NOS88

My commuter is a Cannondale 800T with full fenders and rear rack. I've been riding it to work for about six years. A few months ago one of my sons borrowed it while my wife and I were away for a few days. He dumped it when he hit a set of railroad tracks at the wrong angle. He wasn't hurt, but for some bruises. The bike was left with two dents about the size of grapes along the top tube. It's probably structurally sound given where the dents are. At least my thinking is the top tube is one of the least stressed tubes. However, every time I get on the bike I see those dents and it annoys the daylights out of me until I get the commute underway. Then I forget about them until I arrive at work and have to lock up the bike. I see them again, and get annoyed all over. I hate having those dents there and I don't think there's any way to get them out. Additionally, the rear eyelet on the drive side is stripped and keeping the rack attached requires inserting a smaller bolt with a nut on the other side to tighten it down. Even after using a rotary tool to grind it down as far as possible it extend far enough that I can never shift unto the smallest rear cog. So, I have about $450 to $600 I could spend on a replacement frame. Should I? And if so, what should I be looking at? I know I'm asking this of a group that often gleefully embraces N+1, but thought I'd throw it out there anyway.

stapfam

Depends on the state of the components after 6 years. If they are good then new frame is on the cards. But don't forget the "Extras" that will be required- Seat post- bar stem-cables and new parts that will be needed after stripping off the old bike. Price it out and you may come near to a new bike in any case.

BluesDawg

It does sound to me like you would be happier replacing the frame. At that price level I would look at offerings from Surly, SOMA, Salsa, Civia etc. I'm sure there are others. Nashbar, Price Point and Performance also have frames that seem to be a good value and I see a lot of clearance sales going on lately. I think you would be looking at their touring or CX frames for compatibility with the components on your old bike.

NOS88

Virtually everything on the current frame is new within two years. I would be swapping all the components from the C'dale 800T to a new frame and fork. At least that's what I'm thinking.

Retro Grouch 

Definitely!

Resentments and petty agrivations will eat you alive. It doesn't matter if anybody else thinks that it's important. Those dents are eating at you 3 or 4 times every day. You only have to spend the money for a new frame once.

pdlamb

If the T800 frame is big enough, you can recycle it by sending it to me! I don't know who makes a touring frame that light and stiff any more, until you get into custom frames over $2-3,000.

Rowan

Gee, $450 to $600 is a lot of money for some psycho-therapy.

If the bike has some emotional attachment (and it obviously has), carefully fill the dents with some bog, sand back lightly, then wrap some tape (possibly some fancy stuff from an auto pinstriping joint) around the top tube. Fixed that problem. You might not even to fill the dents if they are shallow.

Then get a tap and bolt at the next largest size (possibly M5) from a shop and rethread the eyelet to the next largest size. Redrill the hole if need be on the rack to the new size, and you're set to go again.

I figure less than 50 bucks should have the bike back in shape, and in six months' time, you won't even think about consequences of the incident your son had.

Wogster

Go to a marina, ask what they use to fill dents in AL boats, get a small can of the stuff, fill in your dents, sand smooth, prime and paint, that's one problem fixed, now go to a tool rental place and rent a set of taps, find the tap for your threads and run it through, that may fix it, if not go one size larger, get the appropriate size bolt (buy two) and put it in, make sure it's the same length as the original bolt, which is on the other side. At this point to save aggravation, tap out the other side to the larger size as well, if the hole in the rack will not accommodate the larger bolt, drill it out to fit.

Better idea, make the son who dumped your bike go and get the stuff to fill in the dents and the paint and sand paper, and make him do the work of fixing it. Heck I don't know about anyone else, but if I would have damaged my dad's bike, I would have been offering to at least help fix it.

NOS88

He did offer, but we worked a different deal. He's a glass blower and he's making me a set of four custom beer glasses.

jdon

Accidents happen. He didn't take a hammer to your bike. I would right it off as marks of character and be happy it wasn't you. Enjoy the glasses and your bike and save to buy a new frame for the right reasons.

Just my thoughts..

Barrettscv 

I would consider replacing it. Putting nearly new componients on a new frame sounds very reasonable. The bike should last 10,000 miles or more.

buelito

i bought a scattante frame with carbon fork from Performance a couple of years ago on sale for $150... put the stuff off a 10 year old Raleigh (ultegra 9) on it. The bike rides great! (aluminum like the Cannondale). there are good deals out there- best of luck-

train safe-

RoMad

I have a very nice extra Lemond Poprad frame. I bought it for the fork that was on it and just never did get around to selling it. I have the same frame on my commuter. Mine is a 55 and the extra one is a 57cm. If you are interested I can send you some pictures of it.
I am not really pushing my frame, I thought the idea of a little bondo covered with tape was a good one.

Shifty

I just don't see any hope for your current frame. And your budget, look at this titanium bike as a long term investment

NOS88

If I were going that route I'd go Indy Fab.

RoMad

I know Moots is famous for great bikes but that one just doesn't look right. The frame looks like it needs big wide cruiser bars, and a seat with springs, but it has a racy looking saddle, and those straight bars. Frugly if you ask me. I do like the brakes. and having a Lite Speed I am a fan of titanium.

Barrettscv 

Buying a new frame can be very economical. Considering that a nice paint job can cost $200 to $400, a new frame can look like a bargain.

The Nashbar touring frame gets great reviews: https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...LAID=858051287

As mentioned before Soma, Surly, Salsa and others make very nice frames.

You could even put together a Carbon Fiber CX/commuter at your price point: https://pedalforce.com/online/product...ducts_id=20501

Ridinmurray

Look at the story & the memoris, ride it & enjoy. If you want a new bike? Buy one, you will probably spend about the same. Then loan your son the dented bike, ha ha.

zonatandem

You are looking for a reason/excuse to get another bike . . .
So get one.

ItsJustAHill

For that price, you could go with a new steel frame. Here is my Soma Double Cross (without fenders):

NOS88

Thanks for all the input folks. Dawg: I really liked the Civia line up on their site. I wasn't familiar with them before.

I think what I've decided to do is have the rear eyelet tapped and mount my morph pump along the top tube. It will cover about 95% of the dents; so, I won't be as aware of them. This decison was made easier by the news that my wife may be laid off in September. And, so it goes.