*Help Me Replace My Cracked Carbon Frame*

[jfree]

So I did the stupidest thing the other day and drove into the garage with my bike (http://dopepedaler.tumblr.com/post/16216791366/crack-kills) still mounted on the roof rack. Frame is now cracked and unrideable. :crap: Still working on saving funds for a replacement, but what do ya'll think of the frames below? Any others I should consider? I ride everything from competitively fast club rides, steep mountain climbs/descents, and really chill tours/centuries. My absolute max budget would be $1800-2000 (for frameset only as I'd just transfer my current groupset/wheelset over from the FC).

1. 2011 Felt F1
2. 2011/12 Cervelo R3
3. 2011/12 Cervelo S2

Thanks for the input.

[AngryScientist]

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about the loss- i must say i'm genuinely curious what made you sign up for a serotta forum for a first post about mass produced cf frames??

I have no experience with any of them, but good luck on the hunt. Maybe go test ride a few.

[sokyroadie]

Why not get it fixed? Calfee should be able to make it like new.

And +1 to Angry Scientist's comment and welcome to the forum.

Jeff

[jfree]

I briefly inquired about fixing the frame but the total cost of repair, paint job, shipping, etc. didn't seem worth it considering the value of my bike. Plus, I knew that some shopping around could lead me to a newer, upgraded frame at the same (if not lower) price.

In terms of joining the forum, I've been wanting to sign up for some time but just now got around to it. I understand that each new member is required to meet a minimum number of posts before obtaining other privileges so I thought it fitting to start by seeking feedback about my unfortunate situation from other experienced cyclists.

[AngryScientist]

no worries.

what frame is that you broke? if you were happy with it, and the geometry worked for you, i would go with the same model...

[jfree]

It's a 2011 Felt FC. I only had the frame for about 4 months but did love the ride and geometry. I have been looking into getting the same frameset but the possibility of scoring something newer and "higher end" is so enticing.

[gavingould]

I'd just go with the Felt F1 since you liked what you had.

[AgilisMerlin]

just send it to calfee, and relax

waste not, want not and all that garbage

http://www.calfeedesign.com/repair/

photos examples. all good. http://www.calfeedesign.com/repair/repair-examples-photos/


reasonably priced, good as new etc.........mad skillz


good luck

[jfree]

The Calfee link is really helpful. Thanks a lot!

[AgilisMerlin]

you could probably drop it off in person. warehouse on a dirt road overlooking the ocean :D

your frame will start talking to you again if you get her/him fixed

[Louis]

my bike (http://dopepedaler.tumblr.com/post/16216791366/crack-kills)

If that's the extent of the damage I think you're in good shape. Give Calfee a call and see what they say. Another option is to take some detailed pics and send them to them.

[jfree]

Yeah, the damage is pretty much as seen in the pic. The top tube does give though when pressure is applied and I feel as though I could push my thumb all the way through if I put some 'emphasis' on it. Definitely going to give Calfee a call.

[pdmtong]

As is, you can't sell it and it is worthless.
Might as well send it to calfee and have them thoroughly check it out (HT junction, etc) and give you an estimate. worst case they dispose of it for you. best case they fix it and you are riding.

As for your proposed options...cervelo does not have a good track record of crack free framesets. dig around...lots of warranty claims made by orginal owners.

if you want another repair option...call RRvelo. Edgar used to run mfg at calfee

[Kontact]

The S2 is not a very comfortable bike, but a good racer. I'd take the R3 over it.

There's another company doing some great repairs on carbon lately named Spyder Composites.

[Vientomas]

Some other options:

http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/10/bikes-and-tech/carbon-repair-options-for-repairing-carbon-bike-frames_196178

[Elefantino]

Welcome to the forum.

And welcome to the garage-buster club. Many of us are members. :crap:

[ringcycles]

Seriously, if you want the THE bike for you, then look to get a Calfee or Serotta. Save you pennies for longer to be able to afford it. Of the bikes you listed, I'd choose the R3. Best all arounder.

[oldpotatoe]

So I did the stupidest thing the other day and drove into the garage with my bike (http://dopepedaler.tumblr.com/post/16216791366/crack-kills) still mounted on the roof rack. Frame is now cracked and unrideable. :crap: Still working on saving funds for a replacement, but what do ya'll think of the frames below? Any others I should consider? I ride everything from competitively fast club rides, steep mountain climbs/descents, and really chill tours/centuries. My absolute max budget would be $1800-2000 (for frameset only as I'd just transfer my current groupset/wheelset over from the FC).

1. 2011 Felt F1
2. 2011/12 Cervelo R3
3. 2011/12 Cervelo S2

Thanks for the input.

http://waterfordbikes.com/w/bikes/gpcomp

[sg8357]

Get the same frame and spend the "higher end" money on a hitch rack.

Roof racks are of the Devil.

Regarding the Waterford S3 tubed bike, a buddy drove his 2 month old
S3 bike into the garage, very slight wrinkle in the down tube, Waterford
inspected and said bike was fine, still straight. The fellow got a new car,
bike rides inside now.

[oldpotatoe]

Get the same frame and spend the "higher end" money on a hitch rack.

Roof racks are of the Devil.

or

http://www.headsupsystems.com/

I sell 'em.

[wasfast]

Seems like you could have a breakaway design for each sled on the rack. Time to call Yakima......

[Richard]

That budget buys a big upgrade in a used frame.

[Vientomas]

or

http://www.headsupsystems.com/

I sell 'em.

My low tech solution is free: Bike on roof - garage door opener in glove box.

[R2D2]

My low tech solution is free: Bike on roof - garage door opener in glove box.

Or trailer hitch rack.

[foo_fighter]

Both of these solutions only work for your garage....not the parking structure...not the drive though...not the low hanging branches....


My low tech solution is free: Bike on roof - garage door opener in glove box.

[Vientomas]

Both of these solutions only work for your garage....not the parking structure...not the drive though...not the low hanging branches....

Very True.

[jfree]

Thanks to all for the great resources/feedback. That Heads Up monitor is genius! Honestly, I felt pretty dumb about what I did after it happened, but was 'cheered up' a bit after hearing how often this occurs to other people. Just part of a cyclist's 'coming of age' I guess.

[keithreynolds]

It's a 2011 Felt FC. I only had the frame for about 4 months but did love the ride and geometry.....

Check with your credit card policy on damage, assuming you used a CC for purchase. Depending on the card, you may be covered for repair/replacement. A few cards do 90 days.. have given this advice before and to my friends' surprise it WAS covered.

[pdmtong]

My low tech solution is free: Bike on roof - garage door opener in glove box.

better solution is setting up a ladder or a 45gallon garbage can where your car would go. this absolutley prevents you from trying to drive into the space where you park your car.

best solution is thule T2

[oldpotatoe]

My low tech solution is free: Bike on roof - garage door opener in glove box.


Unless the garage door is open when ya drive up...

[summilux]

That budget buys a big upgrade in a used frame.
+1. Think about Colnago C50.

[Dan Le foot]

Welcome to the forum.

And welcome to the garage-buster club. Many of us are members. :crap:
Not a question of if. But a question of when and how many times. I've only done it twice in 15 years. :crap:
Dan

[pablo pinchasso]

I had a buddy that did that and his bike was steel..... frame fine....wheels potato chip shape...

[jfree]

Here's an update on my situation:

Calfee quoted me about $800 + shipping to repair and paint my frame. I only paid $900 for it so their price was too steep for me. Contacted Spyder Composites and they quoted me $180 for repair and paint. Best part about it is Frank from Spyder is going to pickup and drop off my frame so I don't have to cover shipping! Turnaround time is about 3 weeks. Can't wait to get my bike back on the road.

Pics of the damage I sent to Spyder:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6786933621_daa4de7dfb_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6786935257_7b84749d91_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6786937907_f138355d1e_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6786938699_22ffec47b2_z.jpg

Pic of the bike in working order:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6824342953_ccaa69e8af_z.jpg