Should I be fixing this crack?

[Johan Bornman]

Hairline cracks are not as innocent as their name suggests. Fact is, the adjacent molecules are separated and teh only reason the crack is not wider is 'cause something is still pushing and/or holding it together. But the fact it, it has separated and are therefore not joined.

 

Dont be tempted to use that frame. Saw it up and remove any temptation by anyone to re-use it.

 

Welding it will only be a temporary fix. That particular point is highly stressed and receives cyclical stresses that will cause other cracks in the heat-affected zone of the new weld.

 

Welding is suitable in alu frames only in places where some accident caused something to break. I can't think of a suitable example...perhaps a cable hanger that broke off. Welding is not a fix for cracks that were caused by repetitive stress, such as that seat tube that sways forwards and backwards with each pedal stroke and bump.

 

Welding detroys the heat treatment, which is a very important part of a alu frame's make-up.

 

Financially, it is simply not worth the cost of welding, finishing, painting and re-assembly.

[eggsovereasywithteandtoast]

Option1:

Have the frame re-welded and repaired.

If it is aesthetically perfect and not noticeable at all,... and she has never known of the defect,....then keep the code of silence and hope for the best. You may evade liability eventually if you play it well.

 

Option2:

Have the frame re-welded and repaired.

At this point she has however been updated with the history of the frame. She however accepts to use the frame and liability is assumed to be transferred to the "repair contractor". You assume to have evaded liability and included rationale about her informed and voluntary use of the frame. This seems a logical deduction; but we all know that thou shalt be responsible and you will silently suffer (for a lifetime) in the vent of failure

 

Option3:

Do nothing to the frame BUT do inform her of the "small" crack. Leave her (as a consenting adult) to decide whether she will use the bike.

Not a good option. Scratch this one. Couples biking is unlikely to get off the ground. Ever. With this wife anyway.

 

Option4:

Do nothing with the frame. Stay mum. and hope for the best.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did I just type that?

 

Its just that she may never pursue the sport after a ride or two and the frame may be retired without unnecessary expenditure under consideration now.

 

 

 

Option5:

Get a spare strip of aluminium about 2mm thick, 2cm wide and 30cm long.

Color doesn't matter.

Fold the strip of aluminium so that it is u shaped.

Now fit it around the seat tube so that the two ends run equally along the top tube.

Test for shape and fit.

Use some silicone or genkem to attach.

For extra strength: rivet each end to the top tube with two nice 5mm rivets.

When the weld does eventually break this will keep the frame more-or -less "frame shaped" until the bike

is brought to a complete stop. Remember to issue the brace command.

 

Option6:

The new frame. It seems to be worth it.

Edited December 12, 2010 by eggsovereasywithteandtoast

[Guest Big H]

Option 7:

 

Buy a Tandem and cycle TWO-gether

 

Option 8:

 

Read what the Guru said at the end of the previous page.... ignore all other drivel and take his advice seriously.

[duckcoza]

Welding detroys the heat treatment, which is a very important part of a alu frame's make-up.

 

At least I have someone on my side !!!

 

Everyone has their opinion and is entitled to it .

 

If it were me I would happily fix it and ride it , but then I'm 40+ and not about to race and go mad on the frame . It's a great frame to rescue .