This bike was a dumpster find. I thought the frame and colour were really cool and so I cleaned it up to use as an around-town bike. However, now that someone else is going to be riding it, I've been thinking more about the materials used and the age of the bike.
I understand that aluminum and steel contracts and expands at different rates, hence the flaking paint at the joints where it seems that steel sleeves have been used (circled). There doesn't seem to be any obvious discolouration, separation, etc. Would you ride it? Or should I save the parts used for a different built? Cheers.
by coppertopp_
3 Comments
I’d totally ride it. Get some similar colored nail polish to cover up the discoloration.
Yes, it should be totally fine unless there is rust visible between the materials. The rate of material expansion between al and steel is negligible for this application since neither material is heating up rapidly or to an extreme temp.
I would call it the Hawk Tuah, lol.
Why do you believe some of the frame parts are aluminum? I’d just assume it was all steel.