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PART 2
Other Suspension Forks
Section D. Inspect For Safety
GT Bicycle Owner’s Manual
Composite Frame, Fork, and Component
Inspection
Cracks:
Inspect for cracks, broken, or splintered areas.
Any crack is serious. Do not ride any bicycle or
component that has a crack of any size.
Delamination:
Delamination is serious damage. Composites
are made from layers of fabric. Delamination
means that the layers of fabric are no longer
bonded together. Do not ride any bicycle or
component that has any delamination. These are
some delamination clues:
• A cloudy or white area. This kind of area
looks different 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.
• Bulging or deformed shape. If delamination
occurs, the surface shape may change. The
surface may have a bump, a bulge, soft spot,
or not be smooth and fair.
• 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
creaking noises while 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 frame or fork with any
delamination or crack. If you ride a
delaminated or cracked frame/fork/
component it may completely break apart
with risk of accident, serious injury,
paralysis or death.
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