Can this be fixed? Been my daily driver for 11 years and would hate to have to toss it. Pretty sure it’s aluminium. I had thought about taping it, or screwing some plates between the two. Have a friend who is a welder so that’s an option
by GangGangGreenn
4 Comments
I’m sorry, but that is completely dead. Aluminum has a set lifespan and then it’s unfortunately trash, it’s not nearly as fixable as steel is.
If you love the bike, I would recommend getting a new frame and transferring all the old components to it.
Aluminum is hard to weld. Has to be slowly de-heated, otherwise the weld is subject to crack. Just like you see, it is near the original weld.
Screwing plates between the two will just cause more stress fractures that could at best delay the inevitable a couple months and at worse snap on you at a high impact high speed moment. Tape will be ineffective.
Pour one out, my brothers and sisters. This frame is done but she looks like she was a goodie.
Assuming it’s aluminum, just let it go, and enjoy the memories. It’s basically never repairable / financially worth trying. Due to age even if you did a very expensive repair at some point something else will break. C’est la vie. But check it with a magnet. If a magnet sticks like a mofo, it’s probably steel, in which case a friend with a welder might be able to help you.