I recently purchased an S2 frameset that I wish to race next year after winter. After unpacking and oogling it I noticed there are deep cracks that run along the inside of the seat tube where the AeroSeat Tube collar sits. I am deeply concerned as the seat tube takes a large amount of weight and have read that any cracks in carbon fibre frame comprimise it's stability and should not be ridden. Seeing as I just purchased this frame unridden to the best of knowledge (it may have been a demo bike at the shop I purchased it) I believe Cervelo should warrant this frame. I am currently dealing with the dealership to see if they (being a cervelo dealer) are going to help me.

Here is a link to the album

Here are some shots that I sent the store I purchased them from

[these are compressed from the RAW files I had snapped of them]

My S2 has pretty much the same view in the seat tube: a bunch of of somewhat loose fibers and mold release compound. I don't think there's a structural issue here (plus, the cross-section at the cut looks solid and crack-free), just don't move the seatpost up and down too much or it will get scratched and start to look bad.

Looks just like mine, nice and shiny on the outside, crusty and cracked on the inside. Actually, that kinda sounds like me too.

If you go to your lbs and check out the frames they have on display (most lbs have frames hanging on walls) you will see they all have that appearance on the inside where the carbon is not so detailed/smooth (kinda like paper mache).

maybe you are seeing something, that we just can not see in the picture.  But the pictures look like a normal inside view of a carbon tube.

sam:

maybe you are seeing something, that we just can not see in the picture.  But the pictures look like a normal inside view of a carbon tube.

 

Thanks for your input folks!

Some of those are scratches yes but there are three that are actual cracks you can feel run downward. I tried capturing them with the camera but it's rather difficult to get macro shots with limited lighting.

These cracks are deep and feel deep when I rub my finger along them.

Is it wrong for me to want to ride/race as hard as I can without the thought that my frame will shatter because of these cracks that should have been dealt with in the first place?

Preventative measure.

Everyone just remain calm ;-)

devisible - as sam says, it may be hard to see from the pictures, but it is clear enough that it is not through the carbon fibre by how the top appears. No cracks on the outside; there really should be no issue. Show your lbs what your concern is and have them show you on another frame how it is. As stated by others already (especially from sam who has seen thousands of frames) it is how they all look. If there is something else that does not show up well in photo, that is more of a concern, your lbs/Cervelo will take care of it for you. Your frame is not capable of shattering, so there is no fear of that - ride/race as hard as you can. Ride it for now and enjoy without any worries of it causing your death. Definitely though, make your lbs aware before they blame you for over tightening the seat post clamp.

 

If you have a concern, I would be sure to make it known to your LBS now - even though it sounds like your frame is probably fine.  That way, there will be no question if you develop a problem later that it is a warranty issue vs. a problem that you caused. 

 I looked at your pics closely and as others have said, what you are seeing are just the lines and cleavages that result inside carbon tubes after the carbon molding process...this is all perfectly normal for a carbon frame. If these were cracks you would be seeing them on the outside as well. I just peeked inside the seattube of my R3 and I see the same thing as your frame, albeit a bit harder to see given the round tube on my frame.

EM3

I'd like to thank you guys for all the input.

The online retailer has decided to replace the frame with relative ease. I was sent one that had no cracks and im certainly alot more satisfied and not scared to push this frame as hard as I can in the future races.