WTB 29er frame.

[Lone_Summit]

So...the right side of the top weld between my seat post tube and rear triangle has a crack about 4cm long. It looks like the warranty process on my frame with be a pain in the ass.

I am told that I have to ship my complete, assembled bike to a retailer for inspection. If they decide it is a manufacturer defect, they will switch out all the components and I pay return shipping as well. This sounds pretty expensive for a warranty to me plus it will take a long time and my riding season is too short to lose a bike for that long. If they decide that it not a manufacturer defect I pay return shipping and no new frame unless I buy another at discount. But why would I want to re-buy a frame from them if they make warranties such a PITA?

So I need a new frame. Large to XL-ish. Prefer hardtail. Running geared. Prefer steel over aluminum. Cheap for the wallet is very important. I am a very underemployed product of corporate layoffs that needs a bike to retain sanity.

Any good deals?

[Lone_Summit]

As good measure...
Am I wrong? Is this crack ok to keep riding?

[Edgnar]

Maybe try to get one in decent focus? no flash

[Lone_Summit]

Maybe try to get one in decent focus? no flash

Out of 15 pictures this is the best I can get. Hairline cracks are hard to photograph on a black frame.

[pollydog]

What kind of frame is that? I am of the impression that a quality weld should be smooth. I am not a welder, but wonder if the frame is worth replacing. Don't know about riding with the crack.

[Lone_Summit]

What kind of frame is that? I am of the impression that a quality weld should be smooth. I am not a welder, but wonder if the frame is worth replacing. Don't know about riding with the crack.

It is a cheap chinese aluminum frame (windsor) that replaced the frame I broke before that. I probably won't ride with the crack. Most of our trails are fast and rocky so a frame failure would be very undesirable.

I was hoping warranty would be easy enough, but after all the shipping cost bullshit I will be able to buy another cheap frame and have all my components transfered over (quality stuff - X9, raceface, ect) in a day. As opposed to waiting for the warranty process to finish. I'll still try to warranty the frame but just sell it when I get it.

I am open to 26ers as well, but would need more stuff to build it (wheels, fork). If I am lucky maybe I'll find a nice old stumpy or gary fisher on CL for under $200 to hold me over the summer.

[gravitylover]

She's a goner

If it's gotta be cheap it probably won't be steel, certainly not good steel anyway.

This is painful but - http://www.walmart.com/ip/Genesis-Tw...-Bike/16671301 $200 complete.

[Lone_Summit]

Thanks gravitylover, but I think I'll use duct tape before I use the walmart bike.

[gravitylover]

I said it hurt to even mention it You said cheap and that's what came to mind. Sorry...

One of the guys at my shop just picked up from Ebay a KHS Solo One 29er frame and then got some dropouts so he can run it geared. I think he had about $300 into the deal. It seems to be working for him, he just came in 3rd in his first ever mt bike race last weekend.

[madturtle]

My buddy's FB post...I'll put you in touch if yer interested.

Selling a Specialized Stumpjumper 29er frame size 17, should fit someone 5'5" to 5'10". The frame is a 2008 and can be run as either a geared or single speed. The frame has typical scuffs and signs of chain suck, but not dents or cracks.

Selling for $350 includese seat collar and an Easton EA70 seatpost.

Will include a silver Chris... King headset for $50.

I think anyone can view the pic at
https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.ph...type=1&theater

[Lone_Summit]

Thanks for the responses guys. The stumpy would be nice, but I need at least a 21in frame.

So my plan is this: Last night I picked up an old stumpjumper in nice condition for a very low price. Its only a 26er and about 15 years old, but a solid bike. I was up late and completely stripped, cleaned, lubed, and changed out some parts. Its old school but fun, I had many miles on my old one before it fell off a car. It will last me for as long as I need. Plus it will be a good loaner bike.

I'm going to take my time and find a nice FS frame over the summer and build the niner back up.

I will fight to warranty my frame and fight dirty if I must. They will only be getting the frame from me when I ship it, no way will they be getting the complete bike (I have some of the parts on the stumpy already).

Once I get the frame back I'll sell it cheap here or on CL/Ebay to help someone else get started on a niner. All in all I loved the frame until it broke, but I'm a bike whore and am always looking to upgrade.