Aluminium Frame Cracks?
08-22-21, 05:54 PM
#1
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Aluminium Frame Cracks?
I think I just bought a frame that is full of cracks (only discovered after I started to strip the bike down to the frame for polishing)? Was going to buy it as a restoration project and learn the ropes of bike maintenance.
Are these cracks, if so I'm guessing I should stop and not waste my time.
Are these cracks, if so I'm guessing I should stop and not waste my time.
08-22-21, 06:34 PM
#2
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Stop wasting your time.
That bike was loved just a little too much.
That bike was loved just a little too much.
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Car dependency is a tax.
08-22-21, 07:23 PM
#3
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I don't know how many of the possible cracks really are but I hope you didn't pay much for this frame. The one that I would be concerned about is the fork's. The snaking shape of the possible crack is not the usual shape of how stress radiates along a tube. But a fork failure that happens quickly is a really bad experience
The rest have a lot less safety concerns, IMO. The frame needs a serious and well done paint stripping to truly assess the bad spots. There are dye penetrants that might be used to find out in the bad spots are real cracks. Andy
The rest have a lot less safety concerns, IMO. The frame needs a serious and well done paint stripping to truly assess the bad spots. There are dye penetrants that might be used to find out in the bad spots are real cracks. Andy
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08-22-21, 07:57 PM
#4
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Didn't a shop already tell you the frame is cracked?
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ern-parts.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ern-parts.html
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08-23-21, 02:05 AM
#6
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Shops
Didn't a shop already tell you the frame is cracked? https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ern-parts.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...ern-parts.html
08-23-21, 04:37 AM
#7
Blamester
I don't know how many of the possible cracks really are but I hope you didn't pay much for this frame. The one that I would be concerned about is the fork's. The snaking shape of the possible crack is not the usual shape of how stress radiates along a tube. But a fork failure that happens quickly is a really bad experience The rest have a lot less safety concerns, IMO. The frame needs a serious and well done paint stripping to truly assess the bad spots. There are dye penetrants that might be used to find out in the bad spots are real cracks. Andy
The rest have a lot less safety concerns, IMO. The frame needs a serious and well done paint stripping to truly assess the bad spots. There are dye penetrants that might be used to find out in the bad spots are real cracks. AndyPlenty of these frames about. So is it worth it?
Last edited by blamester; 08-23-21 at 04:59 AM.
08-23-21, 08:12 AM
#8
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Hope your time investment is worth as little as this frame. In my view only the apparent crack in the seat stay above
the brake bridge is likely to be a true crack but considering the paint may be a paint crack only. The bottom bracket
stuff is likely grunge in the welding crevices and bad paint. Only full strip will tell which if done by hand is a PITA to
do in my experience and not inexpensive if supplies are bought retail. You have already dealt with the fork.
Wonder what those two "bubbles" seen on the inside of the bottom bracket shell are?
the brake bridge is likely to be a true crack but considering the paint may be a paint crack only. The bottom bracket
stuff is likely grunge in the welding crevices and bad paint. Only full strip will tell which if done by hand is a PITA to
do in my experience and not inexpensive if supplies are bought retail. You have already dealt with the fork.
Wonder what those two "bubbles" seen on the inside of the bottom bracket shell are?
08-24-21, 01:20 AM
#9
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Yea that's the question is it worth it, when you start to strip the paint it's gonna be a repaint if the frame is ok. Paid way too much for the bike, cost me £250 and probably not worth spending more on it. Need PayPal dispute to pull through .... ...
08-24-21, 01:53 AM
#10
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Yea that's the question is it worth it, when you start to strip the paint it's gonna be a repaint if the frame is ok. Paid way too much for the bike, cost me £250 and probably not worth spending more on it. Need PayPal dispute to pull through .... ...
08-24-21, 11:20 AM
#11
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The brake bridge has almost crumbled to dust and is more aluminum oxide than “aluminum”. The red arrows point to pits in the metal which shouldn’t exist. This frame has probably been exposed to lots of salt, either road salt or being stored in an ocean environment.
As others have said, stop wasting your time. The bike is about one ride away from collapsing into a pile of white powder.
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08-25-21, 12:07 PM
#14
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09-04-21, 02:04 PM
#15
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Well, the PayPal dispute has lapsed and I've managed to get a partial refund back. Out of interest, I've cleaned the frame to see what it looks like under the paint. Just for those who might be interested :- D
09-04-21, 08:28 PM
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Useful tip to anyone if you are not confident in the frame, don't ride it. Unless you have someone knowledgable in frame building or repair looking over it and giving you assurances it is safe and would put it into writing, I wouldn't bother. You already have doubt in your mind that is already a good sign to not continue. If you really loved the frame put it up as a wall hanger or find a way to recycle it or if steel, see if a competent frame builder can restore it if worth it.
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