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Cracked carbon fork steerer?

Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 3:08 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?

Cracked carbon fork steerer?

Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 3:08 pm
by Weenie

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Re: Cracked carbon fork steerer?

Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 4:08 pm
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.

Re: Cracked carbon fork steerer?

Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 4:20 pm
by petepeterson
cut it off and slam your stem for the win :D

Re: Cracked carbon fork steerer?

Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 4:31 pm
by em3
Cracks usually run in a jagged pattern where scratches are usually less errant....looks like u have a crack. EM3

Re: Cracked carbon fork steerer?

Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 5:22 pm
by artray
petepeterson wrote:cut it off and slam your stem for the win :D

This is the best solution and more aero :thumbup:

Re: Cracked carbon fork steerer?

Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 8:40 pm
by Berk
em3 wrote:...looks like u have a crack.


+1

Re: Cracked carbon fork steerer?

Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 9:49 pm
by whodesigns
Where there is a crack there is often a delamination, don't use it until it has been professionally inspected.

Re: Cracked carbon fork steerer?

Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2012 5:21 am
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.

Re: Cracked carbon fork steerer?

Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2012 10:16 am
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?

Re: Cracked carbon fork steerer?

Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2012 5:02 pm
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.

Re: Cracked carbon fork steerer?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 10:16 am
by kets
ok just got back from LBS and my steerer are fine, just a pinch no cracks whatsoever.. phewwww

Re: Cracked carbon fork steerer?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 10:19 am
by artray
Make a little mark so you can check if it gets worse . Better to be safe .

Re: Cracked carbon fork steerer?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 10:19 am
by Weenie

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Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

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Re: Cracked carbon fork steerer?

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2012 1:49 pm
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.