Originally Posted by
yannisg
I have an aluminum mtn bike frame that has a vertical hairline crack on the lower section of the head tube. I was concerned, but kept using the bike for commuting on dirt and asphalt roads (2000klm per yr) . I have had this crack for 10 yrs, and it hasn't gotten any worst. I recently notice two more vertical cracks at the top of the seat tube. I like the frame so I'm going to use it as is for as long as it lasts. If you like the frame and don't want to chuck it, just monitor the crack.
YannisG
@ yannisg... Good luck.
I'm pretty sure the frame I just tossed out had more cracks then just the one that I could see. I road mine for over a year without any real issues, but the advice I got was to replace it and not to ride it.
Needless to say that I didn't heed this advice, but I now have have a nice new ride.