brian3069

Picked this up a couple weeks ago. I missed an ugly dent on the down tube that was partially hidden by a pump. I'm not sure what to do with it, should I do a complete service and replace the consumables. Would it be worth the trouble, dose the dent completely kill the value. Is it still safe to ride. What would you do.

TugaDude

I assume returning it isn't an option? Did you buy to keep or flip? One dent doesn't equal failure but it will scare off most buyers or cause you to discount. I'm not an engineer but it occurs to me that tubes are often intentionally dented or dimpled to actually strengthen them, like is done on some seat tubes near the FD. Now that is on aluminum bikes, but point is a dent doesn't have to be a bad thing. Depends upon size and location, I suspect. For me it would be a deal breaker.

big chainring 

I don't think the dent affects the bike. And I think the fork is original. Those are very nice riding bikes. I would clean it up and ride it. If the dent is just too much to look at, fill with Bondo and touch it up.

brian3069

My plan was to flip, too small for me to ride. The tubing decal on the fork blades matches the one on the frame, I'm reasonably sure the fork is original. It doesn't show in the pictures, the bike is in really good condition. Well, except for the obvious.. Without the dent this is a $220-$240 bike in my market. After a complete service do you think I can get $120-$130. I realize moving the parts to another frame would make more sence, but I would like to keep it on the road if possible.

bargainguy

If it's the Inexternal fork, it may be original to the bike. I have one ('84) and it's advertised as "chrome Italian racing style fork" or some such in the brochure if memory serves. Converted to SS, pic below.

As to current value, best not to hang nice parts on dented frame IMHO if you want any decent return on what you're doing. Making it a utilitarian bike with a well-advertised dent is worth doing and some folks don't mind a dent, but they will want a major discount, so really depends on what you want to hang on it and what you want to get in return.

zukahn1 

I would say this one has been wrecked fairly bad. I have never seen a chrome fork on a vintage Moto frame stock.

bargainguy

Here's the catalog page from my '84 jubilee sport with "italian racing type fork" in pic #2 : https://www.equusbicycle.com/bike/mot...becane0005.jpg

brian3069

Yeah, I guess this one's a lost cause. Thanks guys.

Thumpic

This is why I don't mess with fixed cups. I'm just guessing, but I can't see how it could be dented with the crank in place. I'm envisioning a big adjustable wrench, busted knuckles and a volley of curse words that would make a sailor proud.

oddjob2

Sorry about the dent, but the CHROME FORK IS ORIGINAL. I have the same blue bike in the work queue, in dent free form of course. Columbus tube set.