isuckatbiking

I wanted to ask this when I bought it but I kept forgetting.

Its purely cosmetic but I was curious nonetheless.

The portions of the frame that are black have this weird discoloration going on. When i touch the questioned areas, it feels smooth like the other areas so Im assuming its not damage.

I attached some photos. Is this a defect on the fuji frame and should I get it warrantied or is this normal? Or the surprise choice is, it somehow got discolored from weather conditions. That seems unlikely given the material (CF) though. Thoughts?

https://i62.tinypic.com/x4ol4z.jpg
https://i58.tinypic.com/xauycl.jpg
https://i60.tinypic.com/dpjt5i.jpg

Rowan

In my opinion, there is something wrong with the epoxy and you should take it to the LBS to discuss frame warranty.

dtrain

I think that's just what UD carbon looks like. My Fuji is similar.

Leukybear 

Seems purely cosmetic to me... if Fuji warranties you out another one the same thing will happen eventually. UV rays is not to be underestimated.

Such an occurrence is less noticeable with matte carbon.

kleng

Were these patches there from new or have they developed over time ?

If you press the patches that are discolored, do they change shape e.g spread out, if they do it could mean you have moisture under the clear coat.

Rowan

Epoxy has been around for decades in yachting. It has been used for bike frames for a long time. It's resistance to UV has been increased substantially and on a new bike should not be an issue.

This may be a batch problem. But I would not be happy with this happening. And because it is below the shiny surface, no-one knows whether it is cosmetic, or in fact indicates a delamination occurring, or deterioration of the resin.

xjustice09x

Unidirectional carbon fiber does sometimes look like that. The clear coat probably doesnt help things. It wouldn't look so bad with a matte finish. I think I have seen tubes look like that on other carbon bikes from different brands.

Has it always looked like that or did this appear over time?

I would look at other fuji frames of the same model and see if they all look that way. That may be normal.

If you are really concerned about it take it to your local bike shop and have them inspect it.

isuckatbiking

Thanks for the speedy replies. You guys are always so tip top on that.

Regarding whether it was there form the start, can't really say. I forgot to ask the original owner (who purchased in June 2012) if it was there from the start. But when he first sent me photos, he did say that the marks were something he realized happened on some fujis when he googled the issue.

At 975, I figured the cosmetic issues were worth the low price. Plus it only had 350 miles (according to him). So if it was stored for the most of its life inside and had only 350 miles ridden outside, I would assume its not the weather.

Regardless, I might gander down to PB (where it was originally bought) or a LBS to see what they think.

I saw fuji's warranty and the frame has a lifetime warranty but the "finish" is only one year? What actually is covered under the lifetime warranty if there are so many exclusions?

isuckatbiking

Here are some updated photos in better light. Truly miffed on what this could be.

https://i59.tinypic.com/1g3oro.jpg
https://i62.tinypic.com/2s94t9y.jpg
https://i60.tinypic.com/1jfwz.jpg
https://i58.tinypic.com/fop3kn.jpg
https://i61.tinypic.com/211np53.jpg

The following pics are from a friends SL1 Comp. His bike uses C4 carbon compared to my C7 but not sure if that makes a difference.

As you can see, the black portions on his frame has a 12k pattern. His carbon fork also has this pattern. My fork on the other hand follows the google images of "raw UD" with the vertical lines. It doesnt have the same splotches as my frame which makes this more puzzling.

https://i60.tinypic.com/xcsqvq.jpg
https://i59.tinypic.com/2lnwn13.jpg
https://i57.tinypic.com/rtjdco.jpg
https://i61.tinypic.com/hrcug5.jpg

IcySmooth52

I work for a Fuji retailer, and I'm in college for design engineering (taken a course on composites). The difference between C7, C4, and C5 isn't material at all, but construction methods. C15 has a few different tubes with higher modulus carbon though. (High-mod isn't best everywhere, and isn't used everywhere on hi-mod bikes). The 12k on your friends bike is also only an aesthetic like any weave style.

I find it hard to see what you're trying to point out in those photos. But if it's solely discoloration, don't worry. And UV won't destroy any composite bikes unless it was left in the sun for years. I'd only consider it if it were like a "bubble" that's growing over time. (That could be delamination)

Samfujiabq

I have almost the identical bike,it's the SL1 Race,and the carbon jut looks like carbon fiber weave under a clear coat,,,no blemishes,mines a 2010,,so I dunno?

milkbaby

Maybe read this and check the picture: https://www.canyon.com/_en/supportce...articles_id=28





Here is another pic of a different frame with UD carbon:

surgeonstone

That happens when it's about to asplode.