the layers of fa bric are no longer bonded together. Do not ride any bicycle or component that has any delamination. These are
some delamination clues:
1. A cloudy or white area. This kind of area looks d
ifferent from the ordinary undamaged areas. Undamaged areas will look
glassy, shiny, or “deep,” as if one was looking into a clear liquid. Delaminated areas will look opaque and cloudy.
2. Bulging or d eformed sh ape. If delamin ation occurs, the surface shape may ch ange. T he surface ma y hav e a bum p, a
bulge, soft spot, or not be smooth and fair.
3. A difference in sound when tapping the surface. If you gently tap the surface of an undamaged composite you will hear a
consistent sound, usually a hard, sharp sound. If you then tap a delaminated area, you will hear a different sound, usually duller,
less sharp.
Unusual Noises:
Either a crack or delamination can cause creaki
ng noises w
hile riding. Think about such a noise as a serious warning signal.
A well maintained bicycle will be very quiet and free of creaks and squeaks. Investigate and find the source of any noise. It may
not be a crack or delamination, but whatever is causing the noise must be fixed before riding.
WARNING: Do not ride a bicycle or component with any delamination or crack. Riding a delaminated or cracked
frame, fork or other component could lead to complete failure, with risk of serious injury or death.
C. Understanding components
It is often necessary to remove and disassemble components in order to properly and carefully inspect them. This is a job for
a profess ional bic ycle m echanic with the specia l too ls, sk ills a nd e xperience to inspect an d ser vice tod ay’s h igh-tech
high-performance bicycles and their components.
Aftermarket “Super Light” components
Think carefully about your rider profile as o utlined above. The more y
ou fit the “shorten produc t life” profile, the more
you
must question the use of su per light compo nents. T he more you fit the “l engthen pr oduct life” profile, t he more l ikely it is th at
lighter components may be suitable for you. Discuss your needs and your profile very honestly with your dealer.
Take these choices seriously and understand that yo
u are responsible for the changes.
A useful slogan to discuss with your dealer if you contemplate changi
ng components is “Strong, Light, Cheap –pick two.”
Original Equipment components
Bicycle and component manufacturers tests the fatigue life of the comp
onent
s that are original equipment on your bike. This
means that the y have met test criteria and have reasonable fatigue life. It does not mea n that the origi nal components will last
forever. They won’t.
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