Not the Slowest

While having my ice cream after a long ride today I saw what I thought was dirt on my down tube near the steerer tube. Sadly the thin dirt mark was/is a crack about 1 1/2" long.
The frame is a Lemond Buenos Aires with 852 steel and about 10 years old.

Can it be fixed, Should it be fixed?
Does the entire frame need to be repainted etc after the weld?
Any idea of cost?

Yes, I know I can buy a new frame and I may do that but perhaps someone has some experienece in this.
Thanks

HillRider

If you are the original owner and have any form of proof such as a sales receipt, the frame may have a "lifetime" warranty. Trek is/was LeMond's parent company and Trek lifetime warrants their frames. Check with your LBS and you might be pleasantly surprised.

If not, yes the frame can be repaired by rewelding the crack but you will need to find a welder experienced with thin wall high strength steel tubes and/or an accomplished frame builder. The frame will have to be repainted around the welded area but would probably require a full repaing to get a good color match if looks are important.

If it were mine, and the warranty wasn't honored, I'd just replace the frame. YMMV.

FBinNY 

I'm not familiar with the particular model but if it's a lugged and brazed (or silver soldered) frame it can be re-tubed. It isn't cheap, and obviously will make short work of the paint at the headtube and bottom bracket. Given it's age I probably wouldn't bother unless it had special sentimental value. There's lots of nice stuff out there these days.

But if you're interested in knowing your options you might contact the folks at Yellow Jersey, in Madison, WI. They do this kind of work on a regular basis, and are consistent and reasonably priced.

Not the Slowest

I am not the original owner but have used it for the last 5 years getting my money worth in use.
A new frame is most likely the way I'll go.
Thanks