2

I am buying a bike from eBay and before I bid on it I just wanted to know what you though about one of the pictures. The bike is carbon and it looks like some paint has come off. What do you think about the picture? Thanks.

enter image description here

Improve this question
4
  • Don't know why there is an off-topic close vote on this, questions on CFC frame damage are commonly answered here.
    – Argenti Apparatus
    Oct 8, 2018 at 20:38
  • 1
    Great decision to ask before spending money, I wish more people did this
    – ojs
    Oct 8, 2018 at 21:03
  • I’m the close vote. It’s impossible for us to tell with just one photo and because the bike is not in the OP’s possession we can’t ask for clarification.
    – RoboKaren
    Oct 9, 2018 at 0:01
  • 1
    @RoboKaren Hard to answer isn't off topic
    – Argenti Apparatus
    Oct 10, 2018 at 11:26

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
5

As others have noted it can be difficult to assess damage for carbon frames in general, and it is especially difficult from only a photo. That caveat aside it looks like a superficial paint chip, the first layer of carbon (which is typically non-structural) appears intact which is a good sign.

The damage is on the lower drive side chain stay so it might have been from a shoe heel strike. That, said it could have been due to something else like a crash. If you do purchase make sure to inspect this area further. You can tap in the area to see if the tone suddenly changes, and you can try squeezing to see if it is weaker there. If either of those tests show a difference I would treat the frame suspiciously.

Improve this answer
1
  • I've seen chips like this from clumsy use of a allen key when removing the pedals. Very difficult to tell from photos alone, but I agree it looks like paint chip only.
    – Andy P
    Oct 9, 2018 at 10:54
3

Impossible to tell if there is a crack but the fork has taken a hit hard enough to chip the paint all the way through to the carbon fiber composite. That might have caused structural problems.

Personally, I would not take the risk. Move on, there are many, many more bikes on Ebay.

Improve this answer
1
  • This is probably not the fork but a chainstay since the crank arm is visible in the picture. It also looks like a hit/scratch, not like it has been bent far enough to chip the paint.
    – Michael
    Oct 12, 2018 at 7:05

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.