Carbon Steerer ring of death

[neilr]

Im just servicing my Felt F75.(2014) I've taken the fork out to clean/regrease and check it all. There is a clear mark that aligns with the top headset bearing on it.

It isn't like you see in pics if you google 'carbon steerer ring of death' there is no feel of any marterial having been worn away when i run my finger over it but there is a definate mark very similar to those pics on the web.

Given there doesn't seem to be wear just a visual sign of it should I be worried? It's a full carbon tapered steerer. I should point out ive always used torque wrenches to tighten all the bolts on it btw, no exceptions.

I might be over sensitive to it but since the OEM carbon seat post failed for no obvious reason I've not had the greatest of confidence in Felts carbon parts and i don't fancy using my face as a brake if i can help it.

cheers!

[IroningMan]

If it's literally just surface scuffing then I wouldn't be concerned. The only one I've had that has looked to be a structural threat was one which used a stack of shims to get clearance between the top seal and the compression ring: these were sharp-edged and had cut into the steerer to a depth of 0.5mm or more.

[gazza285]

Mine cracked half way through, I have epoxied in an aluminium tube, salvaged from an old set of handlebars, this extends from the top of the steerer to maybe three inches below the upper bearing race. I then modified a star fangled nut to hold the top cap on.

It has been fine since.

[Jeff1976]

Extremely unlikely to be a problem more likely a moulding mark in the manufacturing process. Upload a pic will make it far easier for people to see

[neilr]

thanks for the replies all. yes ill try to get some pics onto here, makes sense.

I like my felt a lot so its not like im looking for an excuse to replace it either!

[Hugo Stiglitz]

Possibly just spacers not torqued down correctly so slight vertical play over time.

If its within the surface... New forks for me.

I've had it on alu and steel steers when the steerer is too short for the headtube/stem/spacer stack requirement.