Can my Litespeed (aluminum) frame be saved?

[nikos]

Hearing mixed messages on welding aluminum. Well, I have my Litespeed Hyperion which is a aluminum/carbon seatstay frame that has a crack near the bottom bracket chainstay. Can this be saved, maybe made into a nice zippy single speed?

[twobikes]

Someone (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=300420) posted a link to a brazing rod for repairing aluminum (http://www.aluminumrepair.com/login/Video_Brochure/web.wmv). The video is impressive. Bernzomatic makes a similar rod with like published characteristics that is available at Home Depot near the welding equipment. I have not tried either of them. But, it works at home with a propane or MAPP gas torch. You will need to repaint.

[Revtor]

you could get it welded, or find that thread about brazing aluminum and if youre handy/DIY inclined...
go for it!!! save that beauty!

~Steve

[jeremyb_nz]

Depending on the material tho' the frame will need heat treating after welding or brazing or it will break again right around the HAZ of the weld :(

They were just a rebranded Kinesis frame from memory, better off buying something new than going thru the cost of repairing it properly and repainting it etc...

[seeker333]

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=300420

[Surferbruce]

my wife used to have that exact frame. one of her favorite bikes of all time.