Practically new Trek Checkpoint CF frame...not great results from a small accident
10-29-18, 09:40 AM
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Practically new Trek Checkpoint CF frame...not great results from a small accident
A friend of mine has a nearly brand new Trek Checkpoint SL...5 (I think). He had a low speed accident a couple days ago, laid the bike over on a curb, and now he's looking at having to replace the entire frame because the rear fork is structurally compromised. It's currently at a local bike shop being evaluated, but their initial assessment is that the fork is cracked all the way through. New frame: $2200! He paid $2700 for the bike. Hoping for a proration from the Trek rep since he bought it less than a month ago. If not, he's considering replacing it with an aluminum frame.
I count this as fair warning to me that even a relatively minor accident on a carbon frame can be pretty bad. Silly me, I thought one of the advantages of CF was not just that it's lightweight, but also very strong. That strength might have lower limits than I imagined. Time to be really careful on my Domane!
I count this as fair warning to me that even a relatively minor accident on a carbon frame can be pretty bad. Silly me, I thought one of the advantages of CF was not just that it's lightweight, but also very strong. That strength might have lower limits than I imagined. Time to be really careful on my Domane!
10-29-18, 09:53 AM
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A friend of mine has a nearly brand new Trek Checkpoint SL...5 (I think). He had a low speed accident a couple days ago, laid the bike over on a curb, and now he's looking at having to replace the entire frame because the rear fork is structurally compromised. It's currently at a local bike shop being evaluated, but their initial assessment is that the fork is cracked all the way through. New frame: $2200! He paid $2700 for the bike. Hoping for a proration from the Trek rep since he bought it less than a month ago. If not, he's considering replacing it with an aluminum frame.
I count this as fair warning to me that even a relatively minor accident on a carbon frame can be pretty bad. Silly me, I thought one of the advantages of CF was not just that it's lightweight, but also very strong. That strength might have lower limits than I imagined. Time to be really careful on my Domane!
I count this as fair warning to me that even a relatively minor accident on a carbon frame can be pretty bad. Silly me, I thought one of the advantages of CF was not just that it's lightweight, but also very strong. That strength might have lower limits than I imagined. Time to be really careful on my Domane!
There is no rear fork. I believe you're referencing the seat stays.
There are a carbon repair shops that would be able to fix your friend's frame for probably less than $400. When I had a crash, I was getting quotes between 275-350 to fix my seat stay.
CF is very strong - it can be layered in so many ways to make it extremely stiff in areas and flexible in others. However, it does not take to impact well at all.
As a personal thing, this is one of the reasons why I prefer to buy Chinese carbon frames from one of the reputable manufacturers. $4-500 for a complete carbon frameset, shipped to my door. If I have an accident like I did, a new frame isn't going to kill me financially.
10-29-18, 09:56 AM
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A few things.
There is no rear fork. I believe you're referencing the seat stays.
There are a carbon repair shops that would be able to fix your friend's frame for probably less than $400. When I had a crash, I was getting quotes between 275-350 to fix my seat stay.
CF is very strong - it can be layered in so many ways to make it extremely stiff in areas and flexible in others. However, it does not take to impact well at all.
As a personal thing, this is one of the reasons why I prefer to buy Chinese carbon frames from one of the reputable manufacturers. $4-500 for a complete carbon frameset, shipped to my door. If I have an accident like I did, a new frame isn't going to kill me financially.
There is no rear fork. I believe you're referencing the seat stays.
There are a carbon repair shops that would be able to fix your friend's frame for probably less than $400. When I had a crash, I was getting quotes between 275-350 to fix my seat stay.
CF is very strong - it can be layered in so many ways to make it extremely stiff in areas and flexible in others. However, it does not take to impact well at all.
As a personal thing, this is one of the reasons why I prefer to buy Chinese carbon frames from one of the reputable manufacturers. $4-500 for a complete carbon frameset, shipped to my door. If I have an accident like I did, a new frame isn't going to kill me financially.
10-29-18, 09:57 AM
#5
Senior Member
Get it repaired for a fraction of that and not worry about it. With a good fix that frame can be (and look) as good as new.
10-29-18, 11:53 AM
#9
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Assuming this is not a troll post keep in mind that any impact against a fixed curb hard enough to damage a Carbon fiber frame, in this case the seat stays which are one of the weakest points, would like have damaged a steel, aluminum or titanium frame as well.
10-29-18, 12:17 PM
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funny, but that's my first rule of buying a new bike. If you crash you can easily total an aluminum frame or steel frame too not to mention wheels and components. A lot of people run out and spend money on a bike that they can't really afford let alone afford to replace. It's not Trek's fault that your friend crashed his bike. If he has some sort of insurance policy that would cover him crashing his bike and the deductible is low enough to make it worth using it to replace the frame then he'll be lucky. Trek will probably offer a discount on a replacement frame as well
10-29-18, 02:28 PM
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funny, but that's my first rule of buying a new bike. If you crash you can easily total an aluminum frame or steel frame too not to mention wheels and components. A lot of people run out and spend money on a bike that they can't really afford let alone afford to replace. It's not Trek's fault that your friend crashed his bike. If he has some sort of insurance policy that would cover him crashing his bike and the deductible is low enough to make it worth using it to replace the frame then he'll be lucky. Trek will probably offer a discount on a replacement frame as well
I was just surprised that what really did seem like a minor accident could basically 'total' his bike. And it definitely makes me much more cautious on my Domane. I'm getting the same insurance, with a $200 deductible, once I see how they handle his claim. $200 and the ~$20/mo premium I can easily afford. Buying a new frame possibly multiple times depending on my luck, not so much.
10-29-18, 06:24 PM
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A few things.
There is no rear fork. I believe you're referencing the seat stays.
There are a carbon repair shops that would be able to fix your friend's frame for probably less than $400. When I had a crash, I was getting quotes between 275-350 to fix my seat stay.
CF is very strong - it can be layered in so many ways to make it extremely stiff in areas and flexible in others. However, it does not take to impact well at all.
As a personal thing, this is one of the reasons why I prefer to buy Chinese carbon frames from one of the reputable manufacturers. $4-500 for a complete carbon frameset, shipped to my door. If I have an accident like I did, a new frame isn't going to kill me financially.
There is no rear fork. I believe you're referencing the seat stays.
There are a carbon repair shops that would be able to fix your friend's frame for probably less than $400. When I had a crash, I was getting quotes between 275-350 to fix my seat stay.
CF is very strong - it can be layered in so many ways to make it extremely stiff in areas and flexible in others. However, it does not take to impact well at all.
As a personal thing, this is one of the reasons why I prefer to buy Chinese carbon frames from one of the reputable manufacturers. $4-500 for a complete carbon frameset, shipped to my door. If I have an accident like I did, a new frame isn't going to kill me financially.
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_e-f.html#fork
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10-29-18, 06:41 PM
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10-30-18, 09:42 AM
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Don't have it repaired. You know what will happen.
10-30-18, 09:45 AM
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I think with his $200 deductible, his best option is going to be to make a claim against his insurance. Depending on how well they handle it (Velosurance) I will be getting my own policy with them ASAP. My Domane SL8 would be even more expensive to replace.
11-02-18, 04:48 AM
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and.. there it is. I had a feeling that this was heading toward a company name reveal..
11-02-18, 04:53 AM
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Joe's wife sure is grateful that Joe has life insurance. Wild Kingdom is brought to you by Mutual of Omaha. Buy your policy today!
11-02-18, 04:56 AM
#20
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At any rate, he got some news from the bike place about repair vs replace. Repairing his frame, since he has two structurally compromised points, would cost in the neighborhood of $1k. Last I heard, he's made the claim and is waiting to hear back. In case anyone cares, I'll update the thread when he gets resolution. Or maybe keep advertising in my unknown capacity as a semi-sentient bot? Who knows.
It's early, it's Friday, and I have 150 kids at school to try to convince that it's worth learning about ecosystem interactions on this gorgeous fall day. On the plus side, it'll be a great day to ride after school!
11-02-18, 08:17 AM
#21
Senior Member
Carbon fiber repair is expensive because of fear. Easy to put a high price on fear. The last guy you want to repair your CF frame is the mechanic who is trembling in fear of liability. You want a mechanic who treats this as normal everyday repair work. As there is already an accusation of placing ads on this thread I will not mention the name of the shop I would use. Doesn't make sense to use any but local in any case. Proprietor of shop has forty years CF experience, worked with Trimbles on original Kestrels. His price would be more like 200 for what has been described. If the job is a lot worse than described an entire rear triangle could be created for 1000.
Most frames brought to my guy he calls the mfr and they replace the frame immediately for free. It does help he has been around and knows many in the industry. Then he has a leftover frame he can repair and give away. He does give them away but few will take them as CF is still the new kid on the block and fear rules. Many high priced and completely repairable frames go to the dumpster. ---Trek is about the worst on any type of post sale service. If they cared about making the next 2700 sale they would handle this.
Most frames brought to my guy he calls the mfr and they replace the frame immediately for free. It does help he has been around and knows many in the industry. Then he has a leftover frame he can repair and give away. He does give them away but few will take them as CF is still the new kid on the block and fear rules. Many high priced and completely repairable frames go to the dumpster. ---Trek is about the worst on any type of post sale service. If they cared about making the next 2700 sale they would handle this.
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