, if it helps, mine has been like that for many years.

Are the forks above fully Carbon or are they Aluminium with a Carbon wrap? Looks like the latter to me.

Mine is a 2002 Fuji Roubaix. BikePedia says "Fork Material: Carbon fiber composite w/chromoly steerer, aero crown."
Why does it matter?


-Tim-

They'll all have some kind of a clearcoat. I've been meaning to try experimenting with some, but try cleaning up the damaged spot a bit, then dropping on a drop of clear enamel.

UV protection is always good.

Mine is full carbon as well

It matters because if the fork was alloy with a Carbon wrap, the wrap may have been coming off, showing the bare alloy underneath. Much the same as a plaster wall with old, peeling wallpaper. Seeing as your fork is fully Carbon, then I am not sure what would cause the imperfections, maybe the clearcoat is peeling/cracking.

Can one patch up the clear coat damage?

Thanks.

I was not challenging but sincerely asking out of ignorance.


-Tim-

It's just the clear coat. It's pretty common for paint to separate from composites. Mold release that allows the composite part not to stick to the mold also does a good job of preventing paint from sticking. You'll need to thoroughly sand the surface before you can get the clear coat to stick.

I would think so, yes. Fingernail clearcoat is very strong, that could be used.

No problem. Now you know the difference between the two