Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - well crap new bike has ding on top tube

just got my surly steamroller complete last week, only rode it around the block before dropping off my wheels at the LBS to get the tension checked. also, i didn't have toe clips so i didn't want to do any serious riding yet

Anyway, while fondling it today, i noticed there is a very small ding on the top tube. it's hardly noticeable, but due to the reflections, you can tell it's there, and when you run your finger over it you can feel a very small indentation.

Normally I wouldn't care that much, but I'm still wondering where it got there. I haven't crashed or anything, and I don't remember dropping it. Maybe it was damaged during shipping from JensonUSA..

Anyway.. I have already removed the decals, so maybe I can't ask for an exchange. Also, I have found out the 53cm is kind of big and I would need a smaller size. (i'm almost 5'8", but my inseam is 29", and then when adjusted right I have like 2" of seat tube sticking out.. annoying). Am I basically ****ed and am going to have to sell this for $100 less b/c of a small ding?

:(

That said, I have a 53cm surly steamroller complete basically brand new, does anyone have any smaller frames/bikes that they want to trade for this larger one?

your handlebars spun around and hit your tt. don't worry about it

it's too far back to be the handlebars..

but how much would this affect its resale/trade value? :(

it's useless now! Sell it for scrap and use the money to buy a quality, dingless frame.


EDIT: only if the scrap metal yard accepts it though, which is doubtful. dinged metal is of no use to them

it won't affect the resale value as much as the scratches and other dents you will get before you try and sell it

+1, it sounds like the first real scratch the frame gets will make this ding look like nothing.

i thought this was gonna be a thread asking for top tube pad reccomendations

thank god

The steamroller is strong like the mighty oak. I've got countless scratches and dents in mine and it rides fine. Take it as a badge of honor.

a ding doesn't mean nothing

When you actually start using the thing, there will be dings all over it (I mean imperfections in the paint, not actual indentations in the tubes).

Sounds like you're being a little too anal

there is an actual indention in the tube.. not just in the paint..

just put it out with the trash now.

top tube dents generally don't affect the performance if they're small like the one you described. it's when they're on the downtube or are big enough to throw the entire tube out of alignment that you should be concerned. it just bruises the ego :(

k. great. thanks. anyway, i think i will try sticking with the frame. i'll have to switch to a shorter stem, of course (i didn't like how cheaply chromed the stock one was anyway)

i was just taking the crazy pill before and had a lust for bareknuckles.

you giving the prospective buyer (if you sell) leverage to drop the price much lower.

now you don't worry about banging it up, you already popped it's dent cherry

now you don't worry about banging it up, you already popped it's dent cherry

+1. I scratched the paint on my Moyer and was relieved to have that over with. My experience, as related in emoticons: :eek::o:rolleyes::D