Weird pattern on fork
 

My new bike arrived today
A Wilier Jareen

Brand new from Chainreaction

there is a weird pattern on fork on the right side

It is a black carbon fork with a very high shine clear coat, looks like it could just been clear coated carbon, but can see no weave, and the lighting at 9pm in the living room at night is not the greatest

smart phone using its flash was the camera.

It feels smooth till you get to the decals

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9642250cee.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...892e864636.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...35bdb13931.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...61a5b5043a.jpg

looked at the other side

its the same

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8b355bc62f.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...df33ad0996.jpg

That's normal for that type of carbon layup. I have the same patterns on my DeRosa and Wilier

same on both sides

more pics

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...FEQWFXUk9PM2p3

Normal for clear coated carbon.

If you are concerned, take images with better lighting and send to vendor. Ask questions, get answers so there are no questions should it fail.

Ah yes, the old you think it's carbon but it's really a trash bag thing :)

The weave pattern that you see on some carbon fibre frames and forks is there for appearance, not function. I would have more faith in your fork than one that had a nice weave pattern that could cover up internal defects

It looks like molding marks where multiple pieces of the mold were squeezed together, then filled and baked.

It looks bumpy to me. I'm wondering if somebody forgot to clean up the carbon fiber before applying a clear coat filler layer.

Probably not structural. But, odd.

Have you seen the marks on identical bikes from the same model?

That type of carbon is called 'veil' and it's non-woven, like felt. Normally used for an appearance layer. What you're seeing is wrinkles because it doesn't pull smoothly over irregular (curvy) areas as well as weave. The crown is often aluminum; so what they've done is cover it with veil instead of 'artfully' transitioning from black paint to carbon weave. Personally I like the veil better.

I have emailed CRC the pics

Why not take it back to the store and speak directly with the people you bought it from?

Chain Reaction Cycles (CRC) is mail order only, no actual stores.

+1

There is one in Belfast.

I'm in Manchester, its a bit a PITA to get to Belfast.

I Note, there is a Ferry across the Irish Sea, Liverpool to Belfast..

They have replied

"Thanks for your email.

I'm glad you are loving the bike. I have checked with our bike experts and they have advised this is normal, it's a weaved design on the carbon fork, and it forms from the different sheets of carbon that have been glued together. e.g the lay and weave of the carbon. Looks pretty cool. You have got a better spec than that which is listed under the description and from the advice the bike experts, you have nothing to worry about.

I hope this answers your question, if you need anything else, please don't hesitate to contact us.


Thanks,"


They have said I can return if I want to as well

"Looks pretty cool." Ya, on a bike that isn't yours. What a reply from the seller. Wow.

That fork looks like crap.

Aye

I think its a combination of the way the fork is made plus the added bonus a poor clear coat application that should not have passed QC.

I looked at it again before I left for work, the right side is appalling compared to the left, I think return is probably going to be my course of action

Send it back if you are not happy. Just put it back in the box and their courier will pick it up. No need to sail to Belfast!

It will niggle and bug you in the future. I sent a bike back a few months ago, no hassle. Their courier picked it up and money was back in my account in a couple of days.

I would not accept that answer. That thing is one bump away from the dreaded carbon explosion. Did you order a good helmet too?

Would this "wrinkling" appear on any CF fork? I have an AL Colnago, AL Masi and steel Guru. All have CF forks. I have never seen this.

Some of the carbon layup may be done in a two step process, with a cosmetic top layer added after the initial layup.

Another trick might be to build a crown and legs independently, then epoxy together.

It is quite possible that the paint on carbon fiber parts not only provides cosmetic coverage, but also hides expected seams and mold marks.

There is likely no structural difference between the fork above, and one painted so that the carbon layup is not visible. But, it does create odd effects.

I looked for some photos of Wilier frames, and didn't see anything quite like the OP's bike, although some photos appeared as if the carbon was intentionally smoked, or greyed.

I don't think there is any structural reason to return the parts, but it is "cheap" if one is paying a couple thousand bucks for a bike that just looks like a cosmetic second.

Is there a reason for customers to accept second rate work? Perhaps returning a few will encourage businesses to consider form, function, and cosmetics.