digitalkreation
Retro Guru
Hi all,
So my 96 XXTeam frame (Kinesis 7005 series aluminum) has a small crack at the bottom of the headtube. It's about 8mm in length and starts at the bottom of the headtube, right in the front. Not a great spot for this, I know.
I'm seeking your opinions and experience (if you've repaired something like this). The way I see it, I have these choices:
1. Repair it by removing material and filling it with a weld.
2. Place something tightly around it to prevent it from expanding, like the complete opposite of a shim.
3. Replacing the head tube completely.
Obviously, #3 would be the best option, but does anyone have knowledge or experiencing in doing this with an aluminum bike? I've heard of it being done with steel.
#2 would likely be easiest, but I wouldn't want to use something as cheap as a hose clamp, I'd want something really nice, ideally from aluminum tube, perhaps something like a spacer, if I can find the exact diameter and size I need, and if it can be slipped on nice and tight.
I think I would avoid #1 since it's such a high stress area of the frame, I'd think it would just act up again down the road.
Let's hear your thoughts!
So my 96 XXTeam frame (Kinesis 7005 series aluminum) has a small crack at the bottom of the headtube. It's about 8mm in length and starts at the bottom of the headtube, right in the front. Not a great spot for this, I know.
I'm seeking your opinions and experience (if you've repaired something like this). The way I see it, I have these choices:
1. Repair it by removing material and filling it with a weld.
2. Place something tightly around it to prevent it from expanding, like the complete opposite of a shim.
3. Replacing the head tube completely.
Obviously, #3 would be the best option, but does anyone have knowledge or experiencing in doing this with an aluminum bike? I've heard of it being done with steel.
#2 would likely be easiest, but I wouldn't want to use something as cheap as a hose clamp, I'd want something really nice, ideally from aluminum tube, perhaps something like a spacer, if I can find the exact diameter and size I need, and if it can be slipped on nice and tight.
I think I would avoid #1 since it's such a high stress area of the frame, I'd think it would just act up again down the road.
Let's hear your thoughts!