titanium frame repair/recommedations?

hello,

I am fairly new to cycling, and am looking to build a cyclocross with
versatile components (ie, a triple + a 11/32T cassette). i have been
considering a new bianchi axis, however a recent gift has changed
things.

i was recently *given* a poccianti titanium italian frame, hand made
in some small shop in florence. it it beautiful, however it needs
some work. both the top tube and the down tube have significant
impact dents... such that they may need cutting out & replacing.
also, 1 of the chain stays is bent. must of been in a car crash, not
sure of the history. everything else on the frame looks solid... all
of the welds, joints, etc....

I am not at all familiar with this brand of frame, with titanium frame
repair, nor do I have any idea what repair costs may be, or if this is
even a good frame to build a cyclocross bike ... totally blind here.
so a few questions:

= how expensive is ti frame repair?

= to build a cyclocross, what good quality but affordable components
would you recommend with this frame (wanting a triple + a 11/32T
cassette?)... I've been looking at the campy centaur, but I don't
think I can do a 11/32T cassette... what else is possible?

= and has ANYONE ever heard of a "sesto fiorentino poccianti"
titanium frame?

oh, lastly... if I go for it and build this bike, who sells (online)
the best priced new and used component groups?

clearly I am a novice, and I will be grateful for any recommends or
input.

+s

"raciere" wrote: .(clip) both the top tube and the down tube have
significant impact dents... such that they may need cutting out & replacing
(clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Welding titanium is very critical. It must be done with shielding gas (TIG
welded) and the inside of the frame must be purged with the shielding gas to
remove the air. I would not trust this to anyone not familiar with titanium
welding AND bicycle frames. I suggest you post to Sci.engr.joining.welding,
where you are most likely to reach people who know. If you can elicit a
response from Ernie Leimkuhler you will be well off.

(raciere) wrote:

i was recently *given* a poccianti titanium italian frame, hand made
in some small shop in florence. it it beautiful, however it needs
some work. both the top tube and the down tube have significant
impact dents... such that they may need cutting out & replacing.
also, 1 of the chain stays is bent. must of been in a car crash, not
sure of the history. everything else on the frame looks solid... all
of the welds, joints, etc....

With three tubes bent like that it's almost certain to cost more than
an equivalent new frame (unless it's a VERY expensive ti frame - I'm
not familiar with Poccianti).

Mark Hickey
Habanero Cycles
http://www.habcycles.com
Home of the $695 ti frame