Framebuilders - Reynolds 531 Professional - Bulge in Steerer Tube

Last night, I was bummed out to find that the Steerer Tube on my "new" frameset has a palpable bulge. It is too small to show in pictures, however, you can clearly feel with your fingertip that it goes around the entire steerer tube, presumably where the previous owner possibly overtightened his/her quill stem inner lock nut. Fortunately, there is no cracking evident.

Anyway, how should I deal with this?

I planned to use a recently purchased nitto pearl stem on the bike.

Should I:

1. Simply install my new stem at the height I originally planned to install it, which would place the nitto locknut above the existing bulge in the tube, and simply inspect the steerer tube periodically for cracks or any other worsening of the situation? Of course, I would obey the "max height" limits, ect, on the fork.

2. Get a replacement fork

3. Get a new steerer tube brazed on by a professional.

4 Install my nitto stem at a point where my inner locknut will be lower than the existing bulge, so that the "problem" will exist above the locking part of my stem.

The bulge happens to be in the center of the tube. Just as an fyi, Im 175lbs and I do a lot of club rides----some tend to be quick-paced, and hilly.

Thanks to all for your attention and help

If it was me, and no cracks; you can install your stem conventionally without being in the bulge area, I don't even really see an issue. Is the tube removable through the bearing, or does the bulge interfere. That would be like a go no go gage for your tube, hardly even out of spec. Also get a light and inspect to see if you assumption is correct about cause. might be a manufacturing issue, in which case probably less cause to worry.

Technically lots of chromo tubbing is bent which involves fairly radical stretching, not to mention other forms of drawing involved in making butted tubes. This does no harm as long as materials aren't worked out of spec. You could hardly find a safer place for such a tube than between two bearings with only rotational loads.

Agreed.

I'd replace it if the bulge is near the threads. If not, I'd ignore it.

If it's near the threads there's a greater chance if cracks forming, hence the suggestion to replace it if that is the case. Otherwise it should be rideable -- avoid over-tightening the stem and be aware you may run into problems if you ever need to replace the crown race or mill the race seat.

I wouldn't ride it as is. Probably would never fail, but why ride something you're not completely sure of?


People used to knock hardwood dowels into their steerers so they wouldn't be on the ground immediately when the steerer broke.

Thanks guys. I really appreciate your advice.