Scratch in carbon frame, do I need to worry?

thunderbolt82 · Jul 11, 2018

Hi mtbr,

I just bought my first trail bike after doing a fair amount of research and really thinking about what I wanted. This is my first bike that is not a DJ so I don't have any experience with carbon frames.

It was purchased from a LBS as a demo bike. Its looks to be in really really great shape. I would say 9/10.
Its a Rocky mountain thunderbolt 750 MLS.

I fully looked over the bike, tested it, and bought it. I missed one thing....

I got home and decided to do the best possible look over I would wipe down the bike compleatly with a damp rang and go pieces by piece carefully. Once reaching the underside of the bike at the BB I see this norco branded rubbery type patch (clear with black norco writing), not sure how I missed this at the shop but I did.

Once removing it I notice a scratch which is short fairly thin and just showing some of the carbon.

here is the picture: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qsvXr4RQJ4OWMXVCXpr_jXw2Iao_UJzQ/view?usp=sharing

size is approx 8mm x 2mm (length x width) depth is very minimal

so my first thought is its not a big deal at all. But I wanted some feedback. I dislike the idea that I found it and no one pointed it out to me before buying it so I will call the shop tomorrow to let them know.

Other than a few very minor paint chips here and there the bike is perfect.

So what is everyone thoughts on this small scratch?

Thanks in advance!

tfinator · Jul 11, 2018

Can you just embed the photo?

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Lone Rager · Jul 11, 2018

Yes! If you have a carbon frame and aren't worried, you're not getting your money's worth. That scratch, however, is nothing to worry about.

127.0.0.1 · Jul 11, 2018

just put the picture on MTBR if you are gonna do this stuff

this picture on google drive is blocked by any decent firewall [such as the twins I sit behind] because google drive is a common vector for bad actors to deliver malicious content, so many block it outright

thesmokingman · Jul 11, 2018

That's not a big scratch but it has gone thru at least one layer of carbon. However it shouldn't be a big deal as the BB area is generally speaking overbuilt to begin with. If you decide to keep, seal it with a quality clear coat, then red paint to match if you want.

Btw was the discount great? It should be a fantastic deal because that's a bike that the LBS can never sell as new obviously, but its technically damaged which should lower its price even lower than a demo!

thunderbolt82 · Jul 11, 2018

I apologize for the link to the picture. Ill be sure to avoid this going forward.

As far as price I think I did really good concidering the upgrades and the price of other bikes at that price point found on here and kijiji (local ads). I paid $2500 canadian. Thoughts?

I know it retails normally for over $5000 in 2016 and is specd well for a $2500 bike.

Mr Pig · Jul 11, 2018

That's nothing to worry about. I'm really wary of carbon but even I wouldn't worry about that, not in the slightest.

127.0.0.1 · Jul 11, 2018

yeah looks OK, something that you'd expect on a demo bike

but the BB shell specifically on cf bikes (and most bikes anyway) is the most robust section of the entire bike frame.

thunderbolt82 · Jul 12, 2018

Thanks everyone for easing my mind.

Wacha Wacha Wacha · Jul 12, 2018

Agreed, nothing to worry about.

thunderbolt82 · Jul 12, 2018

i actually realized its not damage from a scratch but the cable wear spot. I am buying some protective pad for down under the BB

Mr Pig · Jul 13, 2018

thunderbolt82 said:
I actually realized its not damage from a scratch but the cable wear spot.

I thought it looked like cable rub but couldn't see any cable or guide in the picture.

Wacha Wacha Wacha · Jul 12, 2018

Good idea. It looked like cable rub...

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Scratch in carbon frame, do I need to worry?

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