Carbon frame- dent or natural shape
 

I asked this over in road cycling and pretty much got the answer that it is a natural shape. Figured it couldn't hurt to post here for my final answer. It's hard to capture but, does this look like a dent or a natural shape to accommodate the chain ring? I would think if something whacked it the paint would crack. It's a carbon frame. Bought it on the auction site.

Carbon doesn't dent, it cracks and crumples. So that would the normal molding.

Thanks. The parts will go on. Happy riding will ensue.

that's clearance for the various ders. that may get mounted.

ride it.

It's the transition area from square to oval shape- common on Cervelo road frames.