Hello,


I have what I thought was a great deal on this Losa frame (Columbus ELOS), but the seller just updated me with the attached photo. Does this make the bike unrideable?

any advice appreciated.

thanks 🙏🏼

More photos.

So long as there are no holes or cracks I think it will probably be all right. People put bigger dimples than that into the chainstays on purpose. If it's for your own use could even repair it (cosmetically) with a bit of car body filler.

That was my thought when I saw the first pic, but I think maybe you missed the damage as shown in the last pic. There are actually multiple dents and a nasty looking crease. The first pic looks fine absent all the other damage. I think this frame is pretty marginal for riding. Maybe flat slow rides to the coffee shop. The real question is would I take it for free? On the fence about that. "Don't buy trouble" -- Grandma Unterhausen

im really torn. I love the frame, and the price is low ($150), but I don’t trust that it’s safe. I think I just answered my own question. Goodbye sweet Losa.

thanks for the advice 👵🏻

That was a really nice frame. Almost nice enough to restore. But the economics just aren't there, and it's a $25 frame now, I'm afraid. I'm a bit squeamish about riding anything I don't trust. Definitely have retired some bikes that probably have decades of life left. I just don't want to be riding something I don't fully trust.

You're right I did completely not see that crease.

It has been in a wreck and likely was parted out for new frame at an LBS that got paid for the job by an insurance company. The fork and head set are the only pieces left that are of any value and not even $35. JMHO, MH

I would not pay money for a frame like that.

There are a lot of others. Why buy something damaged?

The verdict is in, thanks for the advice all - I’m not touching it!

Good idea, best guess as to cause of damage, on a bike rack in a rear end collision, bent bit is where the clamp is. Who knows what else is out of alignment?