Bought this CAAD4 Saeco today, hoping to fix it up. Saw the dent so talked the buyer down to $100(!). Turns out the top tube is bowed, probably because whatever caused the dent was heavy and laid on the bike instead of an impact (like I originally thought).
Any chance of recovering this frame?
by k4j98
9 Comments
I had a dent and bow like that in a steel salsa. It was from an impact. Crashed just right and a rock did it.
Not sure if aluminum is different.
I do know that dents and bends like this in an aluminum frame are often seen as a death sentence.
Idk that looks pretty straight to me
The head I think is making it look off towards the front because of its shape
eh, already bought it might as well send it
If it’s aluminum, unfortunately it’s done.
I know some old cannondales, primarily the 80s models had some tube sagging from the heat treating & welding process that didn’t cause any noticable issues. You could ride the bike like this, it might have some weird geometry issues / speed wobbles. Check for any cracks
It’s already broken, but looks like it rides. With tires like that it’s unlikely you’ll be introducing the kind of forces that will cause a catastrophic failure. Be gentle riding off curbs and other such impactful activities. As long as it doesn’t pull too hard in one direction, ride it for as long as it rides.
I wouldn’t trust that frame with my life. She done. At least it’s recyclable.
Unless youre building it to tackle Rampage or Hardline, I think it’ll be fine. I wouldn’t be worried about a sudden catastrophic failure on a brewery ride.
A bike shop won’t work on it if they know the frame is compromised, but that’s because of liability and insurance. If I owned it, I would still ride it. I wouldn’t take it mountain biking, but I would still ride.