vladuz976

My frame has a little dent from a hit with drop handlebars. How difficult and costly is it to fix something like that?
Does the top tube need to be replaced?

patthepunk

Honestly, It isn't that big of a deal that there is a dent in it. If its minor, it wont do much of anything, other than detract from the looks I dont know why you would want to replace it.

TejanoTrackie 

Cover it up with a tube protector.

Capocaccia

From what I hear, fixing it wont restore the structural integrity. Bending metal twice is worse than bending it once I presume. But hey, I know we have engineers here from the what do you do thread that can probably clarify that.

So if its not jeopardizing anything right now, leave it alone and put a BFSSFG sticker on it.

vladuz976

I thought of the tube cover option, too. But just wanted to know what options I have if I really want to fix it.
Is it possible to take the top tube out and replace it completely?

Capocaccia

What? Like cut it out and replace it with another one? Possible: yes. Dumb:

vladuz976

it's a nice frame.

Clif

Cutting the top tube out would create a pile of problems and not accomplish much.
Dents are cool, Shows its ridden.

TejanoTrackie 

If it's a lugged steel frame, such as an njs frame would be, then a competent framebuilder could replace it. You'd still have to repaint the frame though. Another less expensive option is to fill the dent with brazing material, sand it and paint over the affected area. It will never look perfect, though.

vladuz976

we'll see. For the time being I'll just put a little top tube protector on there.
Maybe if I ever go for a full paint-job, I'll think about fixing that dent, too.

vladuz976

That's right. It's a Samson NJS frame. lugged.
I think if I want to I can replace it. That's why I am asking.

evilcryalotmore

$$$$$$$$$

vladuz976

No cheap, because of the dent.

Leukybear 

For originality you can always take it back to samson and have them replace the tube and repaint it; re-certify it as race ready.... BUT
Don't sweat it.... if is just a little ding from the handle bars....

ha whoever had the frame should've used one of those kashimax five gold frame protectors.... and that $50 would've saved you the trouble lol

On the other hand you can always buy one to cover up the ding and prevent further deepening of it wit those little accidents...

vladuz976

yeah, I have extra mileage and wanted to go down to Fukushima anyways.
If Samson only had a website or email, but they seem to be old-school. Just phone and fax...

Well, the thing is I wanted to take my bike on to one of the keirin events here in February, but don't know if they will let me ride.
Probably ok for an amateur event.

evilcryalotmore

Well, Now you know how important kashimax tt protector is.

Hope everything is ok cause thats pretty horribad.

vladuz976

Yeah. Many thanks for the input.

milkcratebasket

You dont need to take it to samson to get it fixed. any frame builder can do it. Its only a few hundred bucks.... but thats money you can spend actually make the bike ride better.

evilcryalotmore

He wants to race, Samson will re certifies that shiz.

vladuz976

maybe I'll try Tsukumo Bicycle in Tokyo. They make Kalavinka. that's a lot closer than Fukuoka.

vladuz976

First have to find out what they guys in Tachikawa at the velodrom say. Maybe it doesn't matter.
In that case the kashimax protector will do for now.

milkcratebasket

It doesnt matter. Really, as a few have already stated above. Its just a dent.

erpdat

Dents = Street cred

erpdat

I have a dent on my njs panasonic and have never given a ****. If you ride your bike, things like this happen. Just ride your bike.

Edit: My bike is not NJS anymore because fork is drilled. Lulz

boulder74

My Trek MTB has a pretty nice dent in the top tube from a meeting with a large boulder, It still rides well over 3 years afterwards....

Love Tokyo!! Cleanest City I've ever been in, enjoy the riding there!!!