What to do about dent in top tube
05-06-17, 11:21 PM
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What to do about dent in top tube
I've acquired a bike but it has a dent in the top tube. I'm not worried about cosmetics but is it too damaged to cycle? Are there any options to fix, or mitigate the issue? It's a Tange 1 frame. Thanks!
05-06-17, 11:48 PM
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There are things called frame blocks that might reduce the dent some, at the cost of the paint job.
Me, I'd just ride it.
It's steel, and steel is forgiving. If the dent should ever become the starting point of a crack, it is hugely unlikely to cause immediate failure.
Me, I'd just ride it.
It's steel, and steel is forgiving. If the dent should ever become the starting point of a crack, it is hugely unlikely to cause immediate failure.
05-07-17, 12:54 AM
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I have to agree with dabac. Unless the dent is putting the bike wheels out of alignment I say go ahead & ride it as is. You should be fine. Now if you notice the bike pulling in one direction or another while your riding it I would bring it to bike shop for a professional opinion on this dent. It could be affecting the frame.
05-07-17, 06:03 AM
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My only concern is that dent has predisposed the frame to fold at that point. The crease has removed the geometric constraints that a round tube naturally has against bending. I don't think the frame will just fold in half there while riding down the road, but any kind of severe stress in the right direction could easily complete the job of trashing that frame. That bike has had its day. Deciding to retire it in favor of something newer shouldn't be soul crushing.
05-07-17, 02:33 PM
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The good news is that it won't fail suddenly, so you should be ok to ride it.
Steel is pretty good with tolerating dents. Aluminum, not so much - it will crack.
In either case, you will see the frame deforming or cracking before failure. So I say ride it. Enjoy it. But keep an eye on it.
Steel is pretty good with tolerating dents. Aluminum, not so much - it will crack.
In either case, you will see the frame deforming or cracking before failure. So I say ride it. Enjoy it. But keep an eye on it.
05-07-17, 07:26 PM
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Steel frame? Wrap some cloth tape around the dent and keep riding. If/when you decide to repaint, use frame blocks to roll out the dent before you paint it.
05-08-17, 09:22 AM
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The good news is that it won't fail suddenly, so you should be ok to ride it.
Steel is pretty good with tolerating dents. Aluminum, not so much - it will crack.
In either case, you will see the frame deforming or cracking before failure. So I say ride it. Enjoy it. But keep an eye on it.
Steel is pretty good with tolerating dents. Aluminum, not so much - it will crack.
In either case, you will see the frame deforming or cracking before failure. So I say ride it. Enjoy it. But keep an eye on it.
As said above, just inspect regularly for cracks.
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05-10-17, 08:07 AM
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05-10-17, 01:14 PM
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05-10-17, 01:48 PM
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my only concern is that dent has predisposed the frame to fold at that point. The crease has removed the geometric constraints that a round tube naturally has against bending. I don't think the frame will just fold in half there while riding down the road, but any kind of severe stress in the right direction could easily complete the job of trashing that frame. That bike has had its day. Deciding to retire it in favor of something newer shouldn't be soul crushing.
05-10-17, 02:08 PM
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05-10-17, 03:31 PM
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05-10-17, 03:38 PM
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05-10-17, 03:39 PM
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Maybe we can trade Roos for the turkeys which are exploding in my area... Actually, on second thought...
Edit, to answer the OP, I wouldn't worry about a Cr-Mo frame. It won't asplode, but don't go ride the roughest dirt singletrack or cobbled road you can.
Edit, to answer the OP, I wouldn't worry about a Cr-Mo frame. It won't asplode, but don't go ride the roughest dirt singletrack or cobbled road you can.
05-10-17, 11:07 PM
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I'd not hide the dent - for easier inspection of the situation there.
I'd also not ride the frame until the dent is fixed. The frame is severely weakened by a dent and stress will accumulate.
I'd also not ride the frame until the dent is fixed. The frame is severely weakened by a dent and stress will accumulate.
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