Dented downtube opinions? Help?
04-05-15, 03:44 PM
#1
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Dented downtube opinions? Help?
Hello I recently crashed my Leader 725 and the bars went into the frame, denting it. I'm going to ride it, and watch it very closely for cracks.
How dangerous do you think it is to ride this for the time being?
Based on experience how much life is left in this bike?
How dangerous do you think it is to ride this for the time being?
Based on experience how much life is left in this bike?
04-05-15, 03:50 PM
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Ride on brother. You've got no worries. If you were to fix it, you'd use bondo and paint.
04-05-15, 04:14 PM
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Maybe a couple of decades.
Most of my riding has been on steel (with a few small dents), but if that dent doesn't seem to have compromised frame integrity (no bend in the tubes, no tears through the aluminum), then I don't see it as being a problem.
I'd just leave it alone, and watch it periodically. You could strip and add body filler, but the thinner the coating the better for observation.
Most of my riding has been on steel (with a few small dents), but if that dent doesn't seem to have compromised frame integrity (no bend in the tubes, no tears through the aluminum), then I don't see it as being a problem.
I'd just leave it alone, and watch it periodically. You could strip and add body filler, but the thinner the coating the better for observation.
04-05-15, 04:27 PM
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If you keep riding this frame it won't last out the century. OTOH- neither will you, so feel free to ignore it, or fill and paint it out.
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
04-05-15, 10:38 PM
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I'd ride it, just like the others.
I'd probably let it stay the way it is, though, just so I could see if it decides to start growing.
If it does start growing, put a fork in it - the kind you eat with. It's done at that point.
I'd probably let it stay the way it is, though, just so I could see if it decides to start growing.
If it does start growing, put a fork in it - the kind you eat with. It's done at that point.
04-06-15, 03:39 AM
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I don't think you have anything to worry about. I would fill it and paint it.If you have problems in the future you will know .Paint and bondo will not hide it if the frame decides to crack afterwards.
04-06-15, 06:43 AM
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The dent's location is a pretty low stress one. I suspect the frame tubing is pretty thick by the looks. As others have said ride but verify. Just keep your eye on it. Andy.
04-06-15, 07:00 AM
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Maybe a discrete sharpie mark on either side of it so you know the current size.
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04-06-15, 08:23 AM
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I have similar dent in the same location on my frame for the last 3 years... It shouldn't be a problem. That's why I love metal frames ;-)
04-06-15, 09:25 AM
#10
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Being aluminum it will eventually crack, but not at that spot. My friends Felts cracked at the junction of the seat tube and bottom bracket. But he is a 210 pounder.
04-06-15, 09:47 AM
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Look at the good side. You learned something. You now know why the track bikes at the Velodrome so often have those tape or rubber "collars" on their top tubes!
Chalk this up to experience; both for you and your bike.
Ben
Chalk this up to experience; both for you and your bike.
Ben
04-06-15, 09:53 AM
#12
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With no brakes, you can expect many more dents. 
04-06-15, 10:04 AM
#13
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The problem here is quite severe. The dent is on an Aerotube, not a round tube. With a gouge that HUGE, any speed over 15mph will result in an unstable air flow causing unmanageable wobbles and a bad crash.
04-06-15, 10:05 AM
#14
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
