I'm considering purchasing this bike but the dropout is bent. It's steel (cromoly) so I know it can be slbent back but will it be too weak after that?
by bluwolf2000
I'm considering purchasing this bike but the dropout is bent. It's steel (cromoly) so I know it can be slbent back but will it be too weak after that?
by bluwolf2000
7 Comments
Without knowing anything more, I’m guessing you got a 95 percent chance of it being fine after straightening it.
aye I reckon I’d give it a go.
but I’d be gentle on that good ole rusty.
good clean first, wire brush next, check for cracks (it is heavily bent and rusted, it is sadly likely), heat gun just for good measure, tiny steps without the wheel in to get in the right ballpark. after this it should be a standard derailleur hanger bendy
Because it will be weaker than it is already
Steel is very tough, but that’s a cast dropout. There’s a chance it may be cracked. You should factor that into whatever you might think of paying for it.
I would heat it with a blowtorch before attempting straightening. Just on the end of the hanger – don’t melt the brazework.
What kind of bike frame is this that it’s worth purchasing in this condition?
I have seen hangers that were worse than this bent back straight, and i have seen hangers that were better than this snap off in the straightening attempt.
if you successfully bend it back without snapping it, it’s going to be weaker and more prone to getting bent in the future.
this is one of those “a skilled mechanic or framebuilder wouldn’t have a second thought about fixing this if it happened to a frame they owned but if your skill level is ‘ask reddit about it’ you probably should just steer clear” kind of questions
You can for sure get that straightened just go a little at a time