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Carbon Frame Buckling

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Carbon Frame Buckling

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Old 08-11-09 | 08:59 AM
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Carbon Frame Buckling

About 6-7 months ago I purchased an 08 Felt F3. I had a frame issue where the rear dropouts were not correctly placed before being fused with the frame, causing the deraileur position to change depending on the tightness of the wheel skewer. The frame was warented and I receved a brand new 09 FC frame to replace the old one.

When I got the new FC frame, it was perfect, smooth, and sleek in every way. Believe me, I looked this thing over after having gone through my issues before. After a month or so of riding, I started to notice some bumps in the frame. Starting on the seat tube, just a few 2-5 inches below the seat post clamp, there were some small horizontal, 2cm long "dents" in the clearcoat. As time went on, I saw the same thing around the bottom bracket area.

Gradually these small "dents" kept popping up everywhere. One or two on the top tube, and a few ripples on the down tube. I tried to take photos, because the "dents" are so slight, and the clear coat is so shiney, it just doesnt come out. the best way to describe it would be as if you lightly pressed a pen onto some silly putty.

I contacted Felt, and talked to a few riders I know, who said this sort of thing happened with Trek where the external shell was flexing against the internal supports at the joints, but it shouldnt happen in the first 3-4 months of owning the bike.

Any advice on how common this is(especially with Felt Frames), is it normal, what should I do? I have a tune up scheduled next week, where the mechanic is going to take a look.
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Old 08-11-09 | 09:04 AM
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From: MABRA

Bikes: 2007 CAAD9; 2014 CAADX; PedalForce CG1

I've never seen it before.

The only damage I've seen to a Felt frame was my teammate's F1SL, and that happened when he endoed at 35mph.
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Old 08-11-09 | 09:21 AM
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I would think this is a problem with the finish and not the carbon delaminating.
If it is the finish then it will react to extreme heat or cold.
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Old 08-11-09 | 09:32 AM
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From: Ffld Cnty Connecticut

Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales

Sounds defective at some level. I would not expect any frame to change from day 1, barring any accident (crash, drop etc...)
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