Hoping this is just the lacquer...

[mcshroom]

But really I think this is the frame cracking

Found this evening when I was cleaning the road bike. I'm not sure I can feel anything with my fingernail, but I don't like the jagged pattern

 

[classic33]

Anything similar on the other side?

 

[mcshroom]

There doesn't appear to be. I'll take the chainset off after work to have a closer look.

 

[biggs682]

oh dear

 

[Heltor Chasca]

N+1

 

[Cycleops]

Sorry about that, might be the time to rummage around and try and find the receipt and frame warranty.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

That don't look good, perhaps see if it will polish or T cut out, if it won't then as Cycleops said its time to find the receipt.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

That's no problem. Just a superficial paint crack or even just a scrape.

 

[Drago]

What would cause paint to crack?

 

[Siclo]

What would cause paint to crack?

Poor surface prep, poor chemical compatibility between paint and lacquer, cheap paint, drying too hot, not drying long enough between coats, over application, paint non-homogeneous, impact damage.....and a cracked frame.

 

[Levo-Lon]

I'd say paint too.

Remove BB dark room and a small torch and see if you can see light through the area

 

[Globalti]

Is that a Tarmac? Anyway stop worrying, it's a witness crack where the thick glossy brittle paint has cracked as the frame flexes. Look at the ends of the chainstays where they join the dropouts and I bet you'll find other hairline cracks like this one on my 2009 Roubaix:

 

[mcshroom]

It's a Merida Scultura Comp. That's what I'm hoping.

I'm going to strip the frame right down over the weekend and give it a thorough clean and inspection.

If nothing else it'll mean I can give it a full service

 

[vickster]

Lifetime frame warranty for original owner if it comes to that

https://cycloanalysts.com/bikes/warranty-information#Merida

 

[Vapin' Joe]

That's no problem. Just a superficial paint crack or even just a scrape.

I agree. It looks nothing like a crack to me, I'd happily forget it and keep riding.