Is my frame safe to ride?
02-24-21, 12:04 AM
#1
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Is my frame safe to ride?
I'm relatively new to mountain biking and recently purchased a used Trek Slash 7 (small aluminum frame). Unfortunately, I didn't realize the bike has a dent in the underside of the bottom tube until a month after it was purchased.
Now I'm concerned about the structural integrity of the frame. Is this safe to ride? I'm 5'4" and 120 lbs.
view from underside
Also worth noting, there's tape on the top tube for cosmetic reasons, there aren't any dents or dings under it.
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
Now I'm concerned about the structural integrity of the frame. Is this safe to ride? I'm 5'4" and 120 lbs.
view from underside
Also worth noting, there's tape on the top tube for cosmetic reasons, there aren't any dents or dings under it.
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
02-24-21, 07:36 AM
#2
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Aluminum frames with dents can last a life time or fail catastrophically. That dent in your down tube should be looked at by a Trek dealer as it is hard to assess with photos. It appears to be a very small percentage of the tube diameter which is good and no scratch or crack (stress riser) that I can see but a very close inspection is needed as a failure of that tube on a bike like yours which is made for aggressive riding even with a light weight rider could have serious consequences.
02-24-21, 08:09 AM
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I'm relatively new to mountain biking and recently purchased a used Trek Slash 7 (small aluminum frame). Unfortunately, I didn't realize the bike has a dent in the underside of the bottom tube until a month after it was purchased.
Now I'm concerned about the structural integrity of the frame. Is this safe to ride? I'm 5'4" and 120 lbs.
view from underside
Also worth noting, there's tape on the top tube for cosmetic reasons, there aren't any dents or dings under it.
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
Now I'm concerned about the structural integrity of the frame. Is this safe to ride? I'm 5'4" and 120 lbs.
view from underside
Also worth noting, there's tape on the top tube for cosmetic reasons, there aren't any dents or dings under it.
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
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02-24-21, 09:06 AM
#4
I'm good to go!
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Dents and dings in tubes are just something you take a look at every now and then to be certain nothing bad is going on. Typically you get tired of checking them after ten years or so.
02-24-21, 09:10 AM
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My eyes see no crease or corner to the dent. That's good as any sharp feature can act as a stress concentrator. But to be sure I suggest you stop riding this frame and send it to me for safe care
Andy.
Andy.
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AndrewRStewart
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02-24-21, 11:33 PM
#7
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I hadn't thought of taking the bike to a dealer as some have mentioned. That's definitely something I'm going to do now. Hope it is nothing serious.
Of course! I'll send it your way ASAP. Btw I'm originally from Rochester.
Of course! I'll send it your way ASAP. Btw I'm originally from Rochester.
02-24-21, 11:53 PM
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As I am also. Andy
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AndrewRStewart
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02-25-21, 04:46 AM
#9
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If there are no cracks and considering it's aluminium, it'll be safe to ride.
02-25-21, 10:06 AM
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keep an eye on it.
02-25-21, 01:31 PM
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Take it to your dealer have their head tech take a look at it and keep an eye on the dent. I personally wouldn't want to ride dented aluminum but I don't really care to ride undented aluminum so...
