RickBullotta
E*POWAH Elite World Champion
That was really unfortunate, it's not rideable. New frame time
That's almost certainly repairable - not necessarily "new frame time"
That was really unfortunate, it's not rideable. New frame time
Make sure you keep us updated on the repair!I've done the tapping test thing already and didn't notice a change of sound. It looks there is no damage to the carbon itself.
My fall was more of a slide in a field , it was so slippery and muddy that the rear wheel went slowly sideways till the point I was totally lying on the ground and sliding with the bike on a few meters. So no real hard knock on the frame (I think!).
Safest option is unfortunately out of my budget! All this COVID thing killed it...
Luckily, in regards of this small country that is Belgium, I found a carbon specialist near my place and I will definitely pay him a visit to fix this.
Make sure you keep us updated on the repair!
A country with no postal service?I'm pretty certain you've made the right choice. I hope I don't find myself in your situation, as I live in a country where I would have to drive the distance of a small country to find a carbon fibre repairer.
This makes zero sense, but okay. I don't think a rock differentiates if a bike has a motor or not, but that's my thinking.Been hospitalised by Carbon in the past. For ebikes would say alloy wins every time for exactly this reason.
The reason for a carbon bike is principally to save a few grams. On an ebike this is offset by the motor, so for me the advantage of an alloy frame having a less catastrophic mode of failure is more important than saving weight. Does that clarify my position to you?This makes zero sense, but okay. I don't think a rock differentiates if a bike has a motor or not, but that's my thinking.
Makes since for most Ebikes, but not quite as much in the light weight Ebike forum.The reason for a carbon bike is principally to save a few grams. On an ebike this is offset by the motor, so for me the advantage of an alloy frame having a less catastrophic mode of failure is more important than saving weight. Does that clarify my position to you?
This comment needs elaboration.Been hospitalised by Carbon in the past.
This comment needs elaboration.
Could I ask what the additional advantages are? I (perhaps wrongly) assumed that an aluminium frame would be stronger and last longer?Carbon has many more advantages over Alu than simply weight savings as a frame material for a bike which has a motor bolted on and a battery inside it.
Carbon is also much more repairable when the frame is damaged.
But just ignore these facts if it makes you feel better.
Carbon can be layered to provide stiffness in one direction while providing more flex in another direction. A properly designed carbon frame bike should provide better handling characteristics and less rider fatigue.Could I ask what the additional advantages are? I (perhaps wrongly) assumed that an aluminium frame would be stronger and last longer?
Hi,
Last ride I fell and now there is a big scratch on my carbon frame.
I have no idea what can I do or have to do to avoid that damage to extend more.
Any advice will be welcome, thanks. View attachment 82025 View attachment 82026 View attachment 82027
I have said all of this before on another thread but I guess it is worth repeating here.Paske,
I’m sorry to see the damage to your bike. Totally sucks my friend. You should not ride your bike
further in it’s current state. The damage looks severe.
The top tube is the main structural component on you frame. Additionally, the rear shock mounts in the area where the damage is. This area is under a lot of stress and a weakened top tube should not be taken lightly. If the top tube fails while riding, you could be badly injured when the frame collapses.
Carbon frame damage is much like an iceberg. You can see the tip, but the real mass is hidden below the water. What looks like superficial paint chipping on the frame may actually be fractured carbon fibers radiating out internally. Fractured carbon fiber has no strength.
Fortunately carbon fiber frames can be repaired and the paint expertly matched.
You have several options:
1) Strip all of the parts, wiring, battery, components off your current front frame triangle. Purchase a replacement frame from Orbea via your local Orbea dealer and put your parts on the new frame.
Most bike companies will sell you a replacement frame at a much discounted price. I’ve gone this route myself on one occasion. Unfortunately, Orbea has it’s hands full meeting orders right now. It may take a while to get a replacement frame.
2) Your other option is to take the stripped frame to a certified carbon frame repair specialist. Most frame repair specialists can match the frame paint so that there is no evidence of the damage. You want your baby to look good.
3) I do not presume to know your financial situation. Times are hard these days. If you do not have the funds to buy a replacement frame or the ability to pay for the services of a carbon frame repair specialist, you can do the repair yourself. Carbon fiber is much like working with fiberglass and resin.
NOTE: I would strongly caution against doing the repair yourself unless you are familiar with carbon fiber repair and have no choice due to finances. The consequences of a failed repair are extreme.
I saw on your profile that you are from Belgium. I took the liberty of looking for a Belgium based certified carbon frame repair and paint matching expert. I found the website listed below. I do not know anything about these people. I attach it to let you know that there are services available near you.
M-Level Custom Paint Factory & Carbon Repair
M-Level Custom Paint Factory is opgericht door David Meirhaeghe. David is een gepassioneerde lakker met jarenlange ervaring. Al van kindsbeen af spoot hij airbrushes op zijn kamer. Later volgde hij jarenlange tekenschool waar hij nog meer ervaring en inspiratie op deed om eender welk ontwerp te...www.m-level.be
no 2 carbon frames will feel the same, and no 2 ally frames will feel the same and I doubt if blindfolded you would be a ble to say which you are riding. The primary structional reasons for using carbon composites as opposed to glassfibre, aluminium or polyprop etc are to achieve exceptional stiffness together with lightweight and most often in extended flat panels since that is where achieving those objectives is mostly impossible with alternative materials.Personally, even though I have destroyed a couple carbon fibre frames and many handlebars, will take it over aluminium alloy any day - not for the weight factor, but for the feel of the ride. I will accept an alloy rear triangle, but prefer carbon fibre for both triangles.
Back to the OP.
@paske - that should be repairable, but I would not recommend doing it yourself .... unless you have access to the proper scanning equipment. What I see in the original picture is that it has sustained an impact hard enough that could definitely cause fracturing of the fibre weave, or a delamination of the layers. Where that is, just back from the headset is not as highly stressed as if it was say the same distance from the seatpost, but it could fracture and fold at a very inopportune moment - especially if you ride gnarly trails with g-outs & jumps.
hopefully no damage to the carbon as you say but get it checked for your own peace of mind.I've done the tapping test thing already and didn't notice a change of sound. It looks there is no damage to the carbon itself.
My fall was more of a slide in a field , it was so slippery and muddy that the rear wheel went slowly sideways till the point I was totally lying on the ground and sliding with the bike on a few meters. So no real hard knock on the frame (I think!).
Safest option is unfortunately out of my budget! All this COVID thing killed it...
Luckily, in regards of this small country that is Belgium, I found a carbon specialist near my place and I will definitely pay him a visit to fix this.
no 2 carbon frames will feel the same, and no 2 ally frames will feel the same and I doubt if blindfolded you would be a ble to say which you are riding.
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