Frame repair or replace?

[Ian H]

My old Ti Qoroz fixed-wheel has a cracked chainstay, as I discovered when washing it. It's not all the way round yet, so it'll probably do one more pubrun. My dilemma is whether to see if I can get it welded or have to a chat with Richard about a replacement (which will probably be a 6 month wait).

 

[Sharky]

I was riding for a couple of months with broken seat stay, just above the rear hanger. It had been rusting through under the paintwork over a long time and was completely broken. Riding had become harder, but I thought it was me being unfit after a couple of lean years. It was only at a cafe stop, when I was checking the rear brakes that I noticed that the wheel was moving laterally quite a lot.

I abandoned the ride and my OH picked me up. I reckon I could have ridden it home, but once you know its broken it takes a lot of courage to carry on.

 

[All uphill]

My old Ti Qoroz fixed-wheel has a cracked chainstay, as I discovered when washing it. It's not all the way round yet, so it'll probably do one more pubrun. My dilemma is whether to see if I can get it welded or have to a chat with Richard about a replacement (which will probably be a 6 month wait).

One more pub run?

You are braver than me.

 

[T4tomo]

Isn't this the situation gaffer tap was invented for?

Seriously I'd use a different bike until you've either sorted or condemned it. Welding titanium is a bike of specialist job I believe.

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

Titanium welding needs to be done in an atmosphere where the oxygen has been removed or displaced. It's therefore most definitely not a backyard DIY fix, even if you know how to weld regular steel.

 

[fossyant]

Titanium welding needs to be done in an atmosphere where the oxygen has been removed or displaced. It's therefore most definitely not a backyard DIY fix, even if you know how to weld regular steel.

What skippy says. If the bike has some sentimental attachment, then get it done properly, otherwise make a wall ornament. My Herety SLX would get a frame builders atention if it ever needed it - not sure it would though as it's imaculate at 30 years old. My other steel bikes, I'd retire.

 

[Venod]

My very light triple butted Ti cracked under the top tube just behind the head tube, fortunately I worked with some top Ti welders so had it welded up and NDT tested after, its a specialist job but worth doing if you value the frame.
I rode it on fixed for a while, then sold it on, I think its still going, back on gears now.

 

[Kingfisher101]

Whatever, I wouldn't be riding it, you don't want to have an accident and end up in hospital. Either bin it or get it fixed. Buy a cheap bike to ride round in the meantime.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Buy a cheap bike to ride round in the meantime.

I doubt there's a single 'cheap' bike in @Ian H 's considerable stable. He has no need for N+1; except that like everyone, he has.

 

[DCBassman]

has no need for N+1

Not within the bounds of possibility.