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Cracked Frame Question

Old 10-10-07, 10:34 AM
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Cracked Frame Question

Hi,

I am new to all this biking stuff so bear with me while I try to explain my situation. I just bought myself a road bike off e-bay. 1995 Schwinn Super Sport with an Alumninum frame. I was just going to take it for my first ride when I noticed a crack in the front tube where the fork goes through. It's about 1" to 1 1/2" long. Is the bike still OK to ride? I am trying to get my money back from the seller but I am not sure I will be successful. Could it be welded? I paid $200 for it as I am not ready to plop $700 - $800 down for a bike yet. I used to ride a steel hybrid and wanted to make the jump to a real road bike. Any feed back would be great. I know I took a risk with e-bay and am now kicking myself for it. It was dark when I picked it up but should have inspected it more closely. Any opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

BU
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Old 10-10-07, 10:36 AM
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The bike is unsafe. Don't ride it, and do everything you can to get your money back. I wouldn't be surprised if your ebay pal knew about the crack.
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Old 10-10-07, 11:24 AM
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I think there might be a lesson here about older aluminum frames in general ...
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Old 10-10-07, 01:56 PM
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Sorry to say but the frame is toast. And unsafe.
For less than $150 you can get a new Al frame and swap the comps over.
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Old 10-10-07, 03:36 PM
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Get your money back from the seller, through eBay or your CC if you used one. Hopefully you used AmEx.
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Old 10-10-07, 04:27 PM
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Take it back to the guy and offer him $50 for the components on it. Tell him the frame is trashed. Then Pick up a new frame for the components you got from the seller. Worth a try anyways.
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Old 10-10-07, 04:51 PM
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I hate to hear stories like this. A new cyclist wants to try road riding and their first experience is not a good one.
BigUgly, most cyclists are really good, honest people who won't stick someone else with their problems. But there are a few who are not. I hope this does not discourage you from continuing your pursuit of cycling.
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Old 10-10-07, 06:57 PM
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Originally Posted by BigUgly
I used to ride a steel hybrid and wanted to make the jump to a real road bike.
That comment hurts a little.

Heh. and here I just went ahead and purposely sought out a steel framed road bike because I wanted a "real road bike."

The frame broke because it is made of a material that does not rhyme with the word "real"
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Old 10-10-07, 06:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Picchio Special
I think there might be a lesson here about older aluminum frames in general ...
I have to concur. I have broken more than my share of aluminum (and steel) components, as well.
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Old 10-11-07, 09:29 AM
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Thanks folks for all your input. The seller agreed to refund my money and I am giving him the bike back. Seems like its working out. I will start searching again for a road bike I can afford.
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