I just bought a used TT bike, and I’ve noticed that the previous owner seems to have overtightened the aero bar clamps. Check out the photos.
I’m not a carbon expert, so I’d really appreciate your input—does this look safe to use, or should I consider replacing it?
by Agreeable_Guest_2996
4 Comments
Looks like there is a crack. If there is a crack its not safe anymore. It will probably last some time before it snaps completely but you will never know.
My Race Face Next bars have done the exact same thing, and I always torque 1nm below spec.
I got in touch with RF and they told me that the layer that has been “squashed” for lack of a better word is the layer that is there for the graphics/text to be printed on and it’s no problem at all.
Doesn’t look cracked. Looks like the paint has wrinkled. Over fort carbon bars properly torqued to spec that have done the same thing.
Try to flex it and listen for creaking and see if the crack is expanding. If you want to be 100% sure, take it to a carbon repair shop where they have an x-ray and they’ll tell if it’s just a paint wrinkle or is it actually layers of carbon cracking underneath