This damage is caused by an accident where my handlebars got twisted. It seems it only took out some of the surface material. I put some force into it on another ride, and it holded well.
by Rekika
This damage is caused by an accident where my handlebars got twisted. It seems it only took out some of the surface material. I put some force into it on another ride, and it holded well.
by Rekika
4 Comments
Considering that it’s crash damage, I don’t think many strangers are going to tell you that it is safe to ride. My worry would be that there’s more damage than what is immediately obvious.
If it was my fork, I would either replace it or have it inspected by a carbon fiber specialist. Or maybe you have an insurance that would cover the damage?
Get it out of the frame, clean it up and give it the ole ping test. It looks superficial. If you’re in doubt take it to your local bike shop and ask them to take a look. Also watch this video. https://youtu.be/QyZNFTMbwzk?si=PgNETq7B_W5Ofi0j Carbon fiber is a lot stronger than you might realize.
First photo with the shadowing contrast shows delaminated carbon fiber layups with a lengthwise crack which might propagate then cause a big fracture when more force is applied. I would not ride that.
Obviously a CF specialist should examine it, but if you are going to DIY anyway:
I can see a vertical crack running down from the area where the material is missing. I would take a pick and remove all the loose surface material and then see if there is cracking or delamination beyond the surface layer. If not, then I would apply a thin coating of epoxy resin to prevent further surface delamination before using it.