Paint crack? hopefully not

[R3awak3n]

what do you guys think about this? A crack would not manifest itself along the tube right? would go around the tube.

Saw it today when I turned the bike around. Would really suck if it was a crack in the tube, I really like this bike, might be my favorite ever.

[batman1425]

Material?

[R3awak3n]

Originally Posted by batman1425

Material?

Steel.

It is under the drive side chainstay

[mjb266]

That looks sketchy to me. In a bad way. Grab a razorblade

[R3awak3n]

Originally Posted by mjb266

That looks sketchy to me. In a bad way. Grab a razorblade

and remove some of the paint?

[batman1425]

I think an axial split could be possible but I think it would more likely originate from a failure at a joint rather than splitting mid tube. Provided there was not impact or other damage to the area. Full disclosure, I'm not a frame builder or metallurgist, but my gut is that it is superficial. Sanding down the area to metal for a more thorough inspection would let you know for sure.

[R3awak3n]

Originally Posted by batman1425

I think an axial split could be possible but I think it would more likely originate from a failure at a joint rather than splitting mid tube. Full disclosure, I'm not a frame builder or metallurgist, but my gut is that it is superficial. Sanding down the area to metal for a more thorough inspection would let you know for sure.

this is my thought as well, I have never seen a crack going this way. Just searched google too and nothing.... It does not make much sense to me.

I might have to sand but would rather not obviously (at least its under the stay I guess)

[dustyrider]

Does a cable run along there by any chance?

[R3awak3n]

Originally Posted by dustyrider

Does a cable run along there by any chance?

it does not.

turns out I lied, this is in the non drive side

[mjb266]

The color, size, margins, and location seem like trouble. Looks like the underside of the ND chainstay. There isn’t a scratch there, but the ends of the line in your photo look like they are propogating. There isn’t any reason for the paint to crack like that and it looks like a nice wet coat as opposed to a powder that might lift. I’d get a razor and would slowly scrape off a 1/8-1/4” chip above that spot. Easy to cover up down there. Grab a magnifying glass as well. You want clean bare metal and only need a tiny bit to know. Sanding will mess the surface texture and can complicate a diagnosis.
Is the builder still around to do surgery?

[R3awak3n]

Originally Posted by mjb266

The color, size, margins, and location seem like trouble. Looks like the underside of the ND chainstay. There isn’t a scratch there, but the ends of the line in your photo look like they are propogating. There isn’t any reason for the paint to crack like that and it looks like a nice wet coat as opposed to a powder that might lift. I’d get a razor and would slowly scrape off a 1/8-1/4” chip above that spot. Easy to cover up down there. Grab a magnifying glass as well. You want clean bare metal and only need a tiny bit to know. Sanding will mess the surface texture and can complicate a diagnosis.
Is the builder still around to do surgery?

yeah builder still around, would be a huge bummer though, I only have had the bike for a few months (bought it used).

[cachagua]

Put a drop of oil at one end and see if it soaks in.

With nothing to go on but your pictures, I think someone leaned that bike against something and screeked the paint, is all that is. But if it drinks up a few drops of oil then yeah, explore further.

[donevwil]

Please not the Strada Bianca.

Then again, if so, Steve would certainly be the person to ask.

[rustychisel]

Has that tube been crimped by the builder to allow clearance? If so, that's one of the few ways I can imagine a crack forming along the line of a wheel stay (and I might suspect the worst).

[Peter P.]

Originally Posted by batman1425

I think an axial split could be possible but I think it would more likely originate from a failure at a joint rather than splitting mid tube.

I agree. That's not a stressed area of the tube so there's little reason why a crack would start there. Plus, the line is too straight for a material crack.

The good thing is, even if it IS a crack, it will propagate slowly and it's not in an area where failure will jeopardize your safety.

You could put a black dot with a fine magic marker at each end of the line. If the line gets longer and extends beyond your marks, then you have a problem. Otherwise, you can clean off your marks.