Alpinestars arse arse arse!

[cornholio's RC200]

I've just found a similar but less extreme problem with a colleague's Kona Kula. He knew I was "into old bikes" and asked me to strip it down with the aim of selling the bits off. I nearly bought it myself as the frame was quite nice and v light; however I was looking closer and found this:

Needless to say it's now been relegated to the status of wall art. I have to say there is absolutely no way I'd have even 16-year old alu welded let alone older. Tis a shame for an Alpinestars or a Kona although I suspect this one has come from a ham-fisted headset fitting.

 

[wookiee]

...well lets hope that "Alpinestars wall art" is all the rage!

 

[Rampage]

Can't you get someone to machine a new headtube to fit (bond) inside of the existing one? You'd have to use 1 1/8 forks and headset but it wouldn't need reprinting or anything.

 

[mass199]

I've seen a few ally framed Mx bikes welded/fabricated after cracks have appeared and they take a bit more stress than a Mtb frame.

 

[johnnypie13]

Can't you get someone to machine a new headtube to fit (bond) inside of the existing one? You'd have to use 1 1/8 forks and headset but it wouldn't need reprinting or anything.

that's a very interesting idea drill a hole to stop the current crack weld two shims or an entire tube inside then weld crack and file down to smooth, fit 1 1/8" headset and forks and bobs your uncle

 

[firedfromthecircus]

Can't you get someone to machine a new headtube to fit (bond) inside of the existing one? You'd have to use 1 1/8 forks and headset but it wouldn't need reprinting or anything.

that's a very interesting idea drill a hole to stop the current crack weld two shims or an entire tube inside then weld crack and file down to smooth, fit 1 1/8" headset and forks and bobs your uncle

I'm sure there could be a viable engineering solution that would allow the frame to continue it's existence as an off road cycle. But at what cost?
And is it worth it?

I seriously doubt it, as it would cost far more than the frame was worth to get someone with the skills and equipment to do a proper job.

In another fifty years though, the frame might be worth a lot more. So don't chop it up, just hang it on the wall, and leave it in your will to the grand kids.

 

[wookiee]

...well I should hopefully get it back tomorrow then I can see the full problem!

 

[MCsanandreas]

tis a shame to see that crack! i have an Al-Mega DX no cracks(i think) but the bb threads are stripped

 

[fatfixie]

Have a look at this website. this company have fixed much worse than yours...


andy

http://www.gripsport.com.au/photo-album ... head-tubes

 

[MADB]

I figured as much johnny. Unsure of the steerer length as awaiting the return of the frame and forks but it was a 17.5" frame with original stem/headset...

The steerer is about 140mm give or take a few mm`s.