Hi all,
I installed a headset in my new frame last night (done at the local bike coop with the proper tools, lots of grease, and some supervision), and noticed after cleaning up that there's a crack in the paint around half the HT, parallel to the top cup of the headset.
We all had a look at it and concluded that there was probably a bead of paint that was a bit thick on this side and crushed down when the headset was installed. We figured that it probably wasn't an issue (and that it wouldn't really have shown on a black frame!). I would like you guys' opinions too though.
I was planning on cleaning it up and then applying a thin layer of clear nail polish to keep it clean. Anything else I should be doing there? Cheers!
Is it a sticker?
with the proper tools
Facing the head tube would have prevented it, maybe? However, I'd agree it's likely to just be the way the cup has pressed the paint - if it was the tube itself it would likely be at 90 degrees to the top of the tube, not parallel.
I would just make sure you keep an eye on the headset to make sure it's not going slack (i.e. if the paint compresses a bit more).
I'm not one of these anal face everything types, but if there was a thick bit of paint it would probably have been worth facing it or at least chipping it off as well possible.
I was a bit worried by the description, but a crack that way is not caused by any excessive stretching of the head tube, so wouldn't worry about it.
It's not a sticker unfortunately, i can just feel it dip in with my nail.
Facing is a good point. I just greased everything up and pressed it in. The mechanic and I checked that the inside of the HT was nicely finished, and he didn't feel it needed facing.
Worth a word with the manufacturer Shirley?
Was there paint on the top face of the head tube? If so that is "probably" why the paint has cracked due to compression.
There was definitely an amount of paint on the top and bottom faces of the HT. It had clearly been reamed by the manufacturer and didn't feel unduly thick. So the mechanic didn't think it was anything to worry about. I'll give the manufacturer a call in a bit.
The cups went in with very little force and the whole system is working nicely, but I'll certainly keep an eye on it.
Looks like excess paint pushed down as the cups compressed.
Like Al said, ping the manufacturer an email to check.
I'm worried on your behalf.
Does that unburden your worry?
I’m worried on your behalf.
Does that unburden your worry?
Unfortunately not! But thanks all the same 😉
I phoned Pace who seemed surprised and got me to email them pictures. Hopefully will get a reply in the next day.
Your only real issue is likely to be that when you ultimately sell it, it's likely to result in a reduction of sale value when even though it's not actually a problem as such.
Thanks people. Going to see what Pace suggest tomorrow. They said they were to discussing it internally. Regarding resale value, I'm really not worried and planning on running this frame into the ground. It was good value anyway 🙂 so I'll probably just touch it up and keep an eye on the top cup when washing the bike.
Sounds like a plan there then goobley. 👍