Bent frame - sell, repair, adapt, live with?

[Ugo51]

Size 52-54
Ideally, modern enough to take 130mm wheels, with mudguards and pannier rack mounts.

There is a Witcomb frame on eBay, which is quite nice, but maybe a tad too small.
I also saw a vintage Kinesis Racelight, the first version, with the threadless 1' steerer. I'm familair with the threaded 1', or threadless 1 1/8 but never had a frame with the middle child of the steerers family.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Size 52-54
Ideally, modern enough to take 130mm wheels, with mudguards and pannier rack mounts.

There is a Witcomb frame on eBay, which is quite nice, but maybe a tad too small.
I also saw a vintage Kinesis Racelight, the first version, with the threadless 1' steerer. I'm familair with the threaded 1', or threadless 1 1/8 but never had a frame with the middle child of the steerers family.

Inch Threadless is ok as long as you have the fork...
Headsets easily available, but there's a serious lack of choice of fork.

You can always fit a Threaded fork anyway.

But a Kinesis race light is a stiff aluminium frame, fast and hard, whereas I imagine the Whitcomb would be a relatively soft riding 531.

 

[Ugo51]

yeah, it does come with a fork.

It's interesting you mention that. My daily ride is a modern aluminium bike, and it's stiff.
When I first rode the Orbit, which has a 531 frame, I was surprised by how compliant it is. Very lovely. If only it was straight...

 

[grantoury]

There used to be a Surly Cross Check fork in 1 inch but am not sure they still make it.

 

[Ugo51]

And it probably costs an arm and a leg

There used to be a Surly Cross Check fork in 1 inch but am not sure they still make it.

 

[bikeworkshop]

There used to be a Surly Cross Check fork in 1 inch but am not sure they still make it.

They don't.

And it probably costs an arm and a leg

And weighs a ton, plus lacking in spring to suit heavy front luggage.

It's always worth getting a frame and fork together - the fork can be quite a challenge, and spoil the ride if it's wrong.