Cracked carbon fork steerer?

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kets
Posts: 8
Joined: Sat Sep 22, 2012 12:32 pm

by kets

Hi guys,
need some input.
I recently noticed that my carbon steerer looks like its pinched (torqued it 4nm)
I have yet to bring it to my LBS but it definately doesnt look like its cracked.

Do u think its safe to ride or should i get a new fork?
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bricky21
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by bricky21

Hard to say, but that looks cracked up at the top. If there is a sharp ridge that you can feel when you run your finger across it then you better take it in to have it looked at.

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petepeterson
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by petepeterson

cut it off and slam your stem for the win :D

em3
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by em3

Cracks usually run in a jagged pattern where scratches are usually less errant....looks like u have a crack. EM3
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artray
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by artray

petepeterson wrote:cut it off and slam your stem for the win :D

This is the best solution and more aero :thumbup:

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Berk
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by Berk

em3 wrote:...looks like u have a crack.


+1

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by whodesigns

Where there is a crack there is often a delamination, don't use it until it has been professionally inspected.
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elviento
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by elviento

If you don't see any irregularity from the inside, then some epoxy and a 2"-long aluminum tube (go to home depot and get a pipe in the 22-24mm range) will easily fix it. I did it on a Nag Dream HP and worked just fine. Only complication was expander plug was replaced by a star fangled nut.

If u c a crack from the inside, then it's gone.
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kets
Posts: 8
Joined: Sat Sep 22, 2012 12:32 pm

by kets

elviento wrote:If you don't see any irregularity from the inside, then some epoxy and a 2"-long aluminum tube (go to home depot and get a pipe in the 22-24mm range) will easily fix it. I did it on a Nag Dream HP and worked just fine. Only complication was expander plug was replaced by a star fangled nut.

If u c a crack from the inside, then it's gone.


Ok hold on, what do i do with the 2" aluminium tube?

spandexboy817
Posts: 172
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2008 12:55 am

by spandexboy817

you epoxy the crap out of it to the inside of the steerer after you have removed the compression plug. The forks that cervelo has (3T) do this also to reinforce the steerer.

kets
Posts: 8
Joined: Sat Sep 22, 2012 12:32 pm

by kets

ok just got back from LBS and my steerer are fine, just a pinch no cracks whatsoever.. phewwww

artray
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by artray

Make a little mark so you can check if it gets worse . Better to be safe .

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kode54
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by kode54

kets wrote:ok just got back from LBS and my steerer are fine, just a pinch no cracks whatsoever.. phewwww


pinch is a precursor to a crack. use carbon paste and slightly less torque. like others have said, i would try to epoxy it to smooth out the sharp pinch...sand it smooth. check your stem.
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