Cracked frame

[NeilAS]

So, after taking around 20,000 miles of abuse on Croydon and Lambeth roads (and my none-too-light weight), my humble hybrid frame (yes, the one I try and keep up on on the club run) has finally cracked. Though I plan on getting a more suitable bike (for club cycling AND commuting), the timing sucks and I'd like to keep this on the road a bit longer. Question is can aluminium frames be repaired?

The crack - just below the seatpost clamp (probably tightened up too much) - extends most of the way around the tube (all-bar c. 10-15mm) and allows what can only be described as a gentle rocking. The warranty on the Specialized frame ran out 6 months ago, but I am wondering whether a repair job would work; any advice on whether it's even possible, and if so, who might undertake the work, would be appreciated.

Until then it's a few days of training it, and then borrow by father-in-laws 20-25 years old steel Dawes ... and you thought my bike weighed a lot!

[Dan_K]

Have you actually tried specialized? Even if the warranty's up, they may still do something. I've heard good things about their after service.

[NeilAS]

Thanks Dan, I'll give it a go; can't hurt any.
Neil

[Elliot M]

I *think* this may depend on what sort of aluminum it is, but one of the reasons it's not often done is the whole frame needs to be heat-treated afterwards, which means an expensive complete strip and repaint.

[NeilAS]

Cheers Elliot. I think I'll try my luck with Specialized; see if they're feeling nice, but given it's a relatively cheap hybrid frame (shame about the c. £125 I spent on it recently!) the expense you describe probably isn't worth it. Thanks for the advice; it'll save Roberts laughing me out of their shop. Now all I have to do is find a bike that will function as my commuting bike AND club rides; probably a tourer, steel frame and all that. Thanks again.

[Keith]

[quote="Dan_K"]Have you actually tried specialized? ....... I've heard good things about their after service.

[Peter Nobes]

Now Neil, please don't take this the wrong way but may I ask what your inside leg measurement is?

The reason being - I happen to have a 60cm Dolan Preffiso going spare. I have done a few bike builds now and would be happy to help if you wish.

I ride one as my winter/commuter and when married to 25c Bontrager hardcase tyres it's proving to be very robust. To put this into context, I commute most days into London and on long rides all through the winter. To cap it all I weigh a lot - nearly as much as Jeff HEWETT in fact.

If Specialized won't play - and frame will fit you, more or less, let me know, because although tall, it's a little known fact that I have an a very short inside leg for my height!

Haven't been out on CR recently due to work so best to PM me,

Regards,

Peter (on the Dolan or the Look if it's sunny)

[Marcus]

Neil i've pm'ed you.

[Steve W]

I once stupidly cracked a head tube by badly inserting a headset.

Went to Alpha engineering at west Croydon after a recommendation from Butlers.

They also warned me that the welding would strip the frame leading to a costly respray. As it turns out this was far from the truth.
Whilst some paint obviously was lost at the crack point they were careful to wrap the frame in wet rags to keep it cool and I was left with some minimal paint loss, they left the rubbing and grinding to me which was easy enough and as the frame was matt black a quick squirt of spray did the job and still looks like nothing has happened 2 years later. And all this for a tenner.

Alpha Engineering No. 2 Bensham Lane.

Good luck