I'm about to buy myself a bicycle but the seller posted there's a slight scratch on the paint. Seems to me it doesn't look like a normal scratch but can be a crack on the carbon itself. Is it a crack or a scratch?
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I don't think we can tell from a single picture. To me that looks like something metallic and heavy touched it repeatedly or was dragged across there. Whether that could have affected the structural integrity is impossible to say.– tripleeeCommented Jan 7, 2023 at 9:57
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1Or maybe the chain slipped off while in motion?– tripleeeCommented Jan 7, 2023 at 9:59
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1adding more pictures for more clarity– ReyCommented Jan 7, 2023 at 10:38
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1Looks like someone couldn't handle getting the rear wheel past the derailleur and chain and jammed the cassette into the chainstay a few times.– Andrew HenleCommented Jan 7, 2023 at 13:15
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2Does this answer your question? What do I do when I am unsure if damaged carbon fiber is safe to use or needs replacing or repairing?– mattnzCommented Jan 7, 2023 at 20:22
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3 Answers
Looks like some scratches. Probably caused by the rear derailleur or chain hitting the chainstay. I’m not sure how it could happen in that location though. Maybe back-pedaling while the chain was stuck somewhere? Or the freewheeling mechanism locked up?
Make sure the rear derailleur and derailleur hanger are straight. The rear derailleur cage should be parallel to the rear wheel and not appear twisted in any direction. Make sure the chain is okay and no links are bent or sticky. Make sure the freewheeling mechanism works and engages immediately and smoothly. Make sure there are no worse scratches around the bottom bracket and rear dropout from a dropped chain.
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4Probably caused by the rear derailleur or chain hitting the chainstay. To me, it looks like the cassette got banged against the chainstay when the rear wheel was inserted - the location is pretty much where that would happen if someone had problems getting the rear wheel past the derailleur and chain when inserting it. Commented Jan 7, 2023 at 13:33
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Aaah, yes, that’s probably it. Sharp cassette teeth are also more likely to cause those narrow and deep scratches than the chain.– MichaelCommented Jan 7, 2023 at 14:37
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3OP might choose to protect against this happening again by fitting some chainstay protection. But its a black paint with light coloured undercoat - every chip will be highly visible.– Criggie ♦Commented Jan 7, 2023 at 18:07
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1It would need a clever trick to get a cassette that far up the chain stay inserting a wheel, or a very long chain stay. Possibly wheel on outside of frame in transit, disc or cassette caught the chain stay.– mattnzCommented Jan 7, 2023 at 20:28
It's clearly a scratch. Nothing to worry about.
I don't think you should rely on internet users' analysis of (mostly out of focus) photos. If you are there in person touch the carbon and knock the chain stay to see if it feels or sounds differently from the other chain stay or potentially the seat stays.
Secondly you'll need to make a risk/benefit analysis. For example, a broken chain stay is likely to cause less personal harm than a broken fork. Also, is the price very attractive or is the seller willing to discount due to the uncertainty of scratch vs crack? And, will this chain stay be on your mind every time you get on the bike? These would some questions I'd ask myself in considering this bike.
Lastly, if the bike is priced right and you think it's worth the effort, you could consider having an xray taken by a professional. Then you will know for sure. You could consider asking the seller to split the cost for the xray, instead of a discount.
