Welding bicycle frame?

[nobeerinthefridge]

Hi folks, first post so go easy on me!. I have been trying to find info on the web regarding this topic, with not much luck.

Basically, I have a mountain bike frame which has cracked and needs a weld/braze repair. the frame is 4130 Cromoly, and the crack is almost circumferential around one of the chain stay (the stay is about 1/2 inch diameter and I believe the wal thickness is less than 2mm).

I have a small local workshop near me who do all types of jobs from machining to welding and powdercoating. Do you folks reckon it would be the kind of job they would be able to do (It needs powdercoated again anyway), or take it to a frame repair specialist?

I'm looking for a tidy job as I want to sell the bike on, but I also want to make sure that the buyer isn't getting landed with a bodged job.

Thanks folks, all assistance greatly appreciated.

 

[toddy]

well tbh i wouldnt do that, if it is a 4130 i would just bin it or sell it as is, and let the buyer repair it if they want to.
and anyway what frame is it?
by the sounds of it it will be a ht dj styal frame

 

[tigler]

Find someone who repairs motorcycle frames to do it , preferably a British bike specialist as Brit bikes typically used Cro Mo.

 

[citizen kane]

What do you expect its worth second hand?

The correct way to repair would be to chop out the chain stay and replace with a new one.

A decent repair of this nature could easily cost well over £50 then add on the price of powder coating and new decals and its needs to be something special to make economic sense.

Bear in mind a new On One steel frame is only in the order of £150.

 

[nobeerinthefridge]

It's a Cotic Soul, costs 470 quid to replace.

 

[citizen kane]

OK, decent quality frame, suggest you contact Argos Cycles for a repair. I've seen a chain stay replaced by them on a 853 frame, excellent job but not a match to the original.

Is the crack caused by chain suck marks?

 

[nobeerinthefridge]

No, it was at the rear end of the stay, right through a wee breather hole. Possibly due to braking forces? (though on the opposite side from disc?!)

 

[citizen kane]

Unlucky.

What sort of warranty do Cotic offer, may worth contacting them first.

 

[nobeerinthefridge]

Nah, had it for 6 years. full warranty for 2 years, then half cost till 4 years, then nada!.

 

[pedrobedro]

the Soul will take you anywhere you want to go, and then off the edge if you want to! It might just be the last bike you'll ever need...

I'd quote this back to them and ask them if they can do anything about it for you before you do anything to it yourself which might give them an excuse not to.

 

[nobeerinthefridge]

Aye, that sounds like a decent plan. I take it you pulled that off the website?

 

[chunkolini]

Sounds well dodgy a repair like that, one of the most stressed parts of the frame.

Nice bike though, I can rememeber almost buying one of them, steel is real!!

My current bike is an ancient Kona Kileauea, still unbeatable.

Try Pedro's idea, you never know it might be a decent company who might treat you well, unlikely, but never hurts to try it on a bit.

The other option is to bodge it into a dodgy chopper, use it for popping to the shops and leave the original graphics on it, that will really **** people off.
On my tallbike I have a trashed Kona frame, I have been accused of ruining a classic by pipes moking old fools. Te He he he.

Chunko'.

 

[toddy]

and anyway tbh what are you expecting to get for it second had with a repair?
take note that i have just sold a 24bicycles toy4 for £100 and a curtis super x for £130.
if you are willing to wait for a good few months to get the one good buyer then it may be.

 

[pedrobedro]

Aye, that sounds like a decent plan. I take it you pulled that off the website?

It's on here in their blurb. It looks like the frame has been redesigned according to Cotic website.