I picked up a 90's cannondale alloy frame to build up. I was giving it a close look for any cracks or other issues and found this sort of nasty looking spot inside the headtube.
Is this something I should be worried about? I can't see any other issues or cracks from the outside. Unsure if this is a potentially normal manufacturing defect, or caused by something else. I'm no materials expert, but am extra cautious about alloy frames and would like some opinions before I commit to using this one. Thanks!
by krakenpl34se
9 Comments
If I bought a new frame and found that damage, I’d be sending it straight back.
You’re going to get mixed input because people won’t suggest you ride anything you have doubts about. But if this were my bike, it’s not where headtubes fail, it looks like a cutout or mating feature in the top tube / head tube itself, consider how much weld material is surrounding it, it wouldn’t concern me personally
I have a few Cannondales from the same era, all have that same mark inside the head tube. I’m not an expert but I don’t think it’s anything to worry about.
Wouldn’t worry. It probably happened during welding, I’ve seen similar welded-through spots on modern frames. Not a spot where it affects structure imo. I suppose it would not have gone on to painting if quality would be inferior.
It’s 30 years old and hasn’t developed any cracks, that’s a good-enough sign (for me).
When I zoom in on the damage, what appears to be a crack is propagating upwards. That would prevent me from pressing in any headset cups, let alone riding it. But then, I’m the cautious type.
There’s green overspray on the inside of that gouge, so it’s been there since manufacturing. The rest of the welds look fine (actually pretty beefy fillet welds). If it were my bike, I would ride it as is.
I don’t think this is burn thru. I think it might be an alignment notch. The other poster mentioned theirs has this too.
Hello
This is not damage. Bedford PA made frames feature laser cut tubes with tabs that go into slots in corresponding tubes. It’s a patented fixturing method so this is typical of production and perfectly fine.
Enjoy it!
St1000?