Can I get my steel frame welded?

xcracer
xcracer Posts: 298
edited November 2008 in Workshop
Hi

I have an 80's Raleigh steel framed bike. I had a bit of a prang last week and now I've noticed that there's a crack in the frame. I'm devastated.

The crack is on the chainstay and runs around the top in a semi-circle. It starts in the dimple which is behind the chainrings.

Can I get it welded? If so, where do I go? LBS or somewhere else?

Thanks.

Comments

  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,629
    Whereabouts are you based? There are a lot of framebuilders still active in the UK who could probably repair this for you but it'd help to know which region you're in.
  • xcracer
    xcracer Posts: 298
    North London
  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,629
    Your best bet in London is probably somewhere like Whitcomb in Deptford or Roberts in Croydon.

    Mario Vaz, who does frame resprays, also offers a repair service via his brother.

    This list shows UK framebuilders although I'm not sure if it's up to date;

    http://www.ceeway.com/custom_uk_bicycle ... ilders.htm
  • roadiesean
    roadiesean Posts: 577
    Look in the back of the comic, Cycling Wekly, Argos are the answer. Good gear. It won't be a problem, the wonders of steel.
  • xcracer
    xcracer Posts: 298
    Do I have to go to a specialist frame builder or can any welder do this? I don't want to spend a fortune. It's not an expensive bike, just a winter trainer/commuter.
  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,629
    Personally I'd get the chainstay replaced or buy a new frame. The former requires someone who knows what they are doing and a botched repair job isn't likely to last.

    For about the same price you could get yourself a new frame.
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    My son (a novice welder) repaired the chainstay on his steel GT mountain bike (too many jumps), the weld wasn't neat but it lasted a few years. However, it sounds like the bike is precious to you, so get a professional (assuming you don't want a new frame). It may be this is the first of a few failures if the frame is corroding.
  • xcracer
    xcracer Posts: 298
    Thanks guys!

    I might look at getting a new frame. The bike has some sentimental value only. I only paid £150 for the whole bike. I'm devasted because I've just ordered some new wheels and was hoping to ride it today!

    Anyone got a 58cm steel frame kicking around their garage?!
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    xcracer, a friend of mine is flogging an old 531 bike, IIRC it's a dawes tourer, but should be fine as a hack bike. He wants £50 with wheels and drivetrain, but I'll see if he would mind splitting...
    Neeermad
    Carbon 456
    456 lefty
    Pompino
    White Inbred
  • thexvw
    thexvw Posts: 135
    I did a similar thing over 20 years ago, had it mig welded by a friend of mine and its still okay.

    One tip is to drill a small hole at the either end of the crack. This should stop the crack spreading any further. Then get it welded and fill in the drill holes with mig weld.

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