Ominous 'line' in carbon-fibre fork. Should I worry?

[PaulB]

I've had this bike for 18 months now and its done about 2,500 miles. I was changing a wheel yesterday and noticed a fine white line on the inside of the right-sided front fork. This didn't rub away and is a perfect arc front to back. It certainly wasn't there before and when you rub your nail over it, it 'clicks' indicating a line of some sort in the material. When I get time, I'll take it back to the suppliers but in the meantime, should I stay off it?

 

[dellzeqq]

yes. It sounds as if it's in the glaze, but, hey, why take the risk?

 

[black'n'yellow]

it the arc's profile the same as the tyre's..?

 

[PaulB]

Took it in to my friendly LBS and they reckon it is a mark in the glaze and it's structurally sound. They pointed out where the frame normally goes on that model and it's nowhere near the forks which they say is 'bomb-proof' (mind you, at that price, I'd want them to be). They also told me that frame produces an ominous noise prior to you needing to purchase a new bike. According to them, all is well.

 

[fossyant]

They also told me that frame produces an ominous noise prior to you needing to purchase a new bike eating tarmac.

Fixed that - oh, same goes for any material.

Just check it's not at the junction of the fork blade and alloy crown/steerer, or indeed near any carbon crown/blade junction. Just give it a good inspection - torch light might help. Sounds like a scratch to me though. Carbon doesn't just 'split' straight across, unless it's at a carbon/alloy joint !

 

[ColinJ]

I believe that the only ominous noise that bromptonfb heard from his carbon-fibre MTB when it broke was it exploding!

 

[dellzeqq]

Took it in to my friendly LBS and they reckon it is a mark in the glaze and it's structurally sound. They pointed out where the frame normally goes on that model and it's nowhere near the forks which they say is 'bomb-proof' (mind you, at that price, I'd want them to be). They also told me that frame produces an ominous noise prior to you needing to purchase a new bike. According to them, all is well.

I'm sure they know what they're doing, but that's not necessarily true.