CITY MODEL 1 • VERSION 1
Inspection of Composite Frame, Fork, and Components
Cracks:
Inspect for cracks, broken, or splintered areas. Any crack is serious. Do not ride any Ebike 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 Ebike or component that has any delamination.
These are some delamination clues:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 Ebike 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 or replaced before riding.
WARNING: Do not ride an Ebike or component with any delamination or crack.
Riding a delaminated or cracked frame, fork or other component could lead to complete
failure, with risk of serious injury or death.