Bicycle Mechanics - Trek aluminum bike seat tube corrosion concern

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garynchait
11-23-12, 08:16 PM
I just bought an 80s aluminum framed Trek used for my son. Got it home and noticed corrosion on the seat tube near the front derailleur. Attached some images.
So, is it dangerous to ride the bike with this corrosion present, i.e. could the seat tube crack now or sometime in the future?
Thanks.
-Gary285225285226285227285228

FBinNY
11-23-12, 08:45 PM
Yes, it is corroded, probably from being stored outdoors, or in a very damp basement. And, Yes it might crack one day, but that could be years away.

In any case, it isn't dangerous because a seat tube failure there isn't likely to cause a crash. It's most likely to crack when climbing a steep hill with lots of pedal pressure, in other words at very low speed. I'd have no problem riding this as an around town bike, or on longer rides if I had access to alternate transport in the event it cracked.

Having cracked a frame in a similar place 100 miles from home and having to do a field repair (which lasted 2 more years) I can assure you that the worst that will come of riding this is inconvenience.