Damaged L seatstay...problem???
 

We found a brand new KHS Milano tandem at a bike shop only 2 hours away. Size Large (what we need). I have not seen the bike, but the bike shop tells me it has a minor/small dent in the drive (L) side seatstay. They say it isn't something that will fail structurally (sp?).

I can get the bike - setup, everything, for 650 bucks. Almost 1/2 off the original cost, and about 25% the cost of a Burley.

Is a "slightly dented" seatstay something to worry about? Obviously all parts of a frame need to "work together" - but would the dent be something to preclude us from buying the bike?

Thanks!
Andy and Vickie

Its a chrome moly steel frame. A minor dent shouldn't be a serious problem.Of course what's minor is subject to interpretation. You might have someone knowledgeable take a look at it, such as KHS rep. Are they will ing to give you any kind of warranty?

Ya know, that's a good question...I'll call them back and ask about the warranty. I was thinking the same thing though, about it being chrome-moly steel.

Thanks.

Get a digital photo and send it to a frame shop that deals with tandems, e.g., Kool Bikes in Clemson, SC, etc... Sometimes a dent in a steel tube is no big deal so long as it's not in a critical or stressed location. A dab of bondo and touch up paint takes care of the cosmetics if that's of concern. However, I'd definitely want to ensure that the full warranty comes with the bike so you at least know what you're paying for. If it doesn't then I'd want at least a 1 year replacement guarantee limited to the affected tube. If they're not willing to do that and your frame shop says the dent could be an issue that cannot be corrected for minimal cost I'd pass. Above all else, you want piece of mind when riding a tandem and the last thing I want to worry about is the frame.

Got the whole story from the bike shop. There won't be any warranty with the frame at all, specific to the tube being dented. The owner is sending pictures via email in the next few days, and I'll check it out with a frame repairer or two. It's a great deal, or it appears to be. He (the dealer) is very confident it will be a good starter tandem, especially for the price. But without a warranty backing him up...well...