Not safe to ride until an expert looks at it and says otherwise.
Having just recently spoken to another manufacturer about a similar issue in a different location on the bike I can say they would be infinitely more apt to do something about it now rather than when the crack is very visible. Shows due diligence on your part to prevent a bad reputation on theirs.
Go to the manufacturer website and check the warranty info or call em, assuming they have english customer service. My Felt S22 had a frame crack(seat post) and they replaced it under warranty, just had to go through a felt dealer was the only stipulation. BTW, they would not pay for the shop to move the components from old(cracked) to the new one.
Get it repaired!
I do this in Australia, Calfee or Ruegamer amongst others do it in the US.
Get it repaired!
I do this in Australia, Calfee or Ruegamer amongst others do it in the US.
Calfee is amazing, reasonable, and cheap. All I have to say.
I have an oddly similar situation going on right now as well. Weird cracking “area” on the bottom of the top tube. I’m the original owner and I promptly contacted Kestrel after taking it to LBS for inspection. They claim to never clamp a bike on the top tube and I hang around the shop when they do minor stuff, but it does get left for a couple days sometimes and they do rotate staff quite a bit…so who knows. The bike arrived at Kestrel today, so I am looking forward to hearing what they determine.
either way, I will post the outcome here.
Just discovered. Not sure if the last shop that had my orbea ora clamped it too tight or what (they had it over a month ago, so i’m sure there is no way to prove guilt). It has not been out on the road yet this year (only trainer) and I’m wondering if Orbea will likely replace under warranty (it’s a 2008). if not, is it safe to ride? it’s not visible to the eye at first glance, but i can feel it with my finger. about an inch long and a true hairline on top of top tube. thanks for your input, i have no experience with damaged frames.
a wise man once quipped, “…if it was an airplane, would you fly in it, if it were your parachute, would you jump with it, if it were your boat, would you sail the ocean on it?”
cracked = broken.
What year/model is it?
Just discovered. Not sure if the last shop that had my orbea ora clamped it too tight or what (they had it over a month ago, so i’m sure there is no way to prove guilt). It has not been out on the road yet this year (only trainer) and I’m wondering if Orbea will likely replace under warranty (it’s a 2008). if not, is it safe to ride? it’s not visible to the eye at first glance, but i can feel it with my finger. about an inch long and a true hairline on top of top tube. thanks for your input, i have no experience with damaged frames.
a wise man once quipped, “…if it was an airplane, would you fly in it, if it were your parachute, would you jump with it, if it were your boat, would you sail the ocean on it?”
cracked = broken.
Having worked in the aircraft industry I can tell you, there are LOTS of repaired carbon parts flying!!!
Makes sense to spend $2000 fixing a million dollar aircraft
not so a $2000 bike frame =)
Having worked in the aircraft industry I can tell you, there are LOTS of repaired carbon parts flying!!!
.
Makes sense to spend $2000 fixing a million dollar aircraft
not so a $2000 bike frame =)
Having worked in the aircraft industry I can tell you, there are LOTS of repaired carbon parts flying!!!
I agree it depends on the nature of the repair and the cost. Sometimes it is better to replace, other times a repair is very cost effective.
I’d start over with a new frame… from a new bike shop. No way I’d trust either from now on.