Cannondale Bicycle Owner's Manual - page 71

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a few things to think about:

• ONCE A CRACKS STARTS IT CAN GROW  AND 

GRoW fast.  Think about the crack as forming 

a pathway to failure. This means that any crack 

is potentially dangerous and will only become 

more dangerous.  

simPle RUle 1: If you find crack, replace the 

part. 

• CORROSION SPEEDS DAMAGE. Cracks grow 

more quickly when they are in a corrosive 

environment. Think about the corrosive solution 

as further weakening and extending the crack. 

simPle RUle 2: Clean your bike, lubricate your 

bike, protect your bike from salt, remove any salt 

as soon as you can.

• STAINS AND DISCOLORATION CAN OCCUR 

neaR a CRaCk. Such staining may be a warning 

sign that a crack exists.  

simPle RUle 3: Inspect and investigate any 

staining to see if it is associated with a crack.  

• SIGNIFICANT SCRATCHES, GOUGES, DENTS 

oR sCoRinG CReate staRtinG Points 

foR CRaCks.  Think about the cut surface as 

a focal point for stress (in fact engineers call 

such areas "stress risers," areas where the stress 

is increased). Perhaps you have seen glass cut? 

Recall how the glass was scored and then broke 

on the scored line. 

simPle RUle 4: Do not scratch, gouge or score 

any surface. If you do, pay frequent attention to 

this area or replace the part.  

• SOME CRACKS (particularly larger ones) 

may make CReakinG noise as yoU Ride.  

Think about such a noise as a serious warning 

signal. Note that a well-maintained bicycle will 

be very quiet and free of creaks and squeaks. 

simPle RUle 5:  Investigate and find the 

source of any noise. It may not a be a crack, but 

whatever is causing the noise should be fixed 

before riding.