Carbon Frame - Peeling?
Discussion
Hi chaps
Looking at upgrading to a decent road bike and my LBS has a 2013 Merida Ride Carbon in stock and is offering an approx 30% discount plus other bits thrown in which seems like a cracking deal. Had been looking for something like the 2013 Defy 1 but this caught my eye for the same price.
On closer inspection of the bike I can only describe what looks like several peeled layers each of a couple of inches in size under the lacquer running all down the upper top tube and also on the fork. These 'blemishes' only appear on the black areas of the bike. Trapped air bubbles would describe it best. It's a bit unsightly and definitely isn't the weaved carbon look that's for sure - just like those large air bubbles you get when covering something in sticky black plastic poorly but the surface on this is completely smooth?!
My question is, is this normal for a carbon frame? LBS seems to think so and is absolutely fine but couldn't really explain why!
Cheers.
Looking at upgrading to a decent road bike and my LBS has a 2013 Merida Ride Carbon in stock and is offering an approx 30% discount plus other bits thrown in which seems like a cracking deal. Had been looking for something like the 2013 Defy 1 but this caught my eye for the same price.
On closer inspection of the bike I can only describe what looks like several peeled layers each of a couple of inches in size under the lacquer running all down the upper top tube and also on the fork. These 'blemishes' only appear on the black areas of the bike. Trapped air bubbles would describe it best. It's a bit unsightly and definitely isn't the weaved carbon look that's for sure - just like those large air bubbles you get when covering something in sticky black plastic poorly but the surface on this is completely smooth?!
My question is, is this normal for a carbon frame? LBS seems to think so and is absolutely fine but couldn't really explain why!
Cheers.
Would guess its a problem with the lacquer, perhaps something on the frame before it was in the paint booth? its not normal and I havent seen it before, I'd guess that its been missed at quality control etc.
I'd avoid it personally. Merida are great bikes but there are other bargains around at the moment.
I'd avoid it personally. Merida are great bikes but there are other bargains around at the moment.
Thanks - will keep looking I think. Seem to be plenty of deals around on 2013 bikes so not the end of the world although the bike itself was great to ride. Unfortunately they didn't have any other high spec models available as the Merida range seems good value especially with the discounts on offer. Had a look round the Boardman Carbon in Halfords earlier - this had a few similar patches in places but you actually had to look up close to see them, on this it was obvious from a few feet away.
The "weave" look was very fashionable for a while, and went through a few phases 12k and 3k being referred to which related to the size of the pattern.
Effectively that was a top coat or wallpaper to give a techy appearance, but other than aesthetics all it did was add extra unneccessary material.
These days the fashion is to leave the carbon natural and paint sections.
So what you are seeing is carbon, not bubbles. It is perfectly normal and that frame would come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defect for you as the original owner.
Effectively that was a top coat or wallpaper to give a techy appearance, but other than aesthetics all it did was add extra unneccessary material.
These days the fashion is to leave the carbon natural and paint sections.
So what you are seeing is carbon, not bubbles. It is perfectly normal and that frame would come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defect for you as the original owner.
TAZ 215 said:
The "weave" look was very fashionable for a while, and went through a few phases 12k and 3k being referred to which related to the size of the pattern.
Effectively that was a top coat or wallpaper to give a techy appearance, but other than aesthetics all it did was add extra unneccessary material.
These days the fashion is to leave the carbon natural and paint sections.
So what you are seeing is carbon, not bubbles. It is perfectly normal and that frame would come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defect for you as the original owner.
Effectively that was a top coat or wallpaper to give a techy appearance, but other than aesthetics all it did was add extra unneccessary material.
These days the fashion is to leave the carbon natural and paint sections.
So what you are seeing is carbon, not bubbles. It is perfectly normal and that frame would come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defect for you as the original owner.
This! I've got it all over my Canyon.Normally caused by the carbon mat not wanting to follow a tight radius. The carbon backs off slightly when it is vacuumed in the mold, leaving more resin at the surface. This is visible as a sepia coloured thin line. It will disappear when looked at from different angles.
If it doesn't disappear or any of it looks like an air gap encapsulated in resin, then definitely walk away.
If it doesn't disappear or any of it looks like an air gap encapsulated in resin, then definitely walk away.
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