Cube Agree GTC Pro 2013 - Carbon Frame Marks / Imperfections

[Michael Bull]

Hi all,

I have recently started cycling and have just purchased a 2013 Cube Agree GTC Pro.

When I received it I noticed that there are a lot of imperfections in the carbon frame, where you can see very visible lines and marks and also where the layers are butted together. You can also see cloudiness in the carbon in certain areas like the top bar except for a section approx. 3 inches along the middle. The areas themselves feel smooth.

The supplier has said this is perfectly normal and that it's more obvious because there is no heavy paint covering the marks.

When I took it to my local place they told me that this what you get for low end carbon bike frames (it was £1400 but got for £1100 due to last years model / colour scheme). I'm not so sure about that to be honest.

Any advice or feedback would be gratefully received as to whether this is common, or if there is a genuine concern for quality / workmanship on this particular frame.

I need to make a decision in the next day or so as to whether I need to send it back.

Thanks a lot in advance.

Mike

 

[smokeysmoo]

I'm no expert but I did have a Focus Cayo Pro a couple of years ago that was finished in a natural carbon weave as opposed to being painted.

In fact Wiggle at the time added a footnote to the decription advising people it was a natural finish as so many people had complained.

The Focus finish looked very similar to your frame in many ways, although TBH there wasn't the distinct lines that are clearly visible on yours.

If it were me I wouldn't be happy with that finish and I'd be looking at getting it exchanged, but I am pretty OCD when it comes to fit an finish on my bikes.

Good luck.

 

[migrantwing]

I'm sure someone will be along with better knowledge/advice than me, but those marks do seem a little severe. I'm not familiar with Cube frames and/or Carbon Fibre frames in general, yet I do know that some have a very rough finish (raw Carbon). Maybe your frame is raw Carbon with a laquer over the top, although it looks a tad 'off' to me.

@smokeysmoo you beat me to it

 

[Playpen]

I've got the same bike but the 2010 model and the finish is the same. When I first saw it I was a little disappointed too but there is nothing wrong, its just a more 'raw' or 'natural' finish to the carbon fibre frame. If you want a pretty carbon weave that is usually just a top coat of carbon laquer and typically will cost you more. My bike is usally covered in muck anyway as I'm not too hot on cleaning in regularly

 

[festival]

What I see in your composite frame is the cosmetic outer layer.
Cheaper models are finished with less finesse and that's what can seen here.

 

[Michael Bull]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I ended up sending the bike back and got exactly the same model, but without the severe markings.

Thanks again.

 

[migrantwing]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I ended up sending the bike back and got exactly the same model, but without the severe markings.

Thanks again.

Good man. I wouldn't have been happy with it either TBH.

 

[02GF74]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I ended up sending the bike back and got exactly the same model, but without the severe markings.

Thanks again.

let's see the pictures then

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

You're wearing socks with crocs

 

[Michael Bull]

You're wearing socks with crocs

Busted

 

[Dusty Bin]

Personally, I think those pics look great. No point buying a carbon frame and then complaining because you can see the carbon.

 

[Jamie Mendham]

I have the same problem with my cube agree gtc pro. Marks on the carbon fibre frame. Was the new bike they exchanged better than the original? Do you think it's worth sending back and getting another one?

 

[Michael Bull]

I have the same problem with my cube agree gtc pro. Marks on the carbon fibre frame. Was the new bike they exchanged better than the original? Do you think it's worth sending back and getting another one?

It's personal preference. There are still minor imperfections in the carbon frame (as expected) in my replacement bike but I have to say they are not as harsh in appearance as the original one (see photos above).

 

[MrGrumpy]

I have lines similar to that on my Raleigh however the only one visible runs right down the middle of my top tube. Doesn`t detract for me the look of the bike. However the OP pics do look like a patch work of bits glued together.