Long, Steve

OMG, I hate to butt in here but I've seen bikes break in half (top tupe
and down tube) completely seperating the front from the back of the
bike. I just have a hard time seeing how that would not be catastophic.
And yes, when this happens, it can happen in the blink of an eye. I've
seen it happen in several material types as well, including aluminum,
titanium and of course carbon.

________________________________

From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On
Behalf Of john
Sent: Friday, March 06, 2009 3:43 PM
To: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] things to do with an old frame?

That's what i would do, and then just ride it. Unless that dent is like
more then say 3/8" to 1/2" deep, i have a hard time believing that it
is "unsafe" to ride. A top tube, experiences bending and axial
compression loads and some torsion. If it does "fail" it won't be
catastrophic, rather you'll notice increased localized buckling at the
dent, or maybe a crack forming (not as likely since the compression will
help keep the crack from forming or propagating..).

The good news is the dent is right there within eyesight, so easy to
keep an eye on. When you notice something bad happening, then make it
yard art. I am guessing you will have you own house, yard, and mortgage
half paid by the time that rolls around, and of course at least another
half dozen frames, bikes laying around.

Even if it does break clean through while riding it, the down tube will
hold together until you stop.

You should post a picture so we all can make "reputable" comments about
it. :) great end of the week fun.

2009/3/6

Ask a disreputable shop if it is safe to ride it.

----- Original Message -----
From: "chris robinson"
To: obra@list.obra.org

Sent: Thursday, March 5, 2009 7:27:48 PM GMT -08:00 US/Canada
Pacific
Subject: [OBRA Chat] things to do with an old frame?


I have an aluminum road bike frame that a reputable shop has
deemed unsafe to ride because of a dent in the top tube, so I can't sell
it to anyone and I don't just want to throw it out...any ideas?
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