Rivets in carbon frames?
#1
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 493
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From: Huntington Beach
Rivets in carbon frames? FAILURE UPDATE!
How many manufacturers use rivers to fasten the front derailleur hanger to a carbon frame? Is this a kosher procedure? My Focus FD ripped out ! They covered the indentation with a plastic plate bonded to the tube and provided a clamp on derailleur bracket.
My concern is that the bracket doesn't crush the carbon tube. If it was actually round to start with I probably wouldn't worry but they had to build up on one side and I am wondering if the tube will crush, and how will I know if it's happening......
My concern is that the bracket doesn't crush the carbon tube. If it was actually round to start with I probably wouldn't worry but they had to build up on one side and I am wondering if the tube will crush, and how will I know if it's happening......
Last edited by AlexZ; 07-13-11 at 10:39 PM.
#4
My SLT developed a crack in the seat tube where the clamp on derailleur was located. It's a little over an inch long, but when I would start to put some pressure onto the frame it would make a very noticeable creaking noise. I am betting that you will notice if something happens.
#5
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 493
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From: Huntington Beach
And now an update: As I feared, today in the middle of my ride and about 20 miles from home a thunking sound and the FD is blocking the pedal! Not while shifting , not while climbing but on plain flat ground! Turns out the derailleur clamp they installed has crushed the tube and pinched it at the clamp bolt!
The frame is shot! I bent back the tip of the derailleur cage with my thumb and limped home on the one down two up I could shift without disturbing anything. When I got home I took the bike to the LBS.......We shall see what Focus wants to do about this, but as I see it they owe me a new frame (bought on father's day) !
To those of you constantly criticizing Chinese frames, heed the warning! The German frames are no great guarantee of quality either......






