Crack on Frame - between Seat Tube and Top Tube

Avery

Hi

Just looking for an opinion on this crack I've noticed on my Giant Rapid 4.
It is an Aluminium Frame. Just wondering if it is totally done for or if it is something that could be repaired at all?

Thanks

magicbastarder

i don't think aluminium can easily be repaired. how old is the frame?

Avery

Its a 2011 Model, unfortunately I purchased it second-hand so I don't think any I can avail of any warranty etc

cdaly_

magicbastarder wrote: »

i don't think aluminium can easily be repaired. how old is the frame?

Aluminium can be welded but you need specialist equipment and a knowledgeable welder. 360 Cycles in Clontarf may be able to put you in touch with somebody.

seamus

A crack at one section could be an indicator of extreme stresses on another part of the frame, which is cancer for an alu frame.

Never hurts to bang off an email to Giant to see if they can sort you out. Many manufacturers are very eager to replace broken frames before they become broken bodies and I've heard of many people receiving free replacements for frames that are ten or more years old.

RobFowl

Its fooked, thats a critical juncture as well so don't even think about riding it.
The bin is calling I'm afraid.

Avery

Yeah I figured it was done.

This is the first time I've had a frame break. What is the done thing... is it worth getting a replacement Frame and swapping out all the components? Does that make financial sense? Would a LBS do this?

Cheers

seamus

Like I say, send an email off to Giant first. You might be able to get a direct replacement frame from them at a huge discount.

Nothing to lose, worse they can do is say no

Components are always worth salvaging. At the end of the day if you spend €200 on a new frame and getting the parts swapped across, then you'll still have a bike that's better than a new bike you would get for €200.

If this is your only bike and you're into cycling for enjoyment as well as commuting, then I'd be taking this opportunity to double your fleet. Swap the old parts onto a new frame to use as your commuter/workhorse and then go big-budget on a "good" bike, rather than buying an expensive new bike and using that for commuting.

magicbastarder

Avery wrote: »

This is the first time I've had a frame break. What is the done thing... is it worth getting a replacement Frame and swapping out all the components? Does that make financial sense? Would a LBS do this?

i'd try contacting giant first, but yes, it's something a bike shop would be happy to do. i totalled a frame before and had it replaced; some bike shops will be better than others in terms of what frames they keep in stock.
if you're on the northside in dublin, pop in to humphries, they've loads hanging from the ceiling.