My "this is a tricky one" Kona Explosif 2006

[HarryCrumb]

Well how do you start with this one, I bought the frame in the Wiggle sale winter 2007/2008. I wanted a smaller frame for all the parts I had on my 18" Rocklobster (Merlim Ti). I built up the bike and used it twice, the second time was in Grizedale and featured some of the Northface Trail. I came off the bike once on the wood bit just before you start the open bit leading to the visitor centre. I fell on my hip with the bike between my legs onto my right side. The rest of the ride was trouble free.

when we got back to the car I noticed the top tube dent you can see pictured below, I was not happy one bit and could understand how it had happened. I had fallen on the other side and the bars and B levers etc where knowhere near the dent, as well as the fact the brake hose ran around this area and should have protected the area if anything????

I build the bike up with spare parts for my wife to use and she used it twice, but the bike always ended up being robbed for parts and was left hanging around. I have now split off all the parts from the bike and want to sell this frame but i have no idea what to price the frame up for with this damage.

the dent is the size of my thumb end and the paint has cracked off at the top and bottom of the dent. frame is a 14.5" and can be used for disc or V brake. The v brake mounts are Titanium ones FYI.

I paid £250 from wiggle for the frame????

 

[Chapeau! Velo]

Hmm, tricky one. Not sure how the thin walled Deda tubing holds up to such a dent. Why don't you email a pic to a frame builder (Chas Roberts, Argos etc) and ask for a repair quote? The result will determine if the frame is scrap or if it still has a resale value.

 

[HarryCrumb]

Hmm, tricky one. Not sure how the thin walled Deda tubing holds up to such a dent. Why don't you email a pic to a frame builder (Chas Roberts, Argos etc) and ask for a repair quote? The result will determine if the frame is scrap or if it still has a resale value.

would be an idea, thanks didn't really think of it that way.

Do you think that it would be best asking a big name like Chas for the best result?

 

[taffy]

to replace a tube like that will be £120 - 150 plus paint on top.

 

[Andy R]

It's a more difficult and time consuming repair, as because it's a small frame with short headtube, the top tube and down tube are welded together at the junction, not seperately to the headtube.

Is the top tube still straight in spite of the dent ?(check all round with a straight-edge). If it is, and it was my frame, I'd either try pulling the dent out or blow it out hydraulically - I don't think that I'd go the the expense of having the top tube replaced.

PM me if you want any more info about the hydraulic method.

 

[gibbleking]

if the tube has a crimp in it then i think its had it...side to side stress will make it fail at the worst time...thing is warranty wont cover it as its normal use damage ....

 

[Andy R]

if the tube has a crimp in it then i think its had it...side to side stress will make it fail at the worst time...thing is warranty wont cover it as its normal use damage ....

Well, I'd try and pop it out and if it was successful I'd ride it.

 

[gibbleking]

i have ridden worse (memories of a pair of mole grips and some chainstays come to mind) but i was younger and had less scars then hehe

give it a go ...id be interested to see the result

 

[KermitGKona88]

if the tube has a crimp in it then i think its had it...side to side stress will make it fail at the worst time...thing is warranty wont cover it as its normal use damage ....

What does someone who rides an empty dustbin know about structural stress :?: :?: :?: :shock:

 

[HarryCrumb]

hi thanks for all your responses

PM me if you want any more info about the hydraulic method.

I would like to hear more around this pulling out business

It's a funny thing as the tube isn't round so this could either be a good or a bad thing really regarding leaving it and riding as is