A "nick" or more serious?
04-08-21, 09:14 PM
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A "nick" or more serious?
I'm in the market for a new-to-me bike, and I'm considering a used Cervelo R3. The front carbon fork has what the owner describes as a "nick." Some might call it a gouge. I'm wondering whether this is cosmetic or more serious. I'm a newbie here and so can't yet post pictures, but a buddy will add a photo of the fork. Any advice much appreciated.
04-08-21, 09:29 PM
#2
Dopamine Junkie
Here's a photo of the "nick". Looks more like a gouge to me--cigarette burn maybe? I've included the other photo just for context.
04-09-21, 12:52 AM
#3
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As far as i know even a nick can be serious on cf bicycle specially on the fork.
04-09-21, 02:02 AM
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Hard to say from a small photo. If the damage is only to the paint and has not broken any fibers, it will just look beat up...but if there are damaged fibers, the carbon would need to be repaired.
04-09-21, 02:05 AM
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A few things to consider, why is the seller selling this, There are plenty of bike for sale with 'little' imperfections/damage like this, got to wonder why they are selling, do they know how the damage happened, and don't want to say? Got to go with the burn rather than nick idea, but thinking having a feel of the edges would tell more.
That bike has from the look of it 6700 shifters, it not a matter of if they will fail, but when, so be aware of that.
That bike has from the look of it 6700 shifters, it not a matter of if they will fail, but when, so be aware of that.
04-09-21, 03:15 AM
#6
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I don't like how that looks. Specially on a fork.
It seems to have some depth which, IMHO, means there are damaged fibers and/or delamination, which is a no-go on a fork.
It seems to have some depth which, IMHO, means there are damaged fibers and/or delamination, which is a no-go on a fork.
04-09-21, 08:33 AM
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04-09-21, 08:52 AM
#8
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If it were me, I wouldn't buy it. There's not any room for error with Carbon, especially forks. A little nick can compromise the integrity of the structure around it. If it was a dent in a steel fork, I'd say, yeah maybe, but carbon? No.
04-09-21, 08:52 AM
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Subtract the cost of a new fork from the price of the bike. If the seller isn't willing to come down to that or near, then there will always be another bike somewhere sometime.
If the seller does give you a better price and you buy the bike, you don't have to immediately get a new fork. Just watch it. If if becomes a problem, then you can get another fork. And you'll have the extra money to do that with, since the seller gave you a reasonable price for you taking on their risk.
If the seller does give you a better price and you buy the bike, you don't have to immediately get a new fork. Just watch it. If if becomes a problem, then you can get another fork. And you'll have the extra money to do that with, since the seller gave you a reasonable price for you taking on their risk.
Last edited by Iride01; 04-09-21 at 10:08 AM.
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04-09-21, 10:03 AM
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The easiest way to know if there's damage to the actual fibers, is to sand the area down with some wet sand paper, probably 400 grit. Minor damage to carbon can be repaired easily at home, but at the end of the day only you can decide if it's "safe" or not.
If the price is right, I say go for it. You may consider buying a new fork if there is actual damage to the carbon, they can be had for a couple hundred bucks.
If the price is right, I say go for it. You may consider buying a new fork if there is actual damage to the carbon, they can be had for a couple hundred bucks.
04-09-21, 10:26 AM
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04-09-21, 11:36 AM
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Maybe helpful ascertaining replacement cost:
https://mybikeshop.com/more/componen...ice=400&page=2
https://mybikeshop.com/more/componen...ice=400&page=2
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04-09-21, 01:17 PM
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looks to me like something was rubbing on it, like during transport on a bike rack? slower inspection will tell more.
04-10-21, 05:14 AM
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Thanks everyone for the really helpful advice. I decided to pass on this bike. I found a more entry-level racer at a good price and decided that it will suit until I find a nicer bike without potential problems like this. Thanks again -- I appreciate your guidance!
