Canyon Aeroad CF SLX frame crack

[Rojya]

Hi there,

I'm new to this forum and appreciate in advance for your help!

I have a 1-year old Canyon Aeroad CF SLX and unfortunate, I have just found out that the top tube has 2 cracks - interestingly, both crack are in parallel, have identical length and are abnormally straight. The cracks are located on both sides in the middle of the top tube, and are approx. 10 cm long each.

I strongly believe that this is more than just cosmetic damage, as I could slightly press the material/ frame inwards when I squeeze the near the cracks. Any ideas on what has happened to the frame?

P.S. I'm an Asian and just weighted <55kg, would be disappointed if the XS frame cannot withstand my comparatively feather weight.

[spdntrxi]

something hit it.... looks that way to me

did you ever clamp it there?

[Rojya]

something hit it.... looks that way to me

did you ever clamp it there?

The camera flash might have "distorted" the surface of the frame, I'll try to take another picture of it tomorrow. And don't be fooled by the flash, the surface of the top tube is actually smooth as new and silk - No dents, no nothing, apart from just the 2 cracked lines that you could physically feel it. And I don't recall a change the top of the top tube got hit by anything, and it would be an extremely weird place to get hit (Fair enough if the cracks are on the down tube)

The only chance that the frame might got clamped could ONLY be at Canyon's own factory, as the bike has never been brought to any bike stores/ LBS nor I don't have any bike stands/ tripod at home myself.

My apologies and I'm not gonna disagree with you, just that it's not very likely from the way the surface still feels. Much appreciated for your reply thou.

[Pottsy]

Ever sat on the top tube?

[BRM]

Make sure you have enough light so you done have to flash.

[fignonsbarber]

something hit it.... looks that way to me

did you ever clamp it there?

Absolutely hit with something. In the 3rd photo, look at the left circled crack. It's a bowed crack, and at it's center point you can see the impact spot if you magnify the image. OP, if you've had it for a year, chances are it didn't come from the factory like this. If I had to guess, I'd say it got whacked, maybe when you weren't around, but it was definitely hit by something.

[Rojya]

something hit it.... looks that way to me

did you ever clamp it there?

Absolutely hit with something. In the 3rd photo, look at the left circled crack. It's a bowed crack, and at it's center point you can see the impact spot if you magnify the image. OP, if you've had it for a year, chances are it didn't come from the factory like this. If I had to guess, I'd say it got whacked, maybe when you weren't around, but it was definitely hit by something.

Hey guys, much appreciated for all the replies. I have indeed mentally prepared for the worst already. I just got home and inspected the frame again but carefully this time (As I was in a rush last time so didn't look at the cracks in detail). Sadly, I might have to agree with fignonsbarber and spdntrxi. The cracks could potentially be hit by "something" that I'm not award of - Probably not caused by a rock that's hitting the frame in high velocity (It could otherwise cause some nasty cosmetic damages along with the cracks if this is the case), but I suspect that the cracks were caused by something sharp and tiny (Being applied a hefty amount of pressure against the frame from a very close distance). I don't know how they were caused, but they now look like this to my eyes, I have attached some new pics for your judgement. Much appreciate for any advice.

P.S. - There is a tiny dent lurking next to the crack, I however don't know if it's cause of the "object" hitting the frame, or by myself when I apply pressure to inspect the frame at the first place (Shouldn't have done that next time before taking pictures of the frame, urgh!). Let's assume that's caused by the hit for now.

Ever sat on the top tube?

To be honest with you, yes I do. I have a practice of doing so, as I would lean on my bike when I'm waiting for traffic lights (With my left foot standing on the floor supporting the majority of my weight, my right foot remaining clipped in, and by butt on the top tube). Would be surprised thou if this was the main reason causing the cracks.

So overall I probably could only blame my poor luck but guys, do you know if the frame is now totalled? Or could that be repaired in someways?

Cheers

[spdntrxi]

it's repairable.. I don't know you location.... but search for carbon repair.

[fignonsbarber]

OP, I live in florida and there is repair guy here who does very good work(Frame Doctor in Tavares,fl). Your damage isn't that bad probably and the tt doesn't have the extreme forces applied to it like some of the other tubes of a frame. From some jobs I've seen done to broken carbon frames, I would guess it could be repaired for $450 or so.

[wingguy]

P.S. I'm an Asian and just weighted <55kg, would be disappointed if the XS frame cannot withstand my comparatively feather weight.

Yeah dude, that has absolutely nothing to do with the quality of the frame, your weight or how you ride it. That is impact damage or crush damage. No doubt.

The location of them looks like it would be somehwere near where the handlebar would hit the fame if it was allowed to swing around. Is that the case?

[Oswald]

First 2 things that came to my mind are clamped too hard and sitting on the top tube. I would try a warranty claim and just be honest with the dealer.

[wingguy]

Yep, definitely try a warranty claim. Be honest and be nice, and if you catch someone in a good mood you never know what might happen.

[Rojya]

OP, I live in florida

Thanks guys for the input. I live in Hong Kong, a relatively small community, which could be difficult to find a carbon repair specialist here, but I'll also try searching China or Taiwan as well on Google.

Cheers

[Rojya]

P.S. I'm an Asian and just weighted <55kg, would be disappointed if the XS frame cannot withstand my comparatively feather weight.

The location of them looks like it would be somehwere near where the handlebar would hit the fame if it was allowed to swing around. Is that the case?

Thanks Wingguy, I have tried to steer the handlebar and where it contacts the TT is approx 3 to 4cm away from the edge of the crack, or 5 to 6 cm away from where the others believe might have taken the impact (the bowed crack).

I would definately try the warranty claim first and see how it goes. And "sitting on the TT" is probably be the only potential cause that I aware of - this is a bit of unexpected thou, as I also sat & rest on the TT of my old carbon frame for about 5 years without any problems.

[maxhoener]

Yikes sorry to hear that ! Let us know how the warranty goes..