Oh dear ... it's not often I clean my bikes that thouroughly, but I wanted to post an update on the bike in its current "racing" configuration, with a new XTR drivetrain and front disc, blue Flite Syncros post and tubeless wheels. I've been enjoying it riding it for the current Gorrick Spring Series and was hoping to take it to a NPS and maybe the Nationals in July.
Was cleaning the tubes (with Cif it works best) and came across this hairline crack, at the weld where the seat tube changes diameter below the top tube (bike is upside down on the photo):
It could have been there for months, I don't know. It is less than half the circumference of the tube, about an inch in length. As I see it it is not situated in an overly stressed area, with the top tube and seat stay nearby providing some strength. But it could become an issue obviously.
For now I will keep riding it and check on the crack regularly. If anyone has an opinion on this option please do let me know. I had sworn to myself this was the frame I would never sell, well I guess that makes it very clear now :cry:
(ps: no scant I didn't cry. I'm pretty darn upset though ...)