5. INSPECTION OF COMPOSITE FRAME, FORK, AND COMPONENTS
Cracks
• Inspect for cracks, broken, or splintered areas. Any crack is serious. Do not ride any bicycle or component that has a crack of any size.
Delamination:
• Delamination is serious damage. Composites are made from layers of fabric. Delamination means that the layers of fabric are no longer bonded together.
Do not ride any bicycle or component that has any delamination. These are some delamination clues:
• A cloudy or white area. This kind of area looks different from the ordinary undamaged areas. Undamaged areas will look glassy and shiny. Delaminated
areas will look opaque and cloudy.
• Bulging or deformed shape. If delamination occurs, the surface shape may change. The surface may have a bump, a bulge, soft spot, or not be smooth
and fair.
• A difference in sound when tapping the surface. If you gently tap the surface of an undamaged composite you will hear a consistent sound, usually a hard,
sharp sound. If you then tap a delaminated area, you will hear a different sound, usually duller, less sharp.
Unusual Noises:
• Either a crack or delamination can cause creaking noises while riding. Think about such a noise as a serious warning signal. A well maintained bicycle will
be very quiet and free of creaks and squeaks. Investigate and find the source of any noise. It may not be a crack or delamination, but whatever is causing
the noise must be fixed before riding.
Misalignment:
• Check for misalignment of the fork by examining the wheel fitted properly in the dropouts. Misalignment of a carbon fork cannot be corrected by attempting
to bend or straighten the fork. If the wheel cannot be centered properly by adjusting the fit within the dropouts, do not ride until the fork has been examined
by your dealer, and replaced if necessary.
WARNING: Do not ride a fork (or any bicycle component) with any delamination or crack. Riding a delaminated or cracked fork could lead to complete
failure, with risk of serious injury or death. Please ensure that the suspect component is destroyed, not sold.
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