Is this carbon fork safe to ride?

[zigzag]

i've noticed some cracks on the carbon fork lacquer when cleaning my bike. not sure how long they have been there, but now that i know about it, i keep asking myself if it is safe to ride with these forks. it looks like it's just the top coating that's suffered from some impact, i've no idea how to check if the carbon underneath is intact. i fell of the bike about a month ago on a very slippery road, but didn't crash into anything just slid to a stop. i've ridden the bike quite a bit after that, including some rough roads and i'd like to believe there is no structural damage, but i'm no expert in carbon technology. i need your opinions on this matter please

 

[Sam Kennedy]

Just looks like the lacquer is scratched, nothing to worry about, but for real peace of mind you might want to take it to your lbs

 

[frank9755]

Funny shaped scratches - any idea how they happened?

I'd agree with Sam - they look superficial. You might want to coat them with clear nail varnish to keep water out (that's what I've been recommended to do on a carbon frame)

 

[buggi]

they look like scratches to me too, but just underneath the lower stratch to the left there is some discolouration/dent in the carbon. is that just off the flash or is it part of the same problem?

if you're really worried, nip it down the LBS for peace of mind.

 

[fossyant]

Scratches that's all. Take some car polish to them to lessen their visibility, and use a clear coat to cover the chipped bits. Just cosmetic.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Absolutely nothing to worry about.

Tiny surface marks that you will find on any material after a little use and abuse.

 

[zigzag]

thank you for replies! these marks may look like scratches in the photos, but they are the marks of some knock/impact although probably not strong enough to worry about.
even if it breaks (which it won't/shouldn't) i can saw off the right leg and carry on riding cannondale lefty style.

 

[fossyant]

It's fine, don't worry.

 

[accountantpete]

If you look at pic 2 you can see where the air has got in under the finish - no problem as far as I can see.