bmeans7

I recently bought a new Specialized Allez Sprint and I noticed this strange mark on the head tube. I'm worried this might be a fold in the metal that could weaken it. I know the new Allez Sprint's have a head tube that is made from a flat piece of aluminum. Could this just be a mark from the tool that formed the head tube, or does anyone have any other ideas. Thanks for any input.

veganbikes

I am not seeing anything particularly alarming. You could take it back to the dealer and have them evaluate it which will be easier because they can see and feel it more easily.

Specialized does have a lifetime warranty on their frames for the original owner so keep an eye on it if it doesn't bother too much and if things change have them warranty it.

Iride01 

I wouldn't be worried about it. Might be just a sign that the person cleaning the weld wasn't paying attention. Nothing that's going to affect the safety and integrity of the head tube.

Certainly nothing I'm going to notice while I'm passing you on the bike.

Rolla

The whole design has been a bit controversial, but I doubt that what you're seeing is a "fold" in the metal; it looks more like file marks to me. As for its construction, I assumed that the head tube was hydroformed, but Specialized only says that "it's the most complex alloy headtube we've ever made."

Regardless, I'd probably go ahead and ride it as is, unless/until it shows some sign of weakness.

Koyote

This is bf example #196 of why I don't examine my bikes very carefully. It gets in the way of just enjoying them.

Hiro11

If you look down the headtube with the fork removed, you can see the headtube and the extensions of the top tube and down tube are all a single piece of hydroformed aluminium. There's what appears to be a longitudinal weld seam along the bottom of the headtube/down tube junction, but it has been ground smooth. Specialized says that they designed the headtube assembly to move the welds away from areas of highest stress which is why it looks the way it does. It's definitely a bit weird looking. I also wonder why Specialized didn't grind all of the welds down as so many other brands do. The welds on these frames are particularly chunky, to the degree that it looks deliberate. Perhaps Specialized determined the additional welding material was necessary to strengthen the frame? Maybe it was a cost-saving measure (on an already high-priced aluminum frame)?

One other neat bit of engineering on this frame: the downtube and entire bottom bracket shell are all one piece of hydroformed aluminum. The forming is super complex on this tube. It's a shame this is in largely hidden area because it's actually the coolest looking part of the frame.

bmeans7

Thanks for all the input everyone, I really appriciate it. I took a video as well to get it to show up better. If any one has any other insights I would appreciate it.