Ti dream or nightmare? selling the wheel but at what price?

[clockworkgazz]

This is my new dream machine just out of the box and picked up for a very small amount of cash.

Great, if eclectic mix of components

Ti Flite 1996
Renthal RC+130 bars
ringle stem
Chris King headset
RockShox judy xc cartridge forks
Dia compe VC 700 brakes
Mavic 117 sup cd front and mavic 217 sup rear
Middleburn hub front XT back
Deore lx brakes'shifters M667
XTR front and rear mechs M900
DX red clip pedals
M730 cranks and pace 44 outer chain ring

All in great condition. Looked like I was laughing all the way to the hills but was not really prepared for the big ugly repair job on the top tube of the frame :cry:

The bike rides well and the small line on the right of the patch is on the surface so for now is not a concern but here is my dialema. Do I split the bike up cause the frame could fail on me or am I being a big pussy and just ride it and take my chances. I am inclined to just ride it, have allways dreamed of owning and riding a Ti bike and with 2 kids and one just about to say hello I will never be able to afford another one. The patch is kind of cool in its own way :roll: Would love to hear your professional opinions on this frame/bike and if anyone has a clue as to what make i would love to know your thoughts. The chap that sold it to me thought it might have been an orange but it aint like any I have seen? The frame number is 18023 and a small sticker next to the bottom bracket says"Man's best friend". Will prob be looking for some advice on the bottom bracket some time soon as it creaks like a bugger and the cranks touch the seatstays so need to sort that also!

Hear are a few more pictures, sorry have not had time to clean her yet.

 

[clockworkgazz]

a few more pics

 

[ridevintagemtb]

Does anyone else find it ironic that the word "POSSIBLE INJURY" appear directly above that patch?

 

[clockworkgazz]

Would love to say that I did that on purpose.......... I may already have my answer :shock:

 

[BikePimp]

I had 2 Gary Fisher Supercaliber bikes a 91 & 92 model. They both had "Mans Best Friend" sticker by the bottom bracket....

I say it's a Gary Fisher Prometheus 92ish and later (Early Ti frame, I probably have a Fisher catalog with it somewhere, just don't want to dig them up). The sticker and the fact that it has a Chris King No-Threadset installed (which reduces from 1 1/4" to 1 1/8") is the give away.

Perhaps someone that has one in their collection can verify, but I'm 95% sure.

Cheers.

 

[clockworkgazz]

You the man. Off to see if google is as good as it's cracked up to be.... back in a mo.

 

[Andy B]

Found these pics if it helps: http://www.fooriders.com/webmain/index. ... es&fid=232

 

[rody]

Hey guy,

As a father with three kids and little cash, I understand your desire to make this frame work for you, but honestly, it is not in your best interest.

The frame "repair" has actually caused more damage than the original issue may have. The fracture line to the right is definately not "on the surface", that is a result of the stress riser caused by the amateur patch job.

You may choose to ride it and it may last for a while...I doubt that it will fail catastrophically, but in my opinion, it is best suited for the wall.

So sorry for the news, but it is in your families best interest.

cheers,

rody

 

[clockworkgazz]

The pictures are pretty conclusive sure that it is a Gary Fisher Prometheus the drop outs are a bit different but thats my frame alright, may be able to get them to confirm year from the serial number.

Cheers rody for the sage like advice, if I kept the slick on do you think a road hack would be a safer option? And were in the chuff would I get Gary Fisher decals for this bad boy?

Thanks for your input. :?

 

[andrewl]

That patch does look particularly nasty but before confining the frame to the wall I'd be tempted to get it removed and explore the option of a properly engineered fix involving a custom worked wrap around the back of the seat tube for support.

Unfortunately such a repair may not be economic (for anyone) but with a bit work from a talented frame repairer a neat and effective repair could be done to allow the frame to continue carving the single track.