69
Composite frame, fork, and
Component inspection
Cracks:
Inspect for cracks, broken, or splintered areas.
Any crack is serious. Do not ride any bicycle or
component that has a crack of any size.
delamination:
Delamination is serious damage. Composites are
made from layers of fabric. Delamination means
that the layers of fabric are no longer bonded
together. Do not ride any bicycle or component
that has any delamination. These are some
delamination clues:
• A cloudy or white area. This kind of area looks
different from the ordinary undamaged areas.
Undamaged areas will look glassy, shiny, or
“deep,” as if one was looking into a clear liquid.
Delaminated areas will look opaque and cloudy.
•Bulging or deformed shape. If delamination
occurs, the surface shape may change. The
surface may have a bump, a bulge, soft spot, or
not be smooth and fair.
•A difference in sound when tapping the surface.
If you gently tap the surface of an undamaged
composite you will hear a consistent sound,
usually a hard, sharp sound. If you then tap a
delaminated area, you will hear a different sound,
usually duller, less sharp.
Unusual noises:
Either a crack or delamination can cause creaking
noises while riding. Think about such a noise as a
serious warning signal. A well maintained bicycle
will be very quiet and free of creaks and squeaks.
Investigate and find the source of any noise. It
may not be a crack or delamination, but whatever
is causing the noise must be fixed before riding.
WaRninG
do not Ride a fRame oR foRk With
any delamination oR CRaCk. RidinG
a delaminated oR CRaCked fRame
oR foRk CoUld lead to ComPlete
fRame failURe, With Risk of aCCident,
seRioUs inJURy, PaRalysis oR death.
3. UndeRstandinG
ComPonents
It is often necessary to remove and disassemble
components in order to properly and carefully
inspect them. Most customers will use this
component list as a checklist. The intention here is
to tell you what parts, and what area of each part,
most need inspection. Insist that your mechanic
do such inspections. Our intention is definitely not
to teach bicycle mechanics.
WaRninG
failURe
to
disassemBle
oR
ReassemBle BiCyCle ComPonents
PRoPeRly
CoUld
ResUlt
in
an
aCCident, With Risk of seRioUs inJURy,
PaRalysis oR death.
There are many special tools and techniques
required. Unless you are a very experienced
and skilled bicycle mechanic, we urge you to
have this work done by a professional bicycle
retailer.
if yoU see any CRaCk, oR anythinG
yoU aRe UnsURe of, Please take
yoUR BiCyCle to a RetaileR. RidinG a
ComPonent With a CRaCk CoUld lead
to failURe, With Risk of aCCident,
seRioUs inJURy, PaRalysis oR death.
if yoU have CaRBon fiBeR ComPonents,
yoU mUst Read PaRt ii, seCtion d. 2.
UndeRstandinG ComPosites.
do not
ride any component with a crack, even
a small one. Replace the component before
riding. Break or saw in half any component you
replace so that no one uses it again.
