Hey there, looking to purchase an older used tcr on marketplace and the top tube has this mark on it. Seller saying there’s no movement or noise in the frame but I’m keen to get a few thoughts on this!
by noneofmy
Hey there, looking to purchase an older used tcr on marketplace and the top tube has this mark on it. Seller saying there’s no movement or noise in the frame but I’m keen to get a few thoughts on this!
by noneofmy
9 Comments
Looks like the site of a prang. Would not buy
The fibers don’t look damaged but you never know. That pattern looks quite old. I would pass
There are so many TCRs kicking around, I’d keep looking.
> Seller saying there’s no movement or noise in the frame
The frames are deigned to have a specific amount of movement, that is what “compliance” is.
Did you ask the seller? Looks right where a rack would grip the frame. Worth asking how it happened. If there was an explanation like rubbing over a long drive then I would be fine with it. But if it formed naturally or over time then I’d be suss.
The words “carbon frame” prevent me from buying.
For a TCR, no.
If it was a classic look/time/etc then I’d consider it, that’s relatively simple to cut back and refinish, it’s probably not that serious, but it’s a TCR, find one that’s not munted
The middle of the top tube is one of the lower stress parts of the bike & this isn’t the worst I’ve seen.
That said, damaged frames should be worth fuck-all. I fix the stuff & even a small repair takes hours & fairly painstaking work.
Also, as a bike on my stand today has proven – superficial damage can sometimes hide significant deeper damage (just finished grinding out several delaminated sections from a BB on a Specialized flat bar road bike. Turned from what initially liked like a bit of superficial damage to a very significant rebuild after 5 min if sanding – I could peel layers off by hand 😬.
IMO you’ll get much better experience if you buy a vintage steel frame, a bike that you can truly ride without worry. All these aluminium and carbon fiber frames are shit compared to steel. I’ve been riding my bike for 25 years, and it’s been a blessing with very few repairs. A steel frame can be easily fixed and moded to your liking, a carbon frame once damaged is gone for good.