Operation Manual

72 73
PART II
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
dierent 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 dierence 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 dierent 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 nd the source of any noise. It may
not be a crack or delamination, but whatever is
causing the noise must be xed before riding.
WARNING
DO NOT RIDE A FRAME OR FORK
WITH ANY DELAMINATION OR CRACK.
IF YOU RIDE A DELAMINATED OR
CRACKED FRAME/FORK/COMPONENT
IT MAY COMPLETELY BREAK APART
WITH RISK OF ACCIDENT, SERIOUS
INJURY, PARALYSIS OR DEATH.
Damage caused by a handlebar
rotating and striking the top tube
is common. The resulting impact
cracks and breaks the top tube.
This is not a warranty.
The frame is not safe to ride.
Any impact or crash damage can
produce serious damage to the
frame. This chainstay was cracked
in a crash.
This is not a warranty.
The frame is not safe to ride.