Bicycle Mechanics - Are lugless (welded) steel frames repairable?

I thought they were, but I've just read otherwize on another thread, unless I've misunderstood: :eek:



"Advantage to lugged: if you damage a tube it can be replaced/repaired. Can't do that with a welded frame"

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=65508 (post #6)

In theory a crack can be repaired, but unless carefully done risk of changing the
metallurgical characteristics of the frame is there and it may be crack and failure
prone. A bent tube or repair requiring complete replacement of the tube is more
problematic. It would be easy to screw it up. When you consider that welded
steel frames tend to be lower end frames and throwing in the cost of repaint it
gets to be a marginal proposition. Bikes need high quality welding and a knowledge of the metallurgy involved. Finding these can be difficult. Lugged frames are silver soldered or brazed and the heat involved is a bit less, though enough to change
metallurgical characteristics of the metal so a sensitive approach is advisable. Replacement tubing is relatively easy to find. Costs involved are $150-250 per tube.
Plus repaint. Steve

Thanks

When you consider that welded
steel frames tend to be lower end frames and throwing in the cost of repaint it
gets to be a marginal proposition. Bikes need high quality welding and a knowledge of the metallurgy involved. Finding these can be difficult. Lugged frames are silver soldered or brazed and the heat involved is a bit less, though enough to change
metallurgical characteristics of the metal so a sensitive approach is advisable. Replacement tubing is relatively easy to find. Costs involved are $150-250 per tube.
Plus repaint. Steve WHAT?? Thare are plenty of better frames that are welded.Lugged frames also require skill to do right.

The new air hardened steels such as Reynolds 853 can be rewelded for repairs without any loss of strength. But I personally like the look of lugs, it looks artistic and not so industrial.