1970s Alan for sale

[lugless]

Hi,

I have been offered a 1970s Alan racer for sale that appears to have a crack above the name plate. I have attached a picture. Is this a normal age related problem or something more serious that should be avoided ?

 

[spandex]

That dose not look good

 

[Bigtwin]

You're lugless, not the frame.

Not the best angle to see, but that looks structural to me - top lug of head tube, unless it's something purely decorative?

 

[Steve Austin]

that crack will mean the headset cup won't sit tight and will creak and groan constantly. and under pressure which it will be it runs the risk of cracking even more.

Broken beyond repair imo

 

[hubgearfreak]

that is scrap metal or garden ornament. nothing more

 

[spandex]

that crack will mean the headset cup won't sit tight and will creak and groan constantly. and under pressure which it will be it runs the risk of cracking even more.

Broken beyond repair imo

Not really it can be just a bit of brazing and it will be fine but it will need a new paint job after.

 

[MartinC]

IIRC Alan frames were aluminium tubes bonded into aluminium lugs. It'll be a very specialist repair - weld or replace the lug and reglue it. I wouldn't ride it the way it is

 

[hubgearfreak]

Broken beyond repair imo

Not really it can be

if you said broken beyond economical repair, then you're both right.

 

[lugless]

Thanks to all for your replies. I think I will give it a wide berth.

 

[stewie griffin]

IIRC Alan frames were aluminium tubes bonded into aluminium lugs. It'll be a very specialist repair - weld or replace the lug and reglue it. I wouldn't ride it the way it is

They were threaded & bonded.