Bicycle Mechanics - Is this welding job safe?

Hi there, a buddy of mine is going on thursday to check out a Rocky Mountain Flare.

Only now did i notice that the frame looks to have been cut and re-welded: http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-ViewAdLargeImage?AdId=381627798

Here is how the bike looks like originally: http://www.bikes.com/main+en+01_102+FLARE.html?BIKE=814&CATID=1&SCATID=18&Y=2010

Pay close attention to the meeting tubes of the bike frame.

Now this seems extremely unsafe to me and don't know if i should steer clear or ask for a really low price?

I can't see the welds in the picture. Are you sure this isn't just a bigger size bike than in the catalog?

Don in Austin

All pictures i see of this frame elsewhere, have touching down tube and top tube. Moreover, look at midway up the seat tube, the silver region... i don't think that comes with the bike...

Don is probably correct. I don't see any signs of a repair or frame modification either. Check it out in person but it may be perfectly fine. That said, this is a rather low line bike anyway so the price should be rather modest even if it is undamaged.

That "silver region" is probably a tubing sticker or the origianal selling LBS's label. Again, look it over in person.

Alright, thanks for the tips guys, will look it over in person :D

I am sure it hasn't been re-welded, but if it has been I wouldn't even consider it.

It hasn't been cut and re-welded, the frames are just different sizes in the two photos.
If you look at the geometry for this model the head tube lengths of different sized frames can vary from 100mm to 155mm.
The bike in the ad is listed as having a large frame, this is probably the 20.5" frame which has a 155mm head tube.
The bike photo on the Rocky Mountain website looks like it's probably a bike with a medium or 18" frame which has a 110mm head tube.
The silver sticker as previously mentioned is probably from the bike shop that originally sold the bike.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y111/Kimmo666/forum%20pics/6a00d83451b8c369e2014e86206bc1970d.gif

Pay close attention to the meeting tubes of the bike frame.

which one?
I only see a whole bike with out any details of which weld you worry about.
For welding questions, Best thing to do is take the bike in question
to a qualified welder, and ask them.

someone who lays down a bead TIG aluma-welding, all day long..

out here they make fishing boats for the Ocean of aluminum.
[or steel]

Best thing to do is take the bike in question to a qualified welder, and ask them.

someone who lays down a bead TIG aluma-welding, all day long..
Nobody welded that frame except the original maker. This is a complete mis-understanding.

99 percent of the time, bike companies will only use small or standard sized frames for their advertising pictures. Taller bikes just don't look as sporty/elegant as smaller common size frames. I have noticed that tall bikes just look more ungainly or more awkward looking than say a small frame.

Asking about welding , one who does it , to meet x-ray certifications ,would know.

if he is asking is this a good bike. thats different. IMHO ..

Have you bothered asking the person who sold it?