Bicycle Mechanics - Rear spacing ?

I'm a bit ticked right now... :mad:

Just acquired a 2004 Giant TCR frame off ebay.
http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2004&Brand=Giant&Model=TCR&Type=bike

Out in the garage working on it when I discovered the rear spacing is ~ 113 mm.
I cannot see any sign of damage on the frame, it was shipped UPS and box / packaging showed not signs of damage.

Each chain / seat stay seems to be at equal distance from the centerline and show no signs of damage.
I've e-mailed the seller inquiring.
It is correct that you DO NOT want to try to alter the spacing of an aluminum frame - correct?

check alignment http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html i am going to say the frame is toast, if you measured correctly

Did you try fitting a wheel in the frame?

113 cm = 44.49 inches.
Did you mean 113 mm?

Thanks - already jumped on Sheldon's site to double check the measurement to make sure I wasn't dreaming...
Unfortunately I'm certain of the measurement.
I'll wait a day or two for a response from the seller and then file a grievance thru ebay and paypal. Still steaming right now...:mad:

If that's truly the correct measurement, something is really wrong. It should be spaced much wider since it originally came with a 9-speed rear according to your link.

Try putting a wheel in there first.

First thing I did was try to install my old rear wheel; not even close.
Like you said it; it is WAY off. Have the frame in my stand and looking down the top tube and thru / pass the seat stays all looks symmetrical - it's as if someone deliberately altered the spacing; but the only thing close to a 113 is an old 3-4 speed - unless they were trying to make it a track frame or fixed gear. What are they? 110?

First thing I did was try to install my old rear wheel; not even close.
Like you said it; it is WAY off. Have the frame in my stand and looking down the top tube and thru / pass the seat stays all looks symmetrical - it's as if someone deliberately altered the spacing; but the only thing close to a 113 is an old 3-4 speed - unless they were trying to make it a track frame or fixed gear. What are they? 110?

My SS is 120mm. Older coaster-brake hubs were 110mm, but I can't see someone trying to put a coaster brake on a frame like that (Except I did, long ago. Long story.) I bet the frame was squashed at some point and the seller is trying to pawn it off as undamaged. I hope you get your money back.

EDIT

113 cm = 44.49 inches.
Did you mean 113 mm?

Doh - yes, sorry for the typo. Fixed in OP.
Even though I feel like a clown it's not a clown bike = however, might as well be.
Last night I went ahead and 'forced' the rear wheel in - took quite a bit of pressure; only about a millimeter or two off-center.
I'll wait for a response from the seller and if not acceptable I'll file a grievance through the Ebay Buyer Protection service.

Take the bike to your local LBS. Have them use the ***(f.a.g) tool to check the allignment. Easy peasy.

Take the bike to your local LBS. Have them use the ***(f.a.g) tool to check the allignment. Easy peasy.

I'll do that; I like the frame / fork and would love for this to work.
How concerned should I be about aluminum stress fractures or fatigue?
I can't see any signs of anything and obviously a second set of eyes at the LBS won't hurt.