lsbike123

Hi Folks,
I have a Performance R-207 bicycle that I use as a commuter with rack and panniers. A few weeks ago I started hearing a funny creaking noise. Anyway, I've discovered that the top tube now moves freely in and out of the seatpost lug - the braze has failed at that point. I've seen various frame tube failures discussed on the forums, but not loose lugs. I'm in Maryland: is there a local framebuilder that can repair this failure or am I now in the market for a new bicycle?

The only internet site that I've found with info about this bicycle is:

https://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/B...-207&Type=bike

(My bike wears newer parts, though)

TIA for any advice. I'm bummed that I can't ride to work at the moment.

D

JohnDThompson 

In general it should be possible to rebraze the joint, but it may end up costing you more than the frame is worth. Do you have any pictures?

If you are the original owner, you may be able to have it replaced under warranty.

Wanderer

Any GOOD brazer should be able to "glue" that thing back together.

HillRider

Yes, it certainly can be done but, as JohnDThompson noted, the cost of the repair and the repaint may be more than the bike is worth.

Performance has a very generous warranty/return policy and may replace the frame for you if you contact them. If you have a Performance retail shop in your area you could take it there for inspection or phone their customer service.

Garthr

I would contact Performance Bike.... their motto has always been :

Performance guarantees satisfaction with every product we sell. If an item does not meet your expectation, please follow these procedures to insure a prompt replacement, refund, or credit:


If not, call Jack Franklin of Franklin Frames. He is my go to guy for all things frames. Why ? Because he has 3 decades of frame building and repair, and I've been burned going to other builders who thought they knew what to do .... but didn't. https://home.windstream.net/franklinframe/repairs.html

Bianchigirll 

if you are the original owner I would certainly contact performance. even if you got the bike second hand it is worth a email or two, who knows perhaps there was an issue with these frames but a recall never sent out. the auto industry does this alot with 'service bullitens'

rebazing as said above is not too difficult for a skilled person. as for repainting if this is a commuter perhaps just a touchup with a close color or contrasting color will work. aslong as the frame is sealed and protected from the eliments.

ultraman6970

I would buy a new used frame one.

FBinNY 

Rebrazing and replacing tubes is a common practice and there are a number of places that do that kind of work very well. It isn't necessarily cheap, and part of the cost is how the damaged area is painted afterward.

You can keep the cost down, by removing as much as possible so the shop gets only the frame with maybe the bottom bracket, and headset cups still installed, so they have less to do (and charge for) other than the actual repair. It also lowers the shipping cost that way.\

Get a few estimates then go with someone you feel comfortable with. As to whether the frame is worth it, only you can decide, but you shouldn't try until you have a real basis for comparison rather than nebulous statements like "it's too expensive".

If the LBS can't refer you to anybody, check with some frame builders, or with Yellow Jersey who does a large business in frame repair.

HillRider

There is no repair less expensive than a warranty replacement. I'd definitely try that approach first.

FBinNY 

Absolutely right. I assumed the OP researched free replacement before asking about repair in the first place.

jputnam

From the description, this would be a very quick brazing job, so the cost would depend a lot on the other work, stripping and refinishing. If you don't care about a factory paint job, let the builder know. You might get a great deal if he can give it back to you still covered with flux and you handle cleaning it up and painting it.

HillRider

I don't think he did. A least nothing in the OP mentions contacting Performance.

lsbike123

Hi All,
Thanks for the great advice everyone!

I will contact Performance on Monday: I hadn't done this immediately because of the age of the frame and the fact that I'm not the original owner. But it can't hurt to try and I will do that first.

I am going to try to post a picture for those who asked as soon as I figure out how on this forum.

Thanks again,
D

JohnDThompson 

Sometimes companies will replace faulty products simply because it's good public relations.

It can't hurt to contact Performance to see what they think.

ultraman6970

Good luck on that one. ISbike in craigslist you can get a new bike for 150 bucks. Right now there is a bianchi with all campagnolo veloce for 50 bucks. thats way cheaper than anything else.

lsbike123

Hi Folks,
Here is the photo of the problem.


D

FBinNY 

It looks pretty clean. A simple case of a "cold joint" where no braze flowed in. Figure $40-50 plus painting, depending on what you want, plus shipping round trip. Get local quotes and consider this as the fall back if they come in higher.

Strictly your call whether you want to spend that, but there it is.

MikeWinVA

If you want to tackle the repaint, get an airbrush setup. You can get a cheap one at an artist store, and have an autobody supply shop make you a pint of the color in single stage lacquer. It won't be as durable as a baked or 2 part finish, but it is easy to apply with only mildly noxious fumes and if you do it right, at 5 feet you won't be able to tell.

Get some wet/dry 600 and wet sand the old paint that is stripped or scorched and feather it into the frame so there is no telltale chip edges. Prime and airbrush with the paint. Use several thin coats and allow dry time between each layer.