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I've been riding a Raleigh Port Townsend for the last three years, very happy. Today, I found a significant crack in the frame where the seat tube meets the seat stays. Bought used, so no warranty I think.

I'm thinking Surly LHT frame as a replacement.
Any other ideas?
i'm around 235lbs and have an easy 6mile commute. Also looking at the Kona Sutra.

The Basic Theme ... pick your Favorite Bike Shop first, then select a Bike trying Them There ..



I'm Liking My Bike Friday , A 'Custom-Production' bike . their use of 20 " wheels lets them be bomb proof .

and they can built the frame to suit a heavy rider.. In Oregon.. there you deal directly with the Manufacturer.

the bikes are built in the order they were ordered , the specs are entirely up to you.


Generally Taiwan is the mass producer of choice for all the familiar brands .. made under contract..

The Kona and all the Surly brands are like that , built by a Contract factory..

A full-on touring bike is probably overkill for commuting.

A lighter gravel road/adventure bike is a better bet.

Unless you intend to haul home more than a couple of bags of groceries and a briefcase and a laptop, it always better to go with something lighter.

The Raleigh is steel?
Have you asked your LBS if they've got recommendations for repairing? Or are you set on replacement?

It is steel. I'll take it by to see what they say. [MENTION=408451]SpikedLemon[/MENTION]
Yes, you are right, NormanF., but I've cracked two frames now, in 5 years.....so....
Also, I like the idea pf being able to tour with the LHT. [MENTION=197614]fietsbob[/MENTION]....good advice. Thanks.

What about buying a frame from Soma or Velo Orange and swapping everything from your Raleigh? You mentioned you like the bike, so those components are what you enjoy.
Look at the geometry of the Raleigh- I am sure Soma and VO will have comparable options.

I'll add the Surly/Salsa , QBP stuff.. can be ordered thru dealer with the Wholesaler's account
even though the dont have a floor sample.

Many Do..

LBS here has Rotating Credit account with many Brands QBP does not do that they pay up front or maybe 30 day Net..


Raleigh USA is Imported into Tacoma from a TW source factory,,