Bow in down tube - problem?

[DangerMoose]

I've just bought a steel framed fixie second hand but never ridden (still with wrappers on bits etc.).

When checking the assembly I noticed that there was a slight curve to the right in the downtube (when looking directly down on the top tube the down tube peeks out on the right in the middle).

It's not a big bow but it has me a little worried - is it likely to be a problem? There is no visible damage to any of the welds or cracks in paint etc.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

 

[Drago]

Pics? Doesn't sound right, and raises the potential for poor alignment.

 

[Globalti]

It's odd but from what you describe it won't affect the strength of the frame. Lots of frames have curved tubes, just not curved sideways. What reason did the seller give for selling it? Do they have a pet baby elephant who likes sitting down on cardboard boxes? Is the frame actually straight, as far as you can see? Who is the manufacturer and have you contacted them?

 

[Cycleops]

Not good. Check the wheel alignment. How much did you pay? Do you think you could return it?

 

[DangerMoose]

I'll try and upload a pic when I'm home later. Seller clearly not a bike person and was given it by mother in law after mentioning once that he thought he might take up cycling - never did apparently. The whole bike is absolutely spotless, rest of frame looks straight, it's just this weird curve in the down tube. It's puzzling as I don't really see how it could bend in that way (any big impact or loading would show other signs I would have thought). It's a Quella bike and I've sent them a message to ask about it.

 

[Globalti]

Maybe it's one of these new-fangled asymmetric frames?

 

[Will Spin]

If the down tube is bent, it will possibly effect the alignment of the BB, if it's a fixie this may not be a problem, but with a derailleur there may be gear set up problems.

 

[Cycleops]

You might not get any change out of Quella as their contract was with their buyer. Always worth a try though. Your beef is with the guy you bought it from.