[Closed] I found a dent in my new bike 🙁

Look on the plus side; one of those carbon shards will almost certainly lance that boil on your arse as the frame explodes into a billion pieces.

Carbon doesn't dent. It could be a manufacturing fault (most likely imo) or it could be the result of a crash or a combination of pressure and vibration against something hard. If the area has been depressed or is "soft" the frame is compromised

As I have said before carbon varies hugely in terms of quality and higher quality costs a lot more. Also the manufacturing process is complex leading to potential variations in the finished product. It doesn't respond well to impact particularly with sharp objects/edges.

But it hasn't hit, or been hit with a sharp edge.

Are you telling me its ****ed, and has cost me £350 per ride?

plastic bikes are something i keep away from.

sorry to be no help.

Give it a tap, if it's delaminated it will sound hollow/different to the surrounding area.

What bike is it?

My bet's on an On-One. Any takers?

It's a Vitus. And the previous photo I saw of it, this "dent" wasn't visible.

That's not where your brake/gear lever would hit the frame? It looks too far back, but....

druidh as it......chip innit

That's not where your brake/gear lever would hit the frame?

or where workstand would clamp?

This reminds me of I conversaton I overheard a while back.
Guy was discussing taking his bike back to the shop to look at claiming a new gear shifter under warranty. It had snapped off while hauling his bike over a deer fence and dangled the weight of the whole bike off the shifter.
I'm sure that was just a manufacturing defect too though. 😆

Its about 3" from the seat tube, so no the H/bars wouldn't it. It has been in a workstand. but clamp further up the tube because direct opposite that is an exit point for an internal cable route - plus I never tighten the clamp tight.

Scotroutes, which photo one of mine? If its the "whole bike" pic I posted on new-bike-day you wouldn't have seen it from that distance?

Do you know what, it might have been there from new - look at my prior Flickr pic, and zoom in to the TT where the verticle line of the breeze block at the saddle end intersects the TT

[url= https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7523/27902412461_649a3c86ce.jp g" target="_blank">https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7523/27902412461_649a3c86ce.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/JvDa7V ]image[/url]

Which also means its not exploded when riding as I've ridden it since.

Regardless of whether it will break, send it back: it's a defect. Make sure you at least get a new frame out of it.

It should be a warranty replacement imo, in terms of a silver lining its good news it happened so quickly

That's the photo I was referring to. I can't see the fault in that photo but maybe you can at a better resolution.

Regardless of whether it will break, send it back: it's a defect. Make sure you at least get a new frame out of it.

I'm reluctant to, as I'd need to replace all the stock parts, its a faff. And I've sold the OEM wheelset subject to payment & collection.

I've contacted CRC for advice with the same pic, lets see what they say.

That's the photo I was referring to. I can't see the fault in that photo but maybe you can at a better resolution.

click on the pic, go to flicker and zoom in - its there.

I can see it on the Flikr image. The distorted light reflection gives it away.

I'm reluctant to, as I'd need to replace all the stock parts, its a faff. And I've sold the OEM wheelset subject to payment & collection.

Hence why I said make sure you get a new frame out of it. I would imagine they'd send you a new frame, rather than a complete bike, any way.

I would imagine they'd send you a new frame, rather than a complete bike, any way.

CRC innit, so I would not assume anything.

How's it ride then Kryton?

They will need the entire bike back for exchange so I wouldn't go selling any parts off it yet......

How's it ride then Kryton

Light, fast, stiff and comfortable. Other than the above, I'm very happy with it. And I still will be if it doesn't explode, crack etc.

My experience of crc was the full bike had to go back, and I had changed the group set etc. I would be contacting the wheel purchaser and knocking that on the head. It might knob them off, but it's a legitimate issue, so don't really think anyone would hold it against you. I can't understand how you didn't see it till now?

[img] [/img]

if there is no actual exposed fibres/visible crack then I would guess it's a defect from something in the tool (mould). Carbon can dent but you would normally expect there to be some rear face damage and delaminations before getting any real visible damage on the impact face, certainly anything easily noticeable.

But it's tiny! Be pleased that it's now no longer pristine, therefore you can rag the tits off it without worrying about a rock strike or two.

Your view may differ, and it's your money so fair enough.

Personally be ok riding it as its probably not a dent per se but a defect as mentioned in other posts, and so wont really effect anything much. CRC will probably report it to the manufacturer, who will issue a credit. I would therefore expect CRC to offer you a credit (not huge mind - carbon frames aren't that expensive to make so they wont get that much back) but enough to compensate for what is in reality likely a non-issue other than the way it looks.

[img] [/img]

Light, fast, stiff and comfortable. Other than the above, I'm very happy with it. And I still will be if it doesn't explode, crack etc.

Good to hear, probably a good thing they are sold out but still on my list if I see one secondhand.

That is a very handsome bike! Risers spoil it a bit for me, but that's being really picky. Lovely job, just enjoy 🙂 (and get a credit if you can)

Injection moulding point? 😉

That's a nice frame though.

Actually, can someone explain what the heck is going on with that saddle, looks like a chunk missing, or is it sun cream in my eyes?!

I'll be following this with interest.
One of Vitus FS bikes is appealing, but little worries about CS.

@ PJM No injection molding for CF. Or was that a joke?

@bear - The saddle is part matt part gloss and the gloss bit looks odd.

@ [url= http://www.ganymede.tv/2003/09/insult-list/ ]Rubber-headed eunuch[/url] - if you're going to post pics you need to do it in a way where the reflections aren't so distracting; inside perhaps?

Crack, defect, light or whatever...

Why would you clamp a frame by the top tube in a workstand anyway? Just use the seatpost!

Is he dead yet?

You riding it at the Bonty 12hr? I predict it'll fail catastrophically after 11hrs and 59 minutes 🙂

@ PJM No injection molding for CF. Or was that a joke?

Never heard of vacuum infusion?

I would have thought it would be prepreg not infusion

I'd argue that it snot really the same as injection moulding.

Either way, we need better pics 🙂

EDIT - and [i]don't [/i]clamp the frame, man!

I've got the Anthem at the Bonty, although now I know it's been there form the start it had been races 5-6 times. No news from CRC yet, but when I get home I'll take some better pics.

Why wouldn't you clamp the frame ? I guess you have never stuck your bike on a roof rack ?

What if it's a carbon seat post . Dropper post , aero post or any other multitude of reasons.

And for the paranoid I've seen carbon seat posts and alloy frames trashed by people who shouldn't be allowed tools. Mostly the people rather than faults.....

I wouldn't clamp the frame as:

*This is probably not the usage case imaged when designing the layup, CF is only strong in the way it's designed to be strong.

*Seatposts are cheaper than frames and with thicker walls as well. Mostly they're round, unlike the frame, so bigger contact with the clamp less force/area.

Yep so never put your bike in a roof rack either then is that what your saying ?

Well, I don't.

I suggest people refer to the manufacturer's advice to decide what they want to do themselves.

#you're

trail_rat - Member
Yep so never put your bike in a roof rack either then is that what your saying ?

clamping your downtube in a rack where the wheels are supporting the weight isn't the same as clamping the top tube in a work stand. I have seen a couple of crushed top tubes in the past, there didn't seem to be much metal there (see also people denting their top tubes in minor crashes)

Ah yes the hamfisted mech.

I watched a chap turn his new g zero into a colnago many moons ago

Mmmmm Gilco.

So, no update from CRC but an attempt at better pics was hard due to the light in the frame, so here's a vid for those interested which highlights the issue well:

View this post on Instagram

In the vid you might also see a slight depression UNDER the top tube below the dinmple, which I notice also. So I ran my fingers along and can feel some very slight yet not visible "ripples". This is all opposite the cable exit point, so in wondering if this is an issue with the manufacturing process. Tapping the TT reveals no difference in sound except for where it deepens in sound toward the Seatpost which is as to be expected.

@kryton nicely video'd yes imho its 100% manufacturing issue

From that video it looks to me like there's a rub going through it, although that could be a reflection. You can also see another distortion below it on the bottom of the tube when the camera is about as far back as it goes.

It is probably a manufacturing fault but I'd be checking those to make sure they're not from clamping 1st if you're sending back. I'd ride it like though.

Is not from clamping. I clamp mine - rarely but when I do on the middle of the top tube further up, and despite the assumptions above its never tight - just enough to stop the bike falling out so actually the clamp is loose.

You reckon it's safe then? What's a rub?

I would ride it were it second hand/sold as a defect. If I had just got it new I would certainly be sending it back though.

FWIW anything decent in cf will be far far thinner in the middle of the tubes than at the end. So even a loose clamp combined with tightening/loosening bolts gives a fair chance of damage.

Clamp it on the seatpin. I even have a dummy seatpin for one of the bikes. (Light carbon frame. Light carbon seatpin)

[quote=trail_rat ]Ah yes the hamfisted mech.There are people on here who can't operate a Presta valve without breaking it. Best not suggest they clamp a carbon frame 😆

Kryten, I suggest you contact Vitus; that looks like a layup defect or suchlike.

Bon chance.

Well, CRC want it back for inspection. I'll update as I get an answer.

So, after inspection CRC have declared the frame safe to ride and are telling me the "dent" is merely a "dip in the lacquer" and are offering me two new Tyres for my troubles.

Are the Stw Carbon experts accepting of this explanation?

🙂

No

Not much else you can do if thy say that. Other than dig your heels in and demand a replacement. Worse comes to worse, you might be able to seek recompense via CC if you're not happy with their assessment.

Thing is they've had a look in the flesh. Everyone on here has only the pics to go on.

Safe doesn't come into it. I'd want a dent free one. Just the same as if the paint was damaged on a new car or some stitching was unraveled on clothing.

But then again I am an arsehole 😀

Pretty standard response for something deemed to be only cosmetic damage. Had you noticed it on delivery you'd have had an easy time getting it swapped, as it is, think its a case of take the tyres and move on

Dip in the lacquer is bollocks, its microns thick not mm.

This looks like a point where multiple layers of carbon overlap, there's probably been less than perfect fulfilment from the bag in the mould with the result that there's been a touch of fibre drift and / or less than perfect consolidation in the top layer. The carbon is there it just bows down a tiny bit at this point.

Carbon frames have these little imperfections, most of them do. With a painted frame when there's not a beauty layer on top they'll fill these with fine filler, perfectly acceptable. Sometimes the dips are too small to get enough depth of filler in for it to hold.

Nowt to worry about, just not the visual perfection we all crave.

Hmmm.

They've declared it safe, it already came with a 15% discount so as long as it's warranted comes back with 2 Rocket Rons with tubes should I really care?

If you saw what the inside of a carbon frame was like then you wouldn't be worried about that.

A frame with damage would have to be reduced by more than 15% to sell it. 50%?

Good thing is they've admitted its a manufacturing error. I wouldn't be happy having it back, even if itis purely aesthetics.

I'd want to know if the inspection was carried out by Gaz in goods-in or by someone who actually knows what he's looking at.

Given the timescales though & if it is indeed only aesthetic then I'd just crack on (no pun intended)..... 😉

Gaz was on his lunch break. I think Doris from accounts had a quick look.

I'm not interested in selling it. I'm going to race it until it dies one way or another. And therefore cosmetics isn't important either hence my earlier statement.

So I'll accept I think as long as it's warrantied.

If it cracks and you die, can I have your bike?

Oh hang on....I've not thought this through.

An update: despite some communcation issues between us I'm informed today something is being sent back to me. However both me and CRC seem to be uncertain that the box I'll receive might be:

A) my original frame
B) a new frame
C) my original frame with some token tyres I didn't want
d) my original frame with the tyres I asked for and would actually use
E) any combination of the above
X) an empty box

Maybe X is the best option, they pretty much have to give you a new frame if they've lost the first one.

C.

I have some lucky white heather that you can have,it will protect your bike if you put it inside the seatpost.
£200 paypal gift,cheers 😛

I'll have two, are you happy for me to double and pay my own fees?

Deal,you won't regret it.
No more mechanicals during races and it makes you 36.2% faster.
I will post them off tomorrow.

I can only accept postage by Western Union I'm afraid.