buying second hard carbon frame bike

[02GF74]

tomorrow I will be picking up my first carbon frame mountain bike (welcome to the 21st century!) and just want to know how to check the frame out.
it is second hand.

obvious stuff is look out for chain gouges, signs of repair, unusual stickers covering repairs plus cracks around the major frame members - head tube/down tube/top tube/seast tube.

Any other pointers and advice most welcome



(it's like Christmas come early )

 

[Howard]

tomorrow I will be picking up my first carbon frame mountain bike (welcome to the 21st century!) and just want to know how to check the frame out.
it is second hand.

I wouldn't consider buying a second hand carbon framed bike. But if someone held a gun to my head and forced me to do it, I'd:

* get the previous owner to describe any crashes they may have had - velocity, impact points, repairs required to parts (assuming frame is defect free)
* make sure it's completely clean, with every sticker stripped off, then check the points you mention, running hands over all the tubes feeling for oddities
* check around the cable entry / exit points for signs of moisture damage
* with the seatpost out, I'd turn it upside down and check for moisture / liquid coming out
* check around every point where metal meets carbon looking for signs of abrasion / corrosion
* then get a good, hard ride on it, checking for unusual noises and flex

I'd also be inquisitive about how it was stored and maintained.

If all seemed well, I might then think about it

Good luck - I'm sure it will be fine.

 

[vorsprung]

the warrantee on most frames only applies to the original owner

 

[Wobblers]

I wouldn't consider buying a second hand carbon framed bike. But if someone held a gun to my head and forced me to do it, I'd:

* get the previous owner to describe any crashes they may have had - velocity, impact points, repairs required to parts (assuming frame is defect free)
* make sure it's completely clean, with every sticker stripped off, then check the points you mention, running hands over all the tubes feeling for oddities
* check around the cable entry / exit points for signs of moisture damage
* with the seatpost out, I'd turn it upside down and check for moisture / liquid coming out
* check around every point where metal meets carbon looking for signs of abrasion / corrosion
* then get a good, hard ride on it, checking for unusual noises and flex

I'd also be inquisitive about how it was stored and maintained.

If all seemed well, I might then think about it

Good luck - I'm sure it will be fine.

All good advice there. It's also a good idea to thoroughly check everything for any crash damage - scuffs to the frame, derailleurs, shifters especially. One other thing: carbon isn't itself affected by water - it doesn't rust or corrode so I think it's more important to check the metal parts (such as the dropouts) for corrosion rather than the frame itself.

I have a second hand carbon road bike, bought from Ed O'Brain on this forum. I've had no trouble with it at all (touch wood!). Perhaps the most important thing is to buy it from someone you can trust, and who'll give you a detailed history of the bike and a good reason why they're selling it.

 

[Howard]

One other thing: carbon isn't itself affected by water - it doesn't rust or corrode so I think it's more important to check the metal parts (such as the dropouts) for corrosion rather than the frame itself.

Interesting. I was under the impression that with prolonged exposure to water carbon frames will actually absorb moisture weakening them - hence making sure the thing hasn't been left around with water sloshing in it. A quick google led me to this - Inspecting carbon fiber bike frames- that pretty much sums up why I wouldn't buy one second hand (although if you trust the seller and it's been cared for, then hey, away you go!).

 

[cyberknight]

I remember this article...............

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/artic...tch-for-when-buying-a-used-carbon-frame-23020.

 

[02GF74]

I looked and checked and all looks good - couldn't find a mark. Condition tied up with seller saying he had used it 10 times or so.

Arty photo below.

 

[Howard]

Awesome, have fun with it!

I looked and checked and all looks good - couldn't find a mark. Condition tied up with seller saying he had used it 10 times or so.

Arty photo below.

 

[e-rider]

carbon mtb frames are not a good idea - that's why almost nobody is making or using them!

 

[02GF74]

yes, trek, specialized, gary fisher, cannondale, bianchi should all go back to making mtb frames from gas pipe, filled with Helium to save some weight.