Focus Izalco Ergoride Frame Crack, Cosmetic or Structural?
05-31-14 | 04:33 PM
#1
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From: Lexington KY
Bikes: Capitol Bicycles Custom Ti, Felt Breed 30, Specialized Sirrus Carbon Elite, Co-Motion Supremo Tandem
Focus Izalco Ergoride Frame Crack, Cosmetic or Structural?
I was wiping down my bike this morning after a ride, and noticed this:
You can barely feel the crack if you rub your fingernail across it. The folks at my LBS *think* it's only cosmetic, but they took pictures to send to Focus on Monday. The crack is at what to me would seem to be a high stress area? Has anyone ever seen a crack in this area of the frame?
The owner (good guy, knows his stuff) tells me to go ahead with my planned ride tomorrow. I'll probably do that, and check the frame at every stop.
The frame is still under warranty, so assuming the worst I shouldn't be out any cash (trying to find the silver lining here. . .).
You can barely feel the crack if you rub your fingernail across it. The folks at my LBS *think* it's only cosmetic, but they took pictures to send to Focus on Monday. The crack is at what to me would seem to be a high stress area? Has anyone ever seen a crack in this area of the frame?
The owner (good guy, knows his stuff) tells me to go ahead with my planned ride tomorrow. I'll probably do that, and check the frame at every stop.
The frame is still under warranty, so assuming the worst I shouldn't be out any cash (trying to find the silver lining here. . .).
05-31-14 | 05:34 PM
#2
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
It very difficult to tell if the crack is just in the paint or is really in the underlying carbon structure. I'd let Focus determine it.
06-10-14 | 04:53 AM
#3
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From: Lexington KY
Bikes: Capitol Bicycles Custom Ti, Felt Breed 30, Specialized Sirrus Carbon Elite, Co-Motion Supremo Tandem
Update. . .looks like Focus is going to give me a new frame. I dropped off the bike yesterday at my local Focus dealer for disassembly and shipping of the frame to Focus. I'll get my new frame shipped back once the old one is delivered.
Props to Focus for a customer service bonus. I bought a XXL/60cm frame, and really would be better served with a XXXL62cm model, so Focus is sending me the larger frame as my replacement. Hope to be back on the road next week!
Props to Focus for a customer service bonus. I bought a XXL/60cm frame, and really would be better served with a XXXL62cm model, so Focus is sending me the larger frame as my replacement. Hope to be back on the road next week!
06-11-14 | 05:29 AM
#5
Just for future readers' benefit, I'm not sure I would have ridden with that crack, given its location and apparent size. Yes, it could be nothing but why take that risk?
06-12-14 | 04:30 AM
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From: Lexington KY
Bikes: Capitol Bicycles Custom Ti, Felt Breed 30, Specialized Sirrus Carbon Elite, Co-Motion Supremo Tandem
Good question. . .The folks at my LBS were of the opinion that it was ok to ride, with a couple of precautions. I made sure to make careful use of the back brake, and checked the crack at every stop to make sure it wasn't growing.
07-10-14 | 04:32 AM
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From: Lexington KY
Bikes: Capitol Bicycles Custom Ti, Felt Breed 30, Specialized Sirrus Carbon Elite, Co-Motion Supremo Tandem
Pics of the replacement frame. . .Focus told me to pick any of the 2014 Ergoride frame graphic schemes. Honestly, I don't like any of them as much as my 2012 Black/White model, but this one doesn't look too bad, IMO. I need to do something with the saddle and bar tape eventually.
