1994/95 Litespeed Obed chain stay question

[cce]

My Merlin is double butted.

 

[Anthony]

My Merlin is double butted.

I wonder which tubes?

Merlin were the only other maker that went as light as Litespeed, but light isn't necessarily a good idea with ti. My KHS (made by Litespeed) is very light, but IMO it would be a better frame if it was stiffer (i.e., heavier). A Hei Hei frame in the same size is 12% heavier and I'll bet it's a better frame as a result. TST frames also have a much better reputation for not cracking than Litespeed.

 

[cce]

My Merlin is double butted.

I wonder which tubes?

Merlin were the only other maker that went as light as Litespeed, but light isn't necessarily a good idea with ti. My KHS (made by Litespeed) is very light, but IMO it would be a better frame if it was stiffer (i.e., heavier). A Hei Hei frame in the same size is 12% heavier and I'll bet it's a better frame as a result. TST frames also have a much better reputation for not cracking than Litespeed.

the top tube at least has a noticably deader ring as you ping it closer to the ends.

I've not ridden any other Ti frames in anger to compare, but this one is lively, springy and accelerates like it's been stabbed - I have a ~22lb suspension build at the mo. As I've said before, it's by far and away the best bike i've ever owned.

 

[gtRTSdh]

The other thing that Litespeed told me is that if it ever breaks in this particular area, it would not be sudden and I should be given some warning before the failure would occur.

My thoughts are, that area is hidden and cracks are unlikely to be spotted early, and that you would be best off smoothing over any areas with wet & dry, starting at 120 grit looking at the damage to reduce stress raising sharp corners. I've filed chain suck damage from much lesser frames before!

 

[Bimdapogs]

Sorry for the wait. Here are a couple more pics.

 

[Anthony]

From what I can see, I wouldn't be too worried about that. Titanium is a phenomenally tough material and you have to bear in mind what caused that. You try filing titanium with a steel file, it's very difficult and the titanium tends to win. If that damage has been caused by steel chains, even if the sideplates are hardened steel, I would guess much of the lost material has just been deflected inwards rather than ground off altogether.

 

[Bimdapogs]

Thanks again you guys for your advice. The build is almost done. I just need to install the brakes and new cables and it'll good to go.