So the above pic is of a small crack on the top tube of my 2017 giant tcr. Is there anyway to determine if the crack is in the paint verses something more serious?

Are those lines raised or depressed? My guess is that they're raised and are a screw-up in the paint shop. Beard hairs? Fibers of something anyway. Doesn't look like a crack to me.

The circular look to it makes me think of an impact crater.

Carbon Fiber?

I'd get it checked out by a shop.

Perhaps discuss with a frame repair shop like Ruckus Composites or Calfee.

Looks like an impact crack to me....bummer!

Caused by the handlebar at full turn?

I’ve worked for a CF frame builder, that also did frame repairs.

without removing the damaged paint, it’s impossible to tell if it’s damaged(without ultrasonic testing).

+1

Rotate you handlebars toward your top tube, if the bar meets the impact crater it is likely cause by the bar.

Since it’s YOUR bike, can you give us more info on how this occurred??

It was actually my LBS that noticed this crack, they are a giant dealer. The mechanic who found this while doing an annual maintenance overhaul on the bike suggested keeping an eye it and if the paint cracks anymore getting it checked out by a carbon repair shop.

Honestly im not sure, the only thing i can think of is a low speed crash (12 mph) I had middle of the season last summer where I laid the bike down while turning on wet pavement. But at the time I didnt notice any crack like this, and my leg and the derailleur took most of the impact, or so I thought. This is whats frustrating is I cant point to an incident of major impact.

This was the first thing I checked, the handlebars dont meet the top tube at the point of the crater.

I appreciate all the responses so far. Im just really bothered by this. I saved up for three years and sold another bike to get this one and the first season I have it I discover this. Cycling is so expensive the way it is that to have something like this happen is really disheartening. Sometimes I feel the bike is a giant moneypit!

Also I'll note too, that the cracks are superficial, nothing I can feel with my hand on the matte paint finish.

Got it. You can try the “tap test” (google it) but may need to buff off some of the paint to know for sure. I HOPE it’s just the paint but really can’t tell from the pic. Fingers crossed it’s ok!!

The weird thing is that the circles aren't quite circles, so it's not surprising they're not from the handlebar. They look like what happens when someone tries to scratch a circle with something pointy (like a key...), right down to slipping off and on the paint at the same points where the tube bends. Even so though, I think most people keying a car or bike would do long angry strokes, not draw circles in the same spot.

I'm not an expert on carbon. I'm also not very keen on carbon because this type of things.

I wouldn't feel safe on that frame without having it checked. If I couldn't find anyone who could reliable check it, I think I'd look for a replacement. A frame is always cheaper than falling off the bike at speed because the frame broke in half.

It's clearly the top coat, what is unknown is if it was caused by some kind of stress factor or impact. Therefore it's possible that the carbon underneath could be damaged. You could do a knock test, but true peace of mind would come by having it inspected by people who do it for a living.

PS. That's a really cool color combo. I don't think I have seen it before.

Thanks! I love this color combo myself! Yeah the challenge is I cant find anyone close who does ultrasound testing which means tearing it down, shipping it having it tested and then putting everything back on, the cost of which would be about as much as just getting it repaired.

If it were MY bike, I would take some fine grit sandpaper and see what's lurking underneath. Hope that the crack sands away before you get to the carbon fiber. You can always get some touch-up paint if it's superficial, or put a sticker with your name on it to cover it.