Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Frame Dent

Before I start the project of repainting my fixie, I have a question. In the middle of the top tube there is a dent about an inch long. The frame is an 80’s lugged Araya (steel of course). The question is…do I; a) just paint it and consider the dent “character”?
b) Do I fill the dent with a putty like bondo?
c) Or are there other options besides replacing the top tube.

The frame was only $30 at my LBS and the paint job will be done from a can. Nothing high-end here, just a commuter. If pics are needed I’ll post them once I get home.

Thanks

who cares. It's your stupid bike

who cares. It's your stupid bike
brilliant. absolutely brilliant. another amazing post. internet thugology at it's finest. "i'll show those strangers!! i feel insignifigant and inept in my life so i'll act like a toughguy on the internet so i don't have to be accountable for my words!"

as for that top tube, the cost of replacing the top tube would probably cost more than the frame is worth. as for leaving the dent or concealing it with bondo, it is strictly superficial. it's up to you whether you want the dent visible. how deep is the dent?

brilliant. absolutely brilliant. another amazing post. internet thugology at it's finest. "i'll show those strangers!! i feel insignifigant and inept in my life so i'll act like a toughguy on the internet so i don't have to be accountable for my words!"

as for that top tube, the cost of replacing the top tube would probably cost more than the frame is worth. as for leaving the dent or concealing it with bondo, it is strictly superficial. it's up to you whether you want the dent visible. how deep is the dent?


If you are going to repaint the frame then deal with it at that time. Bondo body putty and sand paper. Some dents can be rolled out by a competent mechanic but it depends on the dent. If you are not going to paint the whole bike get one of those frame protectors that the Messengers use and nobody will ever see it.

fixedgearhead

The dent is about 1/8th inch deep. Not too bad. I am painting the whole bike. I'll look into the frame protector.

Those frame protectors are expensive!!! The cheapest I've seen are $35. Anyone know where to get them cheaper? As far as the dent in the tube...I would probably just leave it there as a reminder that 50mph descents aren't necessarily a good idea on that one. But then I prabably wouldn't go 50 on any bike.

Dent schment. forgettaboutit and just ride the bike.

But years ago I remember hearing about having dents in bike frames popped out by pressurizing the frame with compressed air...

This is where I got mine, the cheapest I could find:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=42319&item=3680906680

You also might try the Reload frame pads. They only go for appox. 12 bucks or so, plus shipping.

http://reloadbags.com/acc/index.html

I think it adds character to the bike and it is hardly noticeable =)

Trevor

frame protectors? whaaaat?

oh, you mean a WRAPPED INNERTUBE JOB? okay, now i understand

1/8" is not deep at all. Get some auto stuff called "glazing putty". It's for filling paint scratches and minor imperfections. It can also be used in lays to build up deep dents. For something that minor, a tube of that and a sanding block would make quick work of a dent. One layer is all you'd need. Bondo is for big, big, stuff. $5.00 max.

Pat

Those frame protectors are expensive!!!

umm..hello!! electrical/duct tape combo...

I think it adds character to the bike and it is hardly noticeable =)

Trevor

I was wondering when you were going to show up here. :D Just ordered the chrome straight blade fork...repainting should be in a week or so.


BTW call me so I can true your SS wheels.


Chris