s2cuts

I've about had it with my current Giant TCR1 from about 2002. It has developed a small crack near the top of the seat tube, which although doesn't seem to affect the structural performance of the bike, makes the most annoying creeking and clicking sounds while spinning. This was not easy to find, but it is there.

I've been reading threads on aluminum frame welding, and they all seem to state that the frame would have to go through some kind of tempering process after being welded? Well, I'm not sure if there's a quick answer to this question, but is it reasonable to think that this kind of problem can be fixed? Or is it simply not economical?

Thanks all,
d

thatcher

warranty that thing.

spyder

One of my friends had a Giant that cracked along the seat tube as well. To weld aluminum, the area has to be cleaned of all paint and oxidization (that white powdery stuff that forms on aluminum). Afterwards, you pre-heat with a torch, complete your weld, and hit it with the torch again. By torching the area, it helps the area to cool more slowly, which lessens the chance of a crack in the weld.

If its still got a warranty, take it back! You might find that scoring or slotting the area where the crack originally occurred could help but thats a bit more risky than welding (in my opinion) Its easier to remove a weld and score something than to notch the area and then have to reform it.

Sub

I've got the same problem on a De Rosa..talked with a local welder that works with aluminum and he said he could fix it. I have to strip the paint from the area and if he is able to fix it i will get the frame repainted. Maybe look around for a local welder and see what they say. Its only gonna cost me about $40 so that is well worth it giving the frame is 2k new.

NoReg

"I've been reading threads on aluminum frame welding, and they all seem to state that the frame would have to go through some kind of tempering process after being welded? Well, I'm not sure if there's a quick answer to this question, but is it reasonable to think that this kind of problem can be fixed? Or is it simply not economical?"

depends on the alloy, most AL frames are run through a heat treating stage after the welding. Whether that would be required of a seat post crack where the main loads are held by the collar is one issue to sort out. Find the alloy then google it. Some Al alloys respond differently than others to welding. I don't know the frame, but look at how heavily stressed the area is. Try to use some stuff to limit the heat sink, and plan on needing a reamer to take any distotion out of the tube. Not sure one way or the other if this should be attempted.

cs1

Other than Bling, what makes a De Rosa frame worth 2K?

Sub

Don't know, but you could say the same thing about any bike frame. It is a lightweight aluminum frame with a rider weight limit. I didn't buy it new, but to replace it with a comprable frame I'm looking at alot of money so I figure I might as well try and fix it. I'll try to remember to post back after it's done and let everyone know how it turned out.