Bicycle Mechanics - Frame Cracks

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JustsayMo
11-01-02, 06:55 AM
I discovered a small crack on one of my frames. It's about 10 mm long, from the seat tube binder slot. I have no idea how long it has been cracked. The frame is in otherwise great shape.

Are there some inexpensive repairs or precautions I could take to extend the life of the frame?

Does anyone else have experience with this sort of crack?

FWIW. It's True Temper lugged frame. Thanks.

DonTx
11-01-02, 08:19 AM
I do not have experience with that particular sort of crack, but in general the same guideline apply to most all frame damage. If you really like the frame and the crack is in a tube not in a lug, then a framebuilder can reair it by replacing the tube. That is the proper way to do it. It will require a repaint of at least that tube and ajoining tubes so the whole repair is likely to cost at least $200.00. You could probably have someone braze the crack and just leave it. Then again you may just leave it alone and monitor the crack.
daniel22
11-01-02, 04:30 PM
Many years ago I had a Legnano that developed a crack in the seat tube near the lug. It was a novel design. The binder bolt was in front of the seat tube. Anyhow, I took it too a local welder. He welded a big piece of iron around the diameter of the seat tube. It looked very ugly, but it worked. I finally threw out the frame because I bought a new bike, and I did not have any room for it.

Daniel