Bicycle Mechanics - Dent in CAAD8 Fixable? Dangerous?

Hey Guys and Gals, my buddy managed to ding his CAAD8 R1000 Cannondale top tube pretty well. Its about a third of the way back from the head tube on top. (pics below) Has anyone ever had luck pulling a dent? I know you can do it with automobiles with a suction cup type thing. Would that work here?

Also, should he be worried safety-wise? I know caad8 is pretty thin, but this doesn't seem all too bad. He has ridden it like this for a short while with no ill effect so far.

Thanks alot in advance!

http://www.psc.edu/science/ALCOA/bud-can2.GIF

http://www.psc.edu/science/ALCOA/bud-can2.GIF
???? What are you implying? Bad? The top tube itself isn't bent by any means. The dent is about 2-3mm deep at most. The pics may make it seem worse.

Any other, maybe more detailed advice?:rolleyes:

classic case of product obsolesce.

Get your friend a new frame. It'll only get worse with wear.

Aluminum is a material that doesn't like damage of any kind. It can develope stress risers that can form stress fractures. If the bike was steel even the new lighter variety you could ride the bike until it turned to rust. Aluminum and Carbon are materials that when you damage the tubing it is a matter of catastophic failure being a possibility without ever seeing it coming. Have your friend call the dentist he frequents and ask about tooth replacement costs...include the cost of a trip to the emergency room (check the deductable). A simple balance sheet will do.

New frame. End of story. Better safe than sorry.

And I dont think you'll find a dent puller that is small enough and fits around a round tube.

Replace the frame. Or get a good framebuilder to replace the TT.

Not to contradict anyone, but dont the tubes get bent (squashed) at the ends when they are making the frame? Wouldnt this cause stress as well?

So is catastrophic for aluminum shattering, or the dent getting worse slowly? I just cant see an actual metal (not carbon) failing too catastrophicly. But Im not a pro.

So has anyone ever even tried to repair? Is there any thing we can even try?

Thanks Guys.

cannondale has a pretty decent crash replacement policy. I have done it for a couple people at the shop and its not a bad deal.

cannondale has a pretty decent crash replacement policy. I have done it for a couple people at the shop and its not a bad deal.

Good idea, Ill have him look into that. It might be hard to convince someone that that is from a crash when the rest of the bike is in perfect shape. Worth a try maybe.

In the meantime, if anyone knows any way to pull this I would be interested in knowing how.

Thanks!