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Is this cracked titanium frame safe to ride?

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Is this cracked titanium frame safe to ride?

Old 09-03-22, 10:19 PM
  #26  
CrimsonEclipse
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No, it is not REMOTELY safe.
I wouldn't even consider this frame unless I knew an absolutely top notch welder experienced in Ti (which I don't)

I suppose you should enjoy your components I guess
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Old 09-03-22, 11:01 PM
  #27  
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Originally Posted by amazinmets73
I agree it was dishonest. However, to be completely objective, I didn't pay anywhere near the value of an undamaged frame. The seller clearly priced the bike taking the damage into consideration. Furthermore, the fact that it was priced so low should have sparked suspicion, and led to a more thorough inspection prior to purchase. The onus falls upon me to conduct one when engaging in a transaction with a random FB marketplace seller.
Yeah, buyer beware to a certain extent. But a major flaw like that should be disclosed. To not do it is consciously dishonest, imho.

I'd contact Lynskey - you should have done this already. Why wouldn't you before this forum?

Last edited by Camilo; 09-03-22 at 11:10 PM.
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Old 09-04-22, 06:59 AM
  #28  
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Does FB Marketplace offer any sort of buyer protection, sort of like eBay? The seller clearly did not disclose the crack, which is a safety issue. And no, I would not ride that.
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Old 09-04-22, 07:02 AM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by Camilo
Yeah, buyer beware to a certain extent. But a major flaw like that should be disclosed. To not do it is consciously dishonest, imho.
The full story isn't entirely clear, but this was a Craigslist ad and post #10 makes me think this was an in-person purchase from the seller of an as-is item. I would still disclose something like this, but I don't think this was a case of an online purchase and/or a photo of the relevant area wasn't provided, etc.
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Old 09-04-22, 07:27 AM
  #30  
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The reason I don't own a titanium bike.
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Old 09-04-22, 07:41 AM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by amazinmets73
In 2017 I inquired about purchasing a damaged Ti frame here. I was advised by multiple people to steer clear. I opted to purchase it and the bike has been great to me.

Maybe you guys are too risk adverse
If you intend to ignore the counsel of the masses, why do you seek it?

The seller said that it wouldn't crack anymore. Really? Why did it magically stop where it did?

FWIW, the Lysnsey warranty only applies to the original purchaser.

Last edited by Paul Barnard; 09-04-22 at 07:49 AM.
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Old 09-04-22, 07:47 AM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by Bald Paul
Does FB Marketplace offer any sort of buyer protection, sort of like eBay? The seller clearly did not disclose the crack, which is a safety issue. And no, I would not ride that.
Originally Posted by Paul Barnard
If you intend to ignore the counsel of the masses, why do you seek it?

The seller said tht it wouldn't crack anymore. Really? Why did it magically stop where it did?

FWIW, the Lysnsey warranty only applies to the original purchaser.
I know. Hence why I'm so confused as to why so many people are suggesting I send the bike to Lynskey. Sure, they could probably fix it, but considering the warranty has been voided, there are surely more economic options.
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Old 09-04-22, 08:03 AM
  #33  
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Originally Posted by Sy Reene
The full story isn't entirely clear, but this was a Craigslist ad and post #10 makes me think this was an in-person purchase from the seller of an as-is item. I would still disclose something like this, but I don't think this was a case of an online purchase and/or a photo of the relevant area wasn't provided, etc.
Not Craigslist. FB marketplace. The seller provided photos in which the crack wasn't visible; I arranged to meet him and purchased item. I didn't notice the crack until the following day, at which point I contacted the seller and he acknowledged he was aware of the crack.
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Old 09-04-22, 08:50 AM
  #34  
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Originally Posted by amazinmets73
Not Craigslist. FB marketplace. The seller provided photos in which the crack wasn't visible; I arranged to meet him and purchased item. I didn't notice the crack until the following day, at which point I contacted the seller and he acknowledged he was aware of the crack.
Do what you want as it's your bones, safety and life but I would not ride that bike..
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Old 09-04-22, 08:59 AM
  #35  
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If the seller said he would take it back, do that!

Otherwise, slap some duct tape on it and go. YMMV
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Old 09-04-22, 10:05 AM
  #36  
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Assuming the crack propagates the entire length of the head tube, unbeknownst to the rider, during a ride. What do people think will happen? The fork will magically fall out? The headset will explode in a fire ball? The front wheel will disengage from the fork and roll along its merry way?

Obviously a cracked frame is somewhat less than ideal. I’d be pissed. But seriously, what is the worst case scenario here?
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Old 09-04-22, 10:15 AM
  #37  
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I think the steering will get pretty wobbly at some point in the near future. I am not a Ti welder, but I think this can be fixed fairly easily. But I would ask a good ti welder that does repairs. I'm not sure lynsky is your best bet. OP doesn't list a location, but Ti welders that do repairs can be found around the U.S.

Do not do any of the hack repairs suggested above, especially if they involve adhesives. Sheesh. A stop hole by itself only weakens the tube. It doesn't really help if the crack is welded, but the effects are removed.
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Old 09-04-22, 10:40 AM
  #38  
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Originally Posted by smd4
But seriously, what is the worst case scenario here?
Dying and not being able to post a follow-up to tell us that we were right.
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Old 09-04-22, 10:43 AM
  #39  
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Originally Posted by WhyFi
Dying and not being able to post a follow-up to tell us that we were right.
And just how, exactly, would this “dying” occur?
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Old 09-04-22, 10:45 AM
  #40  
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I just flashed on how I'd do the repair. JB Weld the crack, pull the headset cup out while the JB is wet. Now fiberglass a carbonfiber strip around the headtube. using epoxy resin. I used to build fiberglass boats and have those skills. Did a much more extensive CF repair once on a cracked steel frame and turned it into the stiffest BB'd Peugeot ever. A perfect place for CF. In pure tension, never anything else. Since the fiber is wrapped to itself (with several loops around) it's bond to the titanium almost doesn't matter at all.

But I have those skills. I won't pretend I can relay them over the internet. I could do a repair neat enough to be fully visible and nothing to be ashamed of. (I also have so many projects lined up I am not volunteering to do this!)
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Old 09-04-22, 10:46 AM
  #41  
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Originally Posted by amazinmets73

Maybe you guys are too risk adverse
Oh, for sure. You should read the wailing, gnashing of teeth and dire warnings of impending doom whenever I say I pump up my tires to 140 psi.
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Old 09-04-22, 10:49 AM
  #42  
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Originally Posted by Koyote
Well, gee, the person who wants to keep your money and get rid of the frame told you to not worry about it. I’m sure that the seller is very reliable.
And I bet a little old lady just used rode the bike to church once a week, too. I'd definitely not ride that bike, but maybe it's just me being leery after kissing the pavement last fall due to a mechanical failure on a bike. I'd rather not go through that again, so I'd pass on riding that bike.

Last edited by Milton Keynes; 09-04-22 at 11:27 AM.
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Old 09-04-22, 10:51 AM
  #43  
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Originally Posted by smd4
And just how, exactly, would this “dying” occur?
Unrecoverable physical trauma would be my bet.
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Old 09-04-22, 10:58 AM
  #44  
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Originally Posted by smd4
And just how, exactly, would this “dying” occur?
What exactly do you think the outcome would be of it completely failing durning a high speed descent while cornering hard?
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Old 09-04-22, 11:01 AM
  #45  
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Originally Posted by raqball
What exactly do you think would be the outcome of it completely failing durning a high speed descent while covering hard?
Not much. Something akin to a loose headset. What exactly do you think would happen?
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Old 09-04-22, 11:01 AM
  #46  
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Originally Posted by smd4
Oh, for sure. You should read the wailing, gnashing of teeth and dire warnings of impending doom whenever I say I pump up my tires to 140 psi.
As previously stated, I purchased a titanium frame with a minor dent for dirt cheap 5 years ago. It's been lovely and is my favorite bike. Every member here who gave an opinion advised against purchasing it. It's similar to when I tell people I drive old cars to avoid car payments and they start clucking about safety standards. We've become a society of pampered wusses.

Last edited by amazinmets73; 09-04-22 at 11:13 AM.
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Old 09-04-22, 11:03 AM
  #47  
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Originally Posted by WhyFi
Unrecoverable physical trauma would be my bet.
Would you care to provide any evidence as to how the crack would lead to unrecoverable physical trauma?
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Old 09-04-22, 11:04 AM
  #48  
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Originally Posted by smd4
Not much. Something akin to a loose headset. What exactly do you think would happen?
LOL.. Nothing else to say.. If you'd feel safe riding that bike then by all means pedal onwards.. Me? PASS!

You are giving TERRIBLE and UNSAFE advice...
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Old 09-04-22, 11:10 AM
  #49  
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Originally Posted by raqball
LOL.. Nothing else to say.. If you'd feel safe riding that bike then by all means pedal onwards.. Me? PASS!

You are giving TERRIBLE and UNSAFE advice...
Your argument is: "The bike is unsafe. You're risking your life riding it. Anyone who advises otherwise is giving unsafe advice"

However, when probed to expand on your argument and provide detailed evidence as to why it's unsafe, your responses become evasive.

Why is that?
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Old 09-04-22, 11:14 AM
  #50  
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Originally Posted by amazinmets73
Your argument is: "The bike is unsafe. You're risking your life riding it. Anyone who advises otherwise is giving unsafe advice"

However, when probed to expand on your argument and provide detailed evidence as to why it's unsafe, your responses become evasive.

Why is that?
I already put forth a case of why it's dangerous.. The other person claims that the worse case is you get a loose headset if it completely fails.. Do you really not understand how that could cause a crash when descending and cornering hard at hight speed? If not then I really don't have anything left to say...
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