I've got myself a Giant OCR Zero ('05 Model) 3 weeks ago (fantastic bike I might add). Rather annoyingly, I had a dust up with a car the other day, which has resulted in a number of scratches on both the front (CF) and rear forks (full composite).

I'm not a really to keen to turn to the driver of the vehicle and ask him to pay for a new bike (he was at fault and does not dispute that), however, I'm just wondering if the scratches could lead to any issues further down the track i.e. weaker frame etc.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

-Chug

It seems the question should go to Giant Bicycles. But why take a chance on having a frame fail and maybe cause serious injury. I would submit a claim to the driver's insurance and have the frame replaced.

submit the claim, get a new frame.

Had a carbon/alumiminum frame that was hanging off the back of my car on a rack. Got rear-ended. Carbon took a direct hit but did not appear outwardly smashed. Al lugs cracked though and I had the bike replaced a la the other guy's insurance... If you can get Giant and/or your local authorized Giant dealer to make you a statement which says the bike is unridable and the other guy has insurance - no problem.

There could be damage you are not able to see.
Even a dealer cannot tell by just looking. Go for a new frame.

The only way to tell if a carbon fiber component has damaged to the point of failure is to perform destructive testing. If it does not fail until beyond the designed limits, then the part was not damaged. Xrays do not give adequate information regarding hidden damage.

Get his insurance co. to replace the bike (or at least the frame).

Doc