Boardman CX Team 2013 scratched carbon steerer

[.stu]

Hi,

I recently got a 2013 Boardman CX Team from Halfords. I haven't ridden it yet, as I need to fit the pedals.mudguards, lights etc. However, I noticed there was a small paint chip on the top edge of the head tube, so I took the handlebars off the sterrer to get a better look under the headset cover. At this point I found that the carbon steerer has both vertical and circumferential notches in it that can be felt with your finger (not just fingernail). The vertical one is about 1mm deep, while the horizontal one is about 0.5mm deep. The vertical one has loose material in it which comes out when you scrape it with your fingernail.

I took it to my local Halfords (not the one I got it from), who took a (very) cursory glance at it and said "it's only surface scratches, there's still plenty of carbon left, and anyway we can't get replacement forks for that model so just ride it". I asked about a refund and he said "well you'll have to take it back to the shop you got it from so they can explain why they signed it off as roadworthy". Also, he told me that the bikes are exempt from their 28 days returns policy(!).

I had another look at it last night, and to be honest I'm not happy about it. I have another carbon bike with full carbon forks, and that doesn't have a mark on the steerer, despite the fact that I've adjusted the handlebar height several times. When I picked it up, I noticed they had the handlebars at right angles - they duly loosened the stem slightly and then twisted it round before tightening it up again by hand (no torque wrench in sight). Clearly, there is a sharp edge on the stem which when they twist it round is scratching the carbon steerer.

When I check the installation instructions of carbon forks online, they all say to be careful not to scratch the steerer with the stem (as Halfords have done) as even small scratches may weaken it and cause injury or even death(!) to the rider if it fails.

Clearly I have the choice of trying to return it to the store I got it from, or just riding it - I've got a couple of young mouths to feed, so I can't take the risk unless I'm 100% sure it's safe. What do you guys think? Here are a pic...

 

[Biker Joe]

From the picture you posted it looks as if the scratches are just to the resin layer on top of the actual carbon component. If so it isn't a problem.
If the scratches are to the carbon weave itself then the structural integrity of the component has been compromised and should be replaced.
If in doubt take it back to where you got it from and get it sorted. Don't take 'no' for an answer.

 

[.stu]

Ok thanks for the reply. The guy last night did at first look to see if he could get a replacement fork, but once he found there were none available he just seemed to want to pass the buck back to the shop that sold it.

Looks like that's what I need to do.

 

[.stu]

Had another look at the steerer - I decided in the end just to ride it and see how it goes but I will be keeping an eye on the steerer. Rode it in this morning and it was a dream to ride apart from the high=pitched whine coming off the knobbly cx tyres when going down hill - got some slicks to put on to sort that tho.

 

[earth]

I had a problem with the carbon steerer on a fork of a Orbea. There was a crack/split at the top of the steerer. I found this because there was a creaking sound from that location when out of the saddle. When I looked at it the outer most layer or so of carbon was split. Initially I left it, thinking I might cut the steerer down anyway. But as cracks do, it began to creep further down the tube. I'm quite sure this was caused by over tightening of the stem by someone without a torque wrench - I have one.

Took it to a LBS and they recommended a previous employee of Lotus who does composite repairs. He would have charged in the order of £100. Luckily Orbea offer a lifetime warranty so I went down the warranty route. They also said they could not get a replacement fork anymore but eventually to their credit they fixed the problem. They removed the cracked tube and bonded in a replacement. Creaking sound went. No problems.

If your damage is only to the surface resin layer then maybe it is not a problem but if the carbon filaments are broken then it may get worse. Either way the steerer can be replaced.