Damaged bottle cage mounting

GarethJWells

Hi

I have a 2008 Sirrus, the entry level model but its my pride and joy all the same.

Last night, a bike thief decided to nick the bottle cage, plus bottle. In doing so, bike thief got the top bolt out, but got stuck on the bottom one so just pulled. It took the mounting with it. The frame doesn't look damaged other than a few small scratches, but the hole is a bit mis-shaped and slightly pulled outwards.

I'd like to know if

a) this is going to weaken my frame,
b) whether a new mount can be inserted easily,
c) this is going to cost a small fortune?

With the holes exposed, should I plug them with something to prevent corrosion?

I have insurance, but the bike is kept in a communal stairwell and, would you believe it, the main door lock isn't working...

The funny (???) thing is that the bike thief could have made off with a £300 MTB locked only to itself belonging to a neighbour...

Bike is now seriously shackled.

Thanks for any advice

Gareth Wells

Wappygixer

The bottle mounts are fitted like rivets so new ones should go in fine.
The problem is finding a shop/frame builder near you that can do it.
I wouldn't have thought it would have caused any damage that would weaken it.

fnegroni

If your insurance covers malicious or accidental damage, you can make a claim independently of whether the lock was working or not. Although an excess might apply in that case.