xdrmusclex

So a few months back I bought an Indy Fab Steel Crown Jewel from a friend for a great price ($100) knowing it had a few flaws. So i need your advice on these flaws

1) The person who originally owned it put a 27.2mm seat post in, and it takes a 28.6. They must have hammered it in because I had to cut it out. It also left the seat tube slightly distorted (from the top of the seat tube to about 3 inches down, the seat tube is bulged out a bit). Do you think this will adversely affect the frame? Safety issues?

2) There is a small ding in the top tube, closer to the seat tube, not too deep but noticeable. I dont think this will matter much as it is a steel frame. Opinions?

I couldn't take pictures that actually showed the damage as my camera sucks.

The frame fits me perfectly and is a really great high end steel frame that I want to use oh so badly, especially for the price. But, I don't want to be riding a death trap as I will be doing some pretty fast descents with groups (30+ mph in a tight group). The frame is otherwise perfect!

tuxbailey

Did you say distorted seat post? Pictures, even if they are bad will help...

davidad

A 27.2 is smaller that a 28.6. Have you reversed the number? If the steel seat tube had not split then you could shim the new post.
My steel tourer has a dent in the top tube. Been there for 6.5 years now and no problem.
Steel is quite forgiving of stupid people.

jdevarie

I am sure you reversed your numbers. I do not think you will have a problem as long as there is no split on the seat tube. Difficult to tell without pictures :-)

As for the dent, I would not worry about it. Does the top tube look straight when looking from the headset? if so, then no problem.

These steel frames are excellent and as mentioned before, forgiving of dumb decisions.

good luck

jim

Carbon Unit

You got it for a great price. What I would do is send it back to the factory and have them fix any problems you might have with the frame. Then, you would have an almost new frame that functions like it should and you still wouldn't have a lot of money in the frame.

xdrmusclex

Ha, yes, i meant "26.8"
Im going to contact independent fabricaitons and see what they say. It says quite explicitly on their website the warranty is non-transferable, but maybe they can do a repair or something. I will try to take some pics later, there is no split in the seat tube, it is just slightly bulged from the top to about 3-4 inches down, I'm just concerned about the welds at the top tube and seat stays.

Im not really worried about the top tube dent.

thanks for all the advice!

yaegervette

i guess it wasnt that good a deal... ur friend sold u a 100 dollar peice of art... mayb u could hang it on the wall with a frame around it

tuxbailey

I am really curious about the history of this bike. I just cannot the original owner of an IF bike would not put the correct diameter SP on the bike, instead of "hammering" it into the frame.

Namenda

Who would put the wrong size seatpost in a high-end frame like that? Is your friend an imbecile? He can afford a multi-thousand dollar frame, but not a $50 seatpost that fits?

Grambo

I doubt you will have a problem with a slightly distorted seat tube but I would use a flash light and check for rust on the inside of the seat tube especially at the bottom of the tube where it joins the bottom bracket. Assuming no major problems buy a can of frame saver and apply liberally to the interior of any tube not sealed (probably just the seat tube). Thin walled steel tubing is prone to denting and will be comprimised quickly if allowed to rust.

late

Nothing against Indy Fab, but they are expensive.

You might want to consider sending it to Igleheart.
Also in Mass, his work is good and his prices are reasonable.
https://www.iglebike.com/index2.html

Fleabiscuit

Hey are you talking about Igglehart's repair charges because their frame prices ate pretty much the same as Indy Fab. Don't get me wrong, I would love a bike from either company. Igglehart looks like a very cool company and I appreciate you sharing it with everyone. Very cool looking company.