Dent in top tube; problem?
 

I found a great deal on a KHS 2003 model Flite 100. But there is a small dent on the top tube about where a top tube protector would go. It's on the side of the frame running perpendicular to the top tube. Apparently it happened during shipping (he bought it off ebay and is now reselling because he doesn't ride it). The dent isn't too big nor is it too deep. Cosmetically, it isn't noticeable, but you CAN feel it. Is it worth it? Would this ruin the structure of the frame?

That frame will burst into flames the first time you ride it. I don't know about structural integrity, but flames are hot. You don't want this to happen...

Got any pics? They might help...

It's steel, it should be fine.

Seems like this guy had it a lot worse off than you, *and* his frame's aluminum:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=dent+top+tube

Frankly, since the Flite 100 is a steel frame, you'll be fine. My Surly Pacer and I were involved in a high-speed downhill crash this summer, and it got the same "handlebars-into-the-toptube" dent that it sounds like you've got. Not nearly as drastic as dude's C-dale above, and because steel doesn't crack/fracture as readily as aluminum does you're good to go.

You've just got an inadvertant "Cat 5 pimple".... love that term ;-)

Addendum: if your frame was carbon fiber, you'd trash it immediately.

The yellow Flite I assume on Craigslist? Steel will be just fine - my old ride has a small dent that's barely noticeable. It's a good price, I'll tell you that.

Man! You guys are good!

Small dings in the TT & ST aren't so bad. It's the downtube that you really gotta watch, that's the serious structural component of the front triangle. That's why bikes with oversized tubes start with large dia downtubes.

Dude, you're a yuppie, just by a new custom Ti rig!

I've got a dent in the top tube of my Austro-Daimler. I'm not worrying about it.

I used to have huge dents in the bottom of my BMX's down tube from screwing up sprocket stalls. It was steel, and it was fine.