Second hand carbon frame advice

[Dec66]

Probably been asked a million times, but here we go...

A mate of mine is toying with buying a newly-serviced De Rosa R838 for £450, about 10 years old. It looks great, but I did tell him he might want to have the frame and forks checked out for any microscopic cracking or weak points.

However, it's something I've never done myself, as I'm wedded to aluminium.

I think I've seen here about having MRI type checks, how does one go about that, and what does it cost?

 

[Jameshow]

I don't think it's needed. I certainly didn't when I brought my carbon bikes.

Just look for cracks in the paintwork.

I've had more issues with alu bikes tbf.

 

[kingrollo]

Visual inspection will be fine 99 Times out of 100.

 

[kingrollo]

Bump....

Just out of curiosity.....did you find anyone to do the mythical MRI ....

After one of my carbon frames developed a crack I took it to a carbon repair specialist...expecting some sort of deep scan would be recommended.....the guy just ran his fingers of the crack - poked at the chipped paint - and deduced it was only the pain cracking - my joy was short lived as the same crack appeared a few months after the repair ....I cut my losses on the frame shortly after that.

 

[Dec66]

Bump....

Just out of curiosity.....did you find anyone to do the mythical MRI ....

After one of my carbon frames developed a crack I took it to a carbon repair specialist...expecting some sort of deep scan would be recommended.....the guy just ran his fingers of the crack - poked at the chipped paint - and deduced it was only the pain cracking - my joy was short lived as the same crack appeared a few months after the repair ....I cut my losses on the frame shortly after that.

Wasn't me buying, it was my mate... He went ahead and bought with without any MRI.

I've had a look at it, frame looks in perfect condition as far as I can see. He loves it.

 

[vickster]

Bump....

Just out of curiosity.....did you find anyone to do the mythical MRI ....

After one of my carbon frames developed a crack I took it to a carbon repair specialist...expecting some sort of deep scan would be recommended.....the guy just ran his fingers of the crack - poked at the chipped paint - and deduced it was only the pain cracking - my joy was short lived as the same crack appeared a few months after the repair ....I cut my losses on the frame shortly after that.

This company uses various tech to inspect
https://carbonbikerepair.co.uk/
https://carbonbikerepair.co.uk/wp/?p=2931