Orient Express - Cheap Chinese Rims / Wheels / Forks / Frames / Cranks / Etc

I should have a couple more. I will send all interested parties a link to the originals uploaded to my Dropbox once I finished editing.

That would be appreciated- don't suppose you got any of Fenella?

Because of the nature of the lens used (1.2) I wasted many frames - especially after my third pint of Guinness. Very shallow depth of field and she's completely out of focus. I might have a group one with her.

I said Prince Philip-esque!

Would you prefer to be likened to his balding grandson?

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According to the manufacturor the surface mark is caused by a bubble- air was not purged from the epoxy before it set, so when it came out of the mold there was a small surface void- visible in the picture by Jim's thumb.

This was then filled in when/by the clearcoat layer.

Clearcoat is obviously not structural, however.

He (unsurprisingly) maintains that this is purely a cosmetic defect.

Would anyone who works with composites have an opinion?

I've only ever repaied my carbon kayak and have never had such an issue.
I would imagine that they use vaccuum bagging to produce them so that issue shouldn't happen.

I'd say that any air trapped in the carbon/epoxy would be structural.

All carbon bike parts have messy insides. It's normal.

yup, air vacuum molding won't be poirfek

Theres a void in the epoxy, not the carbon fibre. I suppose it could become a focus point for the forces the rim experiances but I very much doubt it. I consider the few 1mm or less diameter bubbles on mine to be cosmetic. Difficult to comment on yours.

I have alu components with molding voids. Cant say I've really thought about it being a big issue.

Jim's concern is that the bubble areas would focus stress when, for example, braking heavily.

Whereas a rim without the imperfections would distribute that stress evenly the rim with imperfections might fail.

Or it might be fine.

:)

Jim's concern is that the bubble areas would focus stress when, for example, braking heavily.

Whereas a rim without the imperfections would distribute that stress evenly the rim with imperfections might fail.

Seems highly unlikely considering the the fiber layers are untouched and evenly distributed.

and the resin binds it all together

theoretically you could patch in the same way you'd patch a carbon kayak or similar. Dremel down the clear coat fix, fill with epoxy, finely sand, and spray with clearcoat.

and the resin binds it all together

The imperfection is on the surface, not inbetween the fibres. So the fibres are still adequately bonded.

Look I'm guessing here, based on good polymer knowledge, poor bike knowledge, and little first hand info.

But I'd build it, and give it the beans, as Balki would say.

and the resin binds it all together

#Insertslordoftheringspichere

But I'd build it, and give it the beans, as Balki would say.

this

Worth pointing out that I'm sitting here, with a scab the size of my fist on my knee. So I may not exactly be a role model for careful living.

As you have actual qualifications in this area I shall take your word on it.

If I die please look after my cat.

Has this been resolved yet?

Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war I've asked Jim to build my set.

Have these been revolved yet?

i believe dovvle's has, but dammit's a bit scared too

Suffice to say Lfgss opinion is that you are being a massive jessy.