Is this carbon fork compromised?

[notlance]

Bought used complete bike. At purchase did not notice the gouges in the fork, approximately 2-3 inches above quick release.

Do you think this compromises the fork structure given its location to the stress point around the axle.

Safe to ride or not?


https://photos.app.goo.gl/bBtSStKhBG2EvEa28

[Nessism]

I'd ride that...

[Peter B]

Those look more like scratches than gouges. Maybe post a couple more shots so we can see in perspective, i.e. not macro shots.

[notlance]

Originally Posted by Peter B

Those look more like scratches than gouges. Maybe post a couple more shots so we can see in perspective, i.e. not macro shots.

I've added some more photos at a bit of a distance. Had to put on flash to pick up the mark.

Hard to notice them in regular light. You really have to get close in to see.

[AngryScientist]

Those certainly look like scratches to me. I wouldnt worry about it.

[Clean39T]

+5 - scratches in the "for show" layer... zero issues, atmo - not financial advice.

[Louis]

Looks to me like it's just the paint, not the fibers or the matrix - the stuff the provides the actual strength. A cosmetic issue, not a structural issue.

I'd ride it with no problems.

Edit: I agree with what was mentioned above, "gouges" is really overstating things. Those are scratches.

(but not Monty Python sort of scratches)

[Peter B]

Originally Posted by notlance

I've added some more photos at a bit of a distance. Had to put on flash to pick up the mark.

Hard to notice them in regular light. You really have to get close in to see.

Nice fork. What are you asking for it?

I'd ride that.

[Louis]

Originally Posted by Peter B

Nice fork. What are you asking for it?

Can't be asking that much, since it's fatally compromised.

[JMT3]

Scratches in the paint. I might repaint it and would definitely ride it. It’s not into the carbon fiber. Ride it, sell it or repaint it and be happy.

[zmalwo]

no it's not. the section towards the dropouts are usually heavily fortified with layers after layers of carbon. It's almost impossible to damage that section with humanly exert-able force.

[helldriven]

As posted above, I would ride that without any concerns.

[osbk67]

Hard to say whether a used carbon fork is compromised without seeing the steerer. I’d be far more concerned about grooves and scoring at that end of the fork.