2004 Specialized Allez Comp Columbus Foco Chainstay Catastrophe
05-07-20, 04:43 PM
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Columbus Foco Chainstay Catastrophe (Dent)
2004 Specialized Allez Comp Columbus Foco steel with a nasty gash/dent on the drive side chainstay. I believe it probably occurred when the chain fell of the inner chain ring and got caught between the chain ring and the stay. Possibly could have been caused by flex in the bottom bracket and the chain ring rubbing. It doesn't quite line up right to be this but could have happened.
As far as I can tell there are no cracks in the area, but there are a couple of nasty creases with one of them being in the center of a dent. I think the area might have been dimpled a bit already to make clearance for the chain rings, but its hard to tell.
So, the question is: is this frame done? I know the life expectancy for the frame has been shortened, but will it be a matter of months? Years? The previous owner who had owned it for a few years said that they hadn't noticed the damage and that the bike had been sitting for awhile in their garage. Who knows how long ago it occurred and how much riding the bike has been subjected to since then.
I noticed the damage, and still went ahead and bought it
. It rides great but for how long?
I could sell it. Obviously, I would feel bad selling it if it's a major risk of breaking. And I feel that it could be.
I could ride it until it dies, enjoy what life it has left. Hopefully that would be awhile.
I could part it out for some of my other bike projects/builds.
Or sell off parts to recoup some of the cost of the bike.
Thoughts/advice on the damage and what to do with the bike are appreciated.
As far as I can tell there are no cracks in the area, but there are a couple of nasty creases with one of them being in the center of a dent. I think the area might have been dimpled a bit already to make clearance for the chain rings, but its hard to tell.
So, the question is: is this frame done? I know the life expectancy for the frame has been shortened, but will it be a matter of months? Years? The previous owner who had owned it for a few years said that they hadn't noticed the damage and that the bike had been sitting for awhile in their garage. Who knows how long ago it occurred and how much riding the bike has been subjected to since then.
I noticed the damage, and still went ahead and bought it
. It rides great but for how long?I could sell it. Obviously, I would feel bad selling it if it's a major risk of breaking. And I feel that it could be.
I could ride it until it dies, enjoy what life it has left. Hopefully that would be awhile.
I could part it out for some of my other bike projects/builds.
Or sell off parts to recoup some of the cost of the bike.
Thoughts/advice on the damage and what to do with the bike are appreciated.
Last edited by AL7000; 05-08-20 at 01:40 AM. Reason: Remove unnecessary info
05-07-20, 06:41 PM
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Unfortunately, time for a new frame. It will fail. Not today, not tomorrow. But at somepoint, probably while sprinting out from a green light, that chainstay will snap. Sorry...
05-07-20, 06:53 PM
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Thank you for you for being frank. It really stinks...but I have kind of accepted the reality of it. Just wanted to confirm what I already assumed.
05-07-20, 08:04 PM
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I agree that it will likely crack and fail however I would not be worried about instantaneous doom. I would monitor the location periodically as steel tends to grow cracks fairly slowly.
This seems to be a classic case of chain suck. The chain links don't disengage from the ring's teeth, often during a shift when there's been power applied (not soft pedaling) and the portion of the chain in-between the two rings it under tension. Further contributing can be worn ring teeth and worn chains, so that the chain's meshing with the two rings during the shift is comprised.
We look at the rings, the crank spider trueness, the chain as well as the obvious chain stay when this repair comes in. Andy
This seems to be a classic case of chain suck. The chain links don't disengage from the ring's teeth, often during a shift when there's been power applied (not soft pedaling) and the portion of the chain in-between the two rings it under tension. Further contributing can be worn ring teeth and worn chains, so that the chain's meshing with the two rings during the shift is comprised.
We look at the rings, the crank spider trueness, the chain as well as the obvious chain stay when this repair comes in. Andy
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05-07-20, 08:25 PM
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If there is a frame builder in your area, ask them what replacing that chainstay (and a repaint) would cost. This is not an exotic or extremely valuable frame so determine if the cost of the repair is justified to you. And, yes, I agree that frame is going to fail if not repaired. When, who knows? A broken chainstay will certainly end your ride but is unlikely to cause a crash when it happens. That said, if it were mine I would have it repaired sooner rather than later or replace it.
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05-08-20, 07:54 PM
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If there is a frame builder in your area, ask them what replacing that chainstay (and a repaint) would cost. This is not an exotic or extremely valuable frame so determine if the cost of the repair is justified to you. And, yes, I agree that frame is going to fail if not repaired. When, who knows? A broken chainstay will certainly end your ride but is unlikely to cause a crash when it happens. That said, if it were mine I would have it repaired sooner rather than later or replace it.
05-09-20, 12:59 AM
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Probably not. A real repair would basically be welding in a new chainstay and repainting. Do you ride a trainer? Could be good for that.
05-09-20, 07:29 PM
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Not to say you want to go this route, but if you liked your old one enough...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Specialized...gAAOSwvLteYxfK
... or just keep looking for a replacement frame of the same model.
.
John
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Specialized...gAAOSwvLteYxfK
... or just keep looking for a replacement frame of the same model.
.
John
05-09-20, 07:43 PM
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I think I would talk to a frame builder and ask about a repair to the damaged steel section. It hasn't gone through the steel at this point, so It may be possible to add a braze filet to the damage. Or even a weld and grind to repair the tube. If it were mine I would lean toward the braze fill to do the repair. It may cost close to a couple of hundred dollars but would save your frame. Ask some of the frame builders here on BF. Just my thoughts, MH
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