Hello all,
I recently broke a chainstay on my newly-painted (but probably pretty old) steel Nishiki frame. Here's a link to the bike on fixed gear gallery:
http://fixedgeargallery.com/2006/apr/AndyGreenberg.htm. Below is a picture of the tragic break.
Now, what to do: should I get it welded? How much should that cost? Will it be as strong as it ought to be? Does any know who near Philadelphia might do the best job? (Bilenky, Havnoonian or someone else)? The frame was too wide originally, so I was squeezing the stays to get the wheel on. Did that contribute to the break? If I weld it will I have to have the frame "cold set" to the proper width?
I originally paid $200 for the entire bike, but I've put too much time into refurbishing and painting the frame it to chuck it without some hesitation. I really don't know if welding is really worthwhile, though.
Sorry about my total cluelessness. Please advise.