Rub damage on carbon Tarmac frame - cause for concern?

Ape0r · Nov 4, 2007

Hey all,

About four months ago I purchased a 61 cm Specialized Tarmac Expert, and much to my dismay, have found that it is all too large for me. Long story short, I've purchased a 58 cm frameset and am now much happier, except for after disassembling the old bike, I found this rub damage on the drive side chainstay.

See picture in my post below.

I have absolutely no idea how it could have happened. When I first got the bike, I dropped the chain a few times, and the only thing that I can think of is that the chain got sucked up against the frame by the small chainring, but even this seems implausible given the shape of the rub. I am positive that the chainring itself never came into contact with the frame.

Anyway, my question is this: I am getting ready to post this frame up for sale on e-bay, how much of a concern is this damage in terms of long term reliability on the frameset? Should I put the old bike back together and try to get it covered under warranty? Other thoughts?

Thanks.

master2129 · Nov 4, 2007

It appears purely cosmetic. List it with confidence. I think Buyers will think the same thing if you disclose it 100% in your item description and take some good pictures. I could hardly see it on these posted pics. I think you'll be fine. Good luck with the sale!

OldSchool Biker · Nov 4, 2007

+1

Should be no concern but you need to mention it in the add.

Ape0r · Nov 4, 2007

Thanks for the feedback - one more pic. It does seem that its just the very top layer of material (paint) that's chipped away, but as a mechanical engineer.. I tend to worry about things like this!

Dr_John · Nov 5, 2007

Probably not that uncommon. Take a look at the new 2008 Tarmac Pro frameset... it looks to have some type of protector in that exact area:

Mel Erickson · Nov 5, 2007

I had similar damage to a new carbon frame, only it was on the seat tube. It occured during shipping because the moreon didn't pack it properly. I contacted the manufacturer and sent them pictures. They said give it a light sanding and clearcoat it and it would be fine. You definitely need to disclose this in your ad but otherwise I'd say your conscience should be clear when selling the bike.

varian72 · Nov 6, 2007

I have way more taken out of my Tarmac chain stay and it's fine.

KMan · Nov 6, 2007

Looks to be cosmetic

But I can tell you if you sell it on ebay (and you better disclose the damage) - you will take a beating on the selling price as most people will be very leary of buying a carbon frame with any sort of damage, costemtic or not.

I had something similiar happen to a Felt F2C I owned, damage was on the inside stay caused by a flexy wheel and the tire rubbed the inside of the stay. I was "almost" certain it was cosmetic, but just to be safe I sent the frame to Felt to have them look at it and say it was ok. and this way I had documentation from the manufacture that the damage was only cosmetic and not some weekend ride junkies opinion

Cost to me was only shipping of a frame and now I felt good that the frame I was selling was indead 100% safe....and it helped keep the selling price from taking a beating.

You may want to send it back to Specialized just to make certain......

Michael
www.MLKimages.com

Ape0r said:
Hey all,

A few months ago I purchased a 61 cm Specialized Tarmac Expert, and much to my dismay, have found that it is all too large for me. Long story short, I've purchased a 58 cm frameset and am now much happier, except for after disassembling the old bike, I found this rub damage on the drive side chainstay.

I have absolutely no idea how it could have happened. When I first got the bike, I dropped the chain a few times, and the only thing that I can think of is that the chain got sucked up against the frame by the small chainring, but even this seems implausible given the shape of the rub. I am positive that the chainring itself never came into contact with the frame.

Anyway, my question is this: I am getting ready to post this frame up for sale on e-bay, how much of a concern is this damage in terms of long term reliability on the frameset? Should I put the old bike back together and try to get it covered under warranty? Other thoughts?

Thanks.

kb1dqh · Nov 7, 2007

Did it happen from the chain dropping of the front chain ring? The chain can get stuck there. I've lost carbon trying to get it out... not uncommon.

Rub damage on carbon Tarmac frame - cause for concern?

Ape0r

master2129

OldSchool Biker

Ape0r

Dr_John

Mel Erickson

varian72

KMan

kb1dqh

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