Trek Madone fork crack

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Bergwerk
Posts: 23
Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2016 10:06 am

by Bergwerk

A question for you carbon guru's. While cleaning my 2013 Trek Madone I noticed some cracks around the bottom of the fork crown. What do you make of these? Paint cracks or is the carbon separating from the aluminum steerer? The forks don't creak of have any undue flex. But still, doesn't look very confidence inspiring, what do you think?

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MisterNoChain
Posts: 275
Joined: Sun Nov 13, 2011 9:29 pm

by MisterNoChain

I'd say go asap to your LBS so they can send pictures to Trek. This doesnt look good.

upside
Posts: 654
Joined: Fri Mar 09, 2007 1:26 am
Location: USA

by upside

Those appear to look like paint cracks.

Svetty
Posts: 539
Joined: Thu Mar 26, 2009 11:06 pm
Location: Yorkshire - God's Own Country

by Svetty

Look like paint cracks to me. White is susceptible to cracking. Hard to be certain though and that isn't an area where tapping with a coin would probably be of much help. Worth getting LBS to take a look.

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tarmackev
Posts: 899
Joined: Sat Jan 15, 2011 9:59 pm

by tarmackev

Looks like paint to me. I wouldn't worry about that at all.
The paint is laid thickly there on an uneven surface, with temperature changes it will expand and then dry out ever so slightly in the same way mud does, when it dries it contacts and the tiny cracks appear.

I really wouldn't worry but for your own peace of mind you may want to ask your bike shop.


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Bergwerk
Posts: 23
Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2016 10:06 am

by Bergwerk

Thanks for all the feedback so far. I sent Trek a mail and they responded that the brake calliper bolt being overtightened might be the cause. No way to be certain of that as I bought the bike second hand. Would have to be tightened insanely to compress the carbon shell and alu steerer for that to compress I recon. Anyway, they suggested i take it into a dealer to have them check it out. But with all that's been said I think I'll keep riding it for now.

spiddy
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Mar 16, 2018 6:25 pm

by spiddy

Old thread but did you get to the botrom of this one? Just noticed identical cracks on my 2013 Madone 4.5 forks too.

MyM3Coupe
Posts: 374
Joined: Thu Nov 24, 2016 10:32 pm

by MyM3Coupe

I’ve known a few people with Treks having issues. Big ones. I’d dump it and buy a more reputable manufacturer’s frameset.

MyM3Coupe
Posts: 374
Joined: Thu Nov 24, 2016 10:32 pm

by MyM3Coupe

I’ve known a few people with Treks having issues. Big ones. I’d dump it and buy a more reputable manufacturer’s frameset. Treks seem to be garbage.

TobinHatesYou
Posts: 12443
Joined: Mon Jul 24, 2017 12:02 pm

by TobinHatesYou

Lol. On top of being pretty reputable (a third of all US IBD sales,) Trek has the best warranty policy in the business.

by Weenie


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spiddy
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Mar 16, 2018 6:25 pm

by spiddy

Quick update: In my case I've been advised by the Trek UK warranty department that this is indeed cosmetic and given the all clear to continue riding the bike. That said I've to keep an eye on it and get back in touch should it get any worse.

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