Thread: Raleigh road bike aluminum frame cracks

I have a minty older (10 years?) Raleigh (maybe a 700?) that was given to me with zero miles on it, and it fits. Before I chose pedals/shoes I threw some basic pedals on and took it for a VERY short ride. More like a short test VERY short. I weigh about 180 lbs., did not jump off any curbs or do anything abusive.

Later a friend noticed some cracking around the head tube. Can post photos.

Is this the kind of thing that can be repaired? should I look for another frame?part it out? I would guess that Raleigh would not be sympathetic due to the vintage of the bike (have not contacted them yet). The bike is oldish but I would guess the cracks were there from bad factory welds.

Any thoughts, suggestions or ideas?

Can't really be repaired, at least not economically. I would look for another frame.

P.S. - cracked headtube /= "minty"

2nded. New frame. 8spd or 9spd on the drivetrain?

Post photos. Are you sure it isn't just the paint?

Originally Posted by AKPogue

Post photos. Are you sure it isn't just the paint?

Paint doesn't crack without the metal underneath moving.

Originally Posted by kidwoo

Paint doesn't crack without the metal underneath moving.

Have you not seen an old steel frame that has some rust on it with what appears to be cracks? I think the rust helps the paint separate from the frame. That why I thought this guys should post some pics.

Originally Posted by kidwoo

Paint doesn't crack without the metal underneath moving.

Guru used a really crappy paint on their bikes a few years ago and the paint would crack all the time...which made my old job more interesting as I explained this to apoplectic tri geeks who were convinced it was their sheer wattage that 'cracked' the carbon.
C'mon woo, you need to learn more aboot Canadian-semi-custom-tri-bikes before you go a-spraying on the interwebz.
Of note: their "new and improved" paint does not hold up to urine very well. Don't ask.

To the original poster.....I believe you are hosed.

Originally Posted by AKPogue

Have you not seen an old steel frame that has some rust on it with what appears to be cracks? I think the rust helps the paint separate from the frame. That why I thought this guys should post some pics.

Aluminum frame = no rust.

It will fail, and you will die. New frame.

Just for giggles, you might try contacting a Raleigh shop or rep... I got a 4 year old Raleigh MTB frame replaced free with no hassles for a cracked bb weld. Granted, that's a much more recent frame, but Raleigh was super cool abou the whole warranty thing so it's at least worth an ask.

Originally Posted by AKPogue

Have you not seen an old steel frame that has some rust on it with what appears to be cracks? I think the rust helps the paint separate from the frame. That why I thought this guys should post some pics.

Have you not seen the thread title?

C'mon woo, you need to learn more aboot Canadian-semi-custom-tri-bikes before you go a-spraying on the interwebz.
Of note: their "new and improved" paint does not hold up to urine very well. Don't ask.

Haha

Your life sucks.


Hey man can you work on my bike? I JUST got finished with an Iron Man. That smell? That's the smell of FIERCE COMPETITION!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by flowtron's ghost

Guru used a really crappy paint on their bikes a few years ago and the paint would crack all the time...which made my old job more interesting as I explained this to apoplectic tri geeks who were convinced it was their sheer wattage that 'cracked' the carbon.

That must have been a lot of fun.

The only things worse than tri-geeks? Actuaries, accountants, lawyers.

Originally Posted by uncle crud

The only things worse than tri-geeks? Actuaries, accountants, lawyers.

is there a differance?

Originally Posted by nick > jesus

is there a differance?

yeah, in order of personality: lawyer > accountant > actuary.

you ever talk to an actuary?

steel flexing -> paint cracks = maybe ok

aluminum flexing -> everything cracks = certain death

Originally Posted by uncle crud

The only things worse than tri-geeks? Actuaries, accountants, lawyers.

I'd put tri-geeks at the bottom of that list.