old 531 frame repair or replace

I have cracked my trusty 35 year old 531 frame at the top of the
downtube on the underside, next to the lug. The crack is about an inch
and a half in length running around the circumference of the tube. It
may have been there for some time, but I only noticed it recently when
the frame started to creak from the crack when out of the saddle.

My dilemma is whether to see if my local framebuilder can repair it with
a new downtube or to replace the frame.

I have owned the frame for about 12 years and used it as my 'winter
bike', covering about 5,000 miles a year, most on the road but some off
road over rough ground. I don't know how many miles it covered before I
had it.

Is it likely that the frame maybe approaching failure in other places?

Because the frame will need a respray after the repair, the job won't be
cheap - probably 1/3 the cost of a replacement frame from the framebuilder.

Tony

On Apr 23, 8:29*am, Tony Sweeney wrote:
I have cracked my trusty 35 year old 531 frame at the top of the
downtube on the underside, next to the lug. The crack is about an inch
and a half in length running around the circumference of the tube. It
may have been there for some time, but I only noticed it recently when
the frame started to creak from the crack when out of the saddle.

My dilemma is whether to see if my local framebuilder can repair it with
a new downtube or to replace the frame.

I have owned the frame for about 12 years and used it as my 'winter
bike', covering about 5,000 miles a year, most on the road but some off
road over rough ground. I don't know how many miles it covered before I
had it.

Is it likely that the frame maybe approaching failure in other places?

Because the frame will need a respray after the repair, the job won't be
cheap - probably 1/3 the cost of a replacement frame from the framebuilder.

On Apr 23, 11:29*am, Tony Sweeney wrote:
I have cracked my trusty 35 year old 531 frame at the top of the
downtube on the underside, next to the lug. The crack is about an inch
and a half in length running around the circumference of the tube. It
may have been there for some time, but I only noticed it recently when
the frame started to creak from the crack when out of the saddle.

My dilemma is whether to see if my local framebuilder can repair it with
a new downtube or to replace the frame.

I have owned the frame for about 12 years and used it as my 'winter
bike', covering about 5,000 miles a year, most on the road but some off
road over rough ground. I don't know how many miles it covered before I
had it.

Is it likely that the frame maybe approaching failure in other places?

Because the frame will need a respray after the repair, the job won't be
cheap - probably 1/3 the cost of a replacement frame from the framebuilder.

On Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:29:17 +0100, Tony Sweeney wrote:

I have cracked my trusty 35 year old 531 frame at the top of the
downtube on the underside, next to the lug. The crack is about an inch
and a half in length running around the circumference of the tube. It
may have been there for some time, but I only noticed it recently when
the frame started to creak from the crack when out of the saddle.

My dilemma is whether to see if my local framebuilder can repair it with
a new downtube or to replace the frame.

I have owned the frame for about 12 years and used it as my 'winter
bike', covering about 5,000 miles a year, most on the road but some off
road over rough ground. I don't know how many miles it covered before I
had it.

Is it likely that the frame maybe approaching failure in other places?

Because the frame will need a respray after the repair, the job won't be
cheap - probably 1/3 the cost of a replacement frame from the framebuilder.

Tony

If it's staright-guage, or the crack is wholly within the butt, and you can
use a smaller seatpin, get your framebuilder to braze a sleeve in; should
be a lot less trouble for him, and that could translate to less cost.

On Apr 23, 9:28*am, Peter Cole wrote:
Tony Sweeney wrote:
I have cracked my trusty 35 year old 531 frame at the top of the
downtube on the underside, next to the lug. The crack is about an inch
and a half in length running around the circumference of the tube. It
may have been there for some time, but I only noticed it recently when
the frame started to creak from the crack when out of the saddle.

My dilemma is whether to see if my local framebuilder can repair it with
a new downtube or to replace the frame.

I have owned the frame for about 12 years and used it as my 'winter
bike', covering about 5,000 miles a year, most on the road but some off
road over rough ground. I don't know how many miles it covered before I
had it.

Is it likely that the frame maybe approaching failure in other places?

I think that is impossible to know. The down tube is the most heavily
loaded part, and the lug/tube transition concentrates stress, so your
frame failed in a predictable place. That's about all you can say.

Because the frame will need a respray after the repair, the job won't be
cheap - probably 1/3 the cost of a replacement frame from the framebuilder.

Tony

I could see doing it if you really like the frame.- Hide quoted text -

Or if it had collector's value, like an old Masi or something -- then
add on the decal price and some serious money for a good paint job and
not a Q&D powder coat. If it is just an old 531 beater, use it for a
garden ornament and get something off of Craigslist. -- Jay Beattie.

On Apr 23, 12:33*pm, "Clive George" wrote:
"landotter" wrote in message

...

Or you can just retire it and get an aluminum mass market frame
that'll do the job fine. About the same price as the alternative.

Depends on if you have an attachment to this frame, or just want a
tool to ride.

While I have a lot of sympathy for that idea (also presented by Hank), the
531 frame may have different tyre clearances, ie mudguard fitting may be
easier. Worth considering anyway.

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product..._200274_200450

Not the prettiest welds, but overbuilt with clearances for 38s and
fenders. DT bosses, 132.5 spacing--the thing is just ready for
whatever's in the garage to hang on it. Nice and anonymous looking--a
plus when you lock up.

They've also got the Redline R77 for $300--which is an unusual frame
in being light and racy alu/carbon--but with clearances for normal
reach brakes 28s and fenders. Yup, it's got eyelets.

On 23 Apr, 16:29, Tony Sweeney wrote:
I have cracked my trusty 35 year old 531 frame at the top of the
downtube on the underside, next to the lug. The crack is about an inch
and a half in length running around the circumference of the tube. It
may have been there for some time, but I only noticed it recently when
the frame started to creak from the crack when out of the saddle.

My dilemma is whether to see if my local framebuilder can repair it with
a new downtube or to replace the frame.

I have owned the frame for about 12 years and used it as my 'winter
bike', covering about 5,000 miles a year, most on the road but some off
road over rough ground. I don't know how many miles it covered before I
had it.

Is it likely that the frame maybe approaching failure in other places?

Because the frame will need a respray after the repair, the job won't be
cheap - probably 1/3 the cost of a replacement frame from the framebuilder.

I'd say stick with what you know. Dont get a respray if you want to
keep the cost down. Get a good 1 1/2" brush and some enamel and
practice on a broomstick. Brush strokes should be at 45 deg to the
tube for a clean finish. Lay off parallel to the tube with extremely
light strokes.

Nick L Plate wrote:
On 23 Apr, 16:29, Tony Sweeney wrote:
I have cracked my trusty 35 year old 531 frame at the top of the
downtube on the underside, next to the lug. The crack is about an inch
and a half in length running around the circumference of the tube. It
may have been there for some time, but I only noticed it recently when
the frame started to creak from the crack when out of the saddle.

My dilemma is whether to see if my local framebuilder can repair it with
a new downtube or to replace the frame.

I have owned the frame for about 12 years and used it as my 'winter
bike', covering about 5,000 miles a year, most on the road but some off
road over rough ground. I don't know how many miles it covered before I
had it.

Is it likely that the frame maybe approaching failure in other places?

Because the frame will need a respray after the repair, the job won't be
cheap - probably 1/3 the cost of a replacement frame from the framebuilder.

I'd say stick with what you know. Dont get a respray if you want to
keep the cost down. Get a good 1 1/2" brush and some enamel and
practice on a broomstick. Brush strokes should be at 45 deg to the
tube for a clean finish. Lay off parallel to the tube with extremely
light strokes.

Krylon looks better IMHO...

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

On 23 Apr 2009 17:29:44 GMT, wrote:

Jay Taylor wrote:

I have cracked my trusty 35 year old 531 frame at the top of the
downtube on the underside, next to the lug. The crack is about an
inch and a half in length running around the circumference of the
tube. It may have been there for some time, but I only noticed it
recently when the frame started to creak from the crack when out of
the saddle.

My dilemma is whether to see if my local frame builder can repair
it with a new downtube or to replace the frame.

I have owned the frame for about 12 years and used it as my 'winter
bike', covering about 5,000 miles a year, most on the road but some
off road over rough ground. I don't know how many miles it covered
before I had it.

Is it likely that the frame maybe approaching failure in other
places?

Because the frame will need a respray after the repair, the job
won't be cheap - probably 1/3 the cost of a replacement frame from
the frame builder.

If it's straight-gauge, or the crack is wholly within the butt, and
you can use a smaller seat pin, get your frame builder to braze a
sleeve in; should be a lot less trouble for him, and that could
translate to less cost.

DOWNTUBE, not SEAT TUBE. You can't get inside the downtube without
removing it.


H. Simpson mode/

D'oh!

/H. Simpson mode

But yes you can, from the bottom bracket shell; but it might be tricky to
get a properly-mitred sleeve of sufficient length to seat properly against
the head tube; not to mention determining if it had been correctly brazed
(perhaps a series of holes drilled in the cracked tube could be used -
dental picks to position, then braze and flux inserted in the holes).

On Apr 23, 12:18*pm, Hank Wirtz wrote:
On Apr 23, 8:29*am, Tony Sweeney wrote:



I have cracked my trusty 35 year old 531 frame at the top of the
downtube on the underside, next to the lug. The crack is about an inch
and a half in length running around the circumference of the tube. It
may have been there for some time, but I only noticed it recently when
the frame started to creak from the crack when out of the saddle.

My dilemma is whether to see if my local framebuilder can repair it with
a new downtube or to replace the frame.

I have owned the frame for about 12 years and used it as my 'winter
bike', covering about 5,000 miles a year, most on the road but some off
road over rough ground. I don't know how many miles it covered before I
had it.

Is it likely that the frame maybe approaching failure in other places?

Because the frame will need a respray after the repair, the job won't be
cheap - probably 1/3 the cost of a replacement frame from the framebuilder.

Tony

It pains me to write this, as the owner of a '75 Peugeot PX10 and
lover of 531, but...

If it's your winter beater, replace it with a $125 Nashbike aluminum
frame.

Only repair it if you have great sentimental attachment to it, or if
it's your best-fitting bike.

I agree with Hank. For me, the key is the 5000 mile years and the
winter riding. That tells me you've likely eaten into the fatigue
life in other places, like around the bottom bracket shell (seat tube
or chainstays); and that you don't think of the bike as a trophy
piece.

That Nashbar aluminum with lots of clearance sounds like a winner, if
it fits you.

- Frank Krygowski