Cannondale aluminium frame corrosion

[shirley]

I've found a fair amount of discussion on this topic, but most of it seems to be theoretical. Thought you'd be interested to see this. I'm interested to hear your thoughts. A lot of comment is of the opinion that aluminium is doesn't corrode; that's what I thought!

I've loved my Cannondale Killer V, ridden it on many travels, looked after it well, kept it clean and really thought it was a Frame-for-Life. Then, as my latest rebuild has neared its close (new Royce hubs etc, 'spoil myself' I thought, why not) I have found these corrosion holes in the frame. The frame is dead. I certainly won't be hurling myself off the top of Mont Ventoux on it any time soon. (I hear that cosmetic dentistry is very expensive.)

(The scrapes on the frame are me digging around in the paint to check for more corrosion.)

For info, I'm small (5'0"), light, ride mainly road and could not under any circumstances have physically stressed the frame in anything like the way a typical mountain biker might do. I loved the frame because it was weeny (like me) and in 18 years of long-distance adventures never gave me an ache. Time to go shopping....

 

[royboy2cv]

Re:

These frames are getting old now , i have all ways had Cannondale bikes and i still run a F700 frame and two Delta v's , i think running them all year round you are going to get salt inside your frame , the holes in the frame ( which are where for welding ) let water in and out , so what are you to do ? for me once or twice a year i spray WD40 , into the small holes of the frame , ( other oil based spays are available ) it cannot hurt so it must be helping :?

 

[shirley]

Re:

Any tips gratefully received, I have another Killer V I don't want to go the same way. I'll be out there with the spray can! I may also get into the habit of removing the seat post when it's idle to let any moisture out.

I did not really use the dead bike much in mucky winter conditions - more out of respect for the bearings than anything else. Although it takes (I should say took) whatever is (was) thrown at it on holiday, in this country, between tours, it's really been a fair weather bike.

 

[ted andkilde]

I'd lean more towards BoeShield T9 or Framesaver for the internal protection. WD-40 is little more than kerosene and a bit of propellant, it evaporates too quickly to provide any lasting protection.

Cheers, Ted

 

[shirley]

Re:

Thanks Ted