Crash with BXT-135 – Hairline cracks on top tube – still safe to ride?

[fhold]

Hi everyone,

I recently had a pretty bad crash with my BXT-135. I went down hard on the side, and it looks like the top tube took some of the impact. Upon closer inspection, I noticed some light cracking – what appear to be hairline fractures on the surface.

I already did the coin test and couldn’t detect any difference in sound around the affected area, which gives me a bit of hope. But of course, I’m not entirely sure how to assess the damage.

What do you think – is it still safe to ride the frame?

I was thinking of reinforcing the area with some tape.

I’ve attached a picture of the damage. Would really appreciate your thoughts and experiences!

[Serge_K]

I was thinking of reinforcing the area with some tape.

Duct tape is a great idea. I will email tantan to suggest they make the whole SL8 clone frame out of duct tape for extra weight saving.

Yes, I am sarcastic, no, you can't make a cracked frame safe to ride by putting duct tape on it. In fact, did you come up with the idea yourself, or did you get trolled by someone?

[jfcb]

I suggest to sand the crack down to see if it's only in the paint or also in the carbon. If it's in the carbon, don't ride it. Don't rely on internet experts judging a picture.
Think about what's worth more: your safety or a 500USD frame.

[fhold]

Duct tape is a great idea. I will email tantan to suggest they make the whole SL8 clone frame out of duct tape for extra weight saving.

Yes, I am sarcastic, no, you can't make a cracked frame safe to ride by putting duct tape on it. In fact, did you come up with the idea yourself, or did you get trolled by someone?

the idea was all mine - don't steal it  . But you are all right to clarify that tape won't help to fix a cracked frame. I was more interested if there is a way to better assess if i have to throw the frame away.

I suggest to sand the crack down to see if it's only in the paint or also in the carbon. If it's in the carbon, don't ride it. Don't rely on internet experts judging a picture.
Think about what's worth more: your safety or a 500USD frame.

Thanks for the sound advice - will do that. And yes saftey first!

[Cnasta]

Duct tape is a great idea. I will email tantan to suggest they make the whole SL8 clone frame out of duct tape for extra weight saving.

Yes, I am sarcastic, no, you can't make a cracked frame safe to ride by putting duct tape on it. In fact, did you come up with the idea yourself, or did you get trolled by someone?

You are being overly carefull. Just use 2 strips of duct tape and he'll be fine #darwin


ps: just remove 2 random bolts to compensate for the second layer of duct tape

[rasch]

Judging from the picture (worth what is worth) that frame is gone.

You can sand the area to see but that looks like on a few layers under but I'd just look for a new frame.