Dyna-Tech Meltdown??

[Richard A Thackeray]

I'm using my old Dyna-Tech as a (all year round) work-bike/commuter/trainer

It's a 1994 model (bought new from Kendells in Castleford), & a 755Ti

Now, the point that's starting to cross my mind after 18 years is; how long will the bonded tubes/lugs last??
- Is there a life-expectancy to them, have I exceeded it?
- if so, will it give me warning (by creaking/'funny handling)

I'll be sad if it does, as it's the best handling bike I've ever ridden - even on the '20' section tyres that I have to use to get mudguards on it (the silly Salmon Profils)

Miscellania;

It's still on the original bottom-bracket (Campag Chorus) which although 'never touched', still spins totally freely without a chain.

Campag Chorus chainset is still unmarked, with all the laquer, despite winter riding

The hubs have been greased twice(?) - they're the original Ultegra, onto Mavic Open 4CD

However, the (8-speed) STI levers occasionally require a flush with WD40, as they get sticky & refuse to change to a higher gear
Ritchey stem & seat-pin are still unblemished (as per the chainset)

 

[airbrake]

The early Dynatechs were affected by poor bonding because apparently the lug / tube clearances were too tight - there wasn't enough adhesive. The Special Products Division did sort this, but by then the Dynatech image had suffered.

Yours should be ok in this respect - however the Ti frames did have a reputation for cracking. I think some cracked around the bb area, and definitely around the downtube bosses. So much depends on the weight and strength of the rider and how many miles have been covered.

On a more positive note, I remember from the old Raleigh forum that some guys were using them regularly and had no problems at all. I have a steel Dynatech from 1991 and all the joints are perfect btw.

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

Thanks for that, I check it (for cracks) when I wash it, there's a few places where the paint is starting to lift but other than that it seems okay
Weight of rider??? about 11 & 1/2 stone at the most, but about 10stone for the past 3 years

 

[biggs682]

@Richard A Thackeray you still got this ?

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

Yes, still hanging in the garage, since being 'replaced' in mid 2013

 

[Globalti]

Trek also had a mountain bike with the same carbon tubes glued in conventional lugs construction. I tried one and found it bone-shatteringly stiff.

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

Trek also had a mountain bike with the same carbon tubes glued in conventional lugs construction. I tried one and found it bone-shatteringly stiff.

I remember those

Mine's nice & comfy, the Titanium absorbs the shock

 

[Globalti]

Can you post a pic of it? I'd like a trip down memory lane as I had the all-alloy version, which I think also had the tubes bonded into alloy lugs.

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

Can you post a pic of it? I'd like a trip down memory lane as I had the all-alloy version, which I think also had the tubes bonded into alloy lugs.

Two pictures in the original post

 

[biggs682]

Can you post a pic of it? I'd like a trip down memory lane as I had the all-alloy version, which I think also had the tubes bonded into alloy lugs.

heres a thread on the one i just picked up Dynatech 755 ti

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

 

[Globalti]

Thanks. I meant the mountain bike really but never mind.

 

[Smokin Joe]

I had two Dyna Techs and Mrs SJ had another. My best one I had for ten years and we never had a problem with them

 

[TheJDog]

Your BB needs grease. It shouldn't spin freely.