Dent in my Big Block, what would be best replacement?
07-24-18, 07:32 PM
#1
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Dent in my Big Block, what would be best replacement?
Getting mixed messages on if, and when I need to replace this frame. Attempted bike theft left this dent in the top tube. As a Super Clyde (6'3" 310) im a little iffy on the long-term reliability.
So, if I decide to sell/replace this, what would be an on par replacement frameset? Love the Mash Steel (mainly because of the ability to run larger tires). I prefer steel and the ability to run a front brake.
So, if I decide to sell/replace this, what would be an on par replacement frameset? Love the Mash Steel (mainly because of the ability to run larger tires). I prefer steel and the ability to run a front brake.
07-24-18, 09:28 PM
#2
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As long as the frame is not out of alignment I’d not worry about it and keep it. The top tube is not under a lot of stress, which is why it is usually smaller than the downtube that carries most of the load. Steel is very ductile, so there is little chance of the top tube cracking or failing catastrophically. So unless you can’t live with the ugliness of the damage, just keep riding it.
07-24-18, 09:34 PM
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As to what would be a good replacement, I'm no expert, but I can throw out a few random ideas. If you meant to ask about the MASH Work, they seem to be getting scarce on the new market since production ended. Retrogression recently had a few remaining, but it appears they're now sold out. You might find a used one. There's now a Vigorelli in steel. Or for a lot less money there's the Surly Steamroller, which is probably at least as strong.
As to if/when you need to replace the damaged frame, I'd say it may still be serviceable for a long time. Can't tell for sure, but that dent looks like it has no sharp edges or creases. These are dangerous because they invite cracks. A smooth, rounded dent like you have is mainly troublesome only because it's unsightly. At any rate, you can continue riding and just keep an eye on it. If a crack appears, I'd stop riding. Chances are, it won't suddenly have a catastrophic failure, even with your mass on it.
As to if/when you need to replace the damaged frame, I'd say it may still be serviceable for a long time. Can't tell for sure, but that dent looks like it has no sharp edges or creases. These are dangerous because they invite cracks. A smooth, rounded dent like you have is mainly troublesome only because it's unsightly. At any rate, you can continue riding and just keep an eye on it. If a crack appears, I'd stop riding. Chances are, it won't suddenly have a catastrophic failure, even with your mass on it.
07-25-18, 06:09 AM
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If you like this one, what about another Big Block?
Otherewise the Mash Steel (the new one, not the Cinelli Mash Work), looks pretty nice.
https://shop.mashsf.com/mash-steel-f...ver-smoke.html
Otherewise the Mash Steel (the new one, not the Cinelli Mash Work), looks pretty nice.
https://shop.mashsf.com/mash-steel-f...ver-smoke.html
07-25-18, 07:07 PM
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I am a fan of the Cinelli Mash Work which they have re-kajiggered after MASH stopped their partnership and are now doing the same stuff but with Columbus which is owned by Cinelli (or the other way around, I cannot remember) It is a fun bike.
I would also consider the Surly Steamroller or CrossCheck (depending on your brake wants or needs) or a Nature Boy (you can get it with discs and 853 tubing as well).
I would also consider the Surly Steamroller or CrossCheck (depending on your brake wants or needs) or a Nature Boy (you can get it with discs and 853 tubing as well).
08-01-18, 01:50 PM
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I'm with belacqua, I think you should see what happens when you roll it out with some frame blocks. While I am no Clyde, I have ridden a bunch of miles on a 531C Mercian with what started out as a similar dent. It's still ugly but it hasn't failed and I don't think it's going to. Steel is remarkably resilient material.
08-01-18, 01:57 PM
#9
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I mean, I presume a welder understands metal better than most of the rest of us. I would value the opinion of such a person, or a frame builder for that matter, and wonder if there is a reason why you recommend tossing this.
Not trying to challenge. Sincerely interested and willing to learn from anyone with expertise.
-Tim-
08-01-18, 02:00 PM
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not a welder. that’s a nasty “dent” bordering on a crease. i personally wouldn’t risk it. i’d rather spend $500 on a new frame than $500 on an ER co-pay.
08-01-18, 09:27 PM
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Aren't you a welder? Or was that someone else here?
I mean, I presume a welder understands metal better than most of the rest of us. I would value the opinion of such a person, or a frame builder for that matter, and wonder if there is a reason why you recommend tossing this.
I mean, I presume a welder understands metal better than most of the rest of us. I would value the opinion of such a person, or a frame builder for that matter, and wonder if there is a reason why you recommend tossing this.
A frame builder who is pretty active here is @JohnDThompson.
08-02-18, 01:01 AM
#13
Fresh Garbage
I'm with you there, that looks like a sharp impact. I can sympathize with OP, as a large Clyde myself, I wouldn't have much confidence in that frame outside of really chill easy pub crawl riding.
Hey, OP! Just cut out that section and have a cup holder welded in it's place
Hey, OP! Just cut out that section and have a cup holder welded in it's place
08-02-18, 07:57 AM
#14
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That's right. I was thinking of @hairnet.
