cracked frame
I have a great old bianchi lugged steel road bike from the 1980's, but there has been a disturbing development. It seems to have developed a hairline fracture in the bottom bracket lug, about an inch and a half horizontally (i.e. from the left crank towards the right crank, right on the bottom). What is the prognosis for my italian beauty? I know that it's unsafe to ride a cracked frame, but do you guys think I'm in imminent danger? I have a co-worker that does some welding, and I'm thinking of seeing if he'll repair it, but he knows nothing about bikes. Would he be able to accomplish this? Any guidelines I would give him? How much would I expect to pay a bike shop for the job, and is this the right solution?
Thanks Josh |
Hey Josh
I'm no expert but if it was my bike I'd talk to someone that was knowledgable about welding. Because the makeup of the tube (ie the carbon content of the steel) used can affect the strength and durability of the weld it's important to have it done properly. |
If it's a lugged frame it's brazed not welded. Welding in not compatable with all steels since it can significantly lower the stength. Your best bet is to have a framebuilder replace the BB shell. It's a simple enough job and you can get a nice new paint job as well.
Dave |
Josh,
Yes it is repairable, but I would have it sent to a reputable frame maker to do so (I know of a few that do this kind of thing). Agree that welding is NOT a good idea, a framebuilder will remove the tube (its the seatube and not the BB right?), and replace it, repaint etc. If its the bottom bracket shell I'm not sure. I can ask around on that one. Marty |
is this economically advisable, no matter how much money is put into a 1980's steel bike its value doesn't change.
|
is this economically advisable, no matter how much money is put into a 1980's steel bike its value doesn't change. If she's your baby, then I say send her off to a framemaker for the repair. |
By the way, I just noticed your full username and wanted to say...
SOYLENTJOSH IS MADE OF PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
It actually is the bottom bracket shell and not the seat tube. Does anyone know what price range this kind of repair is in?
Thanks! Josh |
Originally posted by stumpjumper By the way, I just noticed your full username and wanted to say... SOYLENTJOSH IS MADE OF PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
Josh,
A cracked bottom bracket shell is a bit more complicated, have to remove seat, and downtubes and chainstays. I'm guessing it can be done. (I've started a query with some framebuilders) Can you post pictures? I'm guessing it wouldn't be cheap. What model Bianchi? Superleggera? if anything less than Campione I'd say probably not worth it. I'll let you know what I hear from framebuilders. thanks, Marty |
I think I've seen on the Mercian site a price quoted for replacement of a BB shell
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I got a few responses
if I may quote Oh, it can be done... It's just "can you stand the tariff?" Dale Brown cycles de ORO, Inc. "it's do-able but would cost more than the cost of the frame." Richard Sachs (yah that Richard Sachs). Marty |
Mercian quote £60 for a replacement BB shell and bridge ($100)
http://www.btinternet.com/~merciancy...es/repairs.htm |
Bob Jackson do it for
New Bottom Bracket Shell(Pressed) £68.75 New Bottom Bracket Shell(Cast) £93.00 http://www.bobjacksoncycles.co.uk/repairs.htm but you have to repaint the bike as well. |
Ugh...maybe I should investigate a new frame. Too bad. I'll start looking on ebay, but does anyone know a good deal on cheap frames?
Thanks! Josh |
j b weld yoour hairline crack its not worth anymore effort than that really if the crack is in the lug ride it till ya cant ride it no more lol
|
Josh,
Well its interesting, I've gotten a few responses from other framebuilders who say that the BB shell can be Welded, so it might be worthwhile to have a builder look at the frame. One thing is certain is that everyone said not to do it yourself unless you really know what you're doing. There are some nice frames out there, check RBR, Rec.bicycles and of course e-buy. Marty |
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