Dent in steel retro frame purchase advice

[elllguapo]

I was looking at this frame / bike online for potential purchase - and will not be able to see in person - and the thing that is really making me hesitate is the dent in the top tube...

I do not want to repaint - as I love the original scheme - and just in general dont like the idea of repainting a nice old frame that has not rust. So getting rid of the seemingly cosmetic dent is not an option.

I have seen various other photos of the bike and dent - and believe the seller in that there are no stress marks dents or folds anywhere else in the front end. So it does just seem that this is a "something dropped on the top tube" accident. It was not the sellers at time of accident, so he cant confirm.

So what I am looking for advice here is - how much should this dent impact my decision. The frame and components in this late 80s bike all seem to be in great shape - almost the right size for me (slightly on the small side) - and the price would be great without the dent. Current price is maybe 70% of what the price would be without the dent... So if I get the bike and dont get on with the size I would have to sell it on -

How would you reason in this scenario? I just am really looking for some ball this with as I am uncertain!

Cheers

 

[argonsixar]

It looks exactly like the damage I did to a Holdsworth frame which I crashed into a car a few years back. I would want to inspect in person rather than rely upon photographs and if in doubt I would avoid at all costs if I were you.

 

[omegastrada]

Listen to your instincts and don't get carried away just because you're after a Tomassini! I have to agree with argonsixar above - the "dent" shown in the picture above appears to have affected the lug as well as the tube. This tells me that it was either hit by something much heavier than a spanner or has been in a crash. If this is all the photographic evidence the seller is prepared to give, then walk away, there will be a better one waiting around the corner for you.
I think the fact you've already hesitated buying it to ask for advice on here is enough to mean that you should leave alone. Be patient, the perfect one for you will be along soon!

 

[nammonk]

FWIW, I wouldn't. There are lots of nice bikes out there that haven't been bashed.
Nick

 

[Russell]

I bought a steel bike with a dent after just looking at pics last year.

Stripped the paint back to reveal a crack halfway through the tube and realised that the dent was the only visible sign of it before stripping the paint.

Personally, given the damage to the lug aswell, I wouldn't touch it, but if you must have it, proceed with caution, pay well below the odds and inspect the frame thoroughly before you ride it.

 

[elllguapo]

Thanks for confirming my current sentiment! As you say - the right one will come along.... some day.

Anyone have a tommasini Super prestige in 58 (ctc) they want to send my way then?

Thanks again for the input!

 

[AndyPA]

I wouldnt buy a frame that had a dent like that

 

[biggs682]

i have just purchased a frame that has arrived with a dent on the headstock , which i believe was done in transit from abroad due to lack of proper protection , or the seller is not being honest by saying dent was not present before sending and listing object .

my advice would be not to go ahead as you too could be very dissapointed

 

[Midlife]

Have you ever come across a cast lug like prugnat? they are pretty strong as they need to keep the frame together.. I'm surprised the lug hasn't fractured and is held together by the brazing.

Not sure I'd like to ride that around the Cumbrian rough roads..

Shaun

 

[Johnsqual]

Also worrying that the seller does not know how the dent occurred.
May well be true it happened before they owned the bike, but if
they don't know how it happened it is a big risk to take.