91 Al mega Dx

[Mod-Master]

Actually, got a welding job to do on a van and that means that the welder can get set up. I could maybe do it myself

 

[jimbog]

my understanding from talking to a couple of frame builders is that repair welding aluminium can leave the weld brittle. New frames are heat treated during manufacturing to strengthen them.
I have an F800 volvo Cannondale frame in the shed which had a professional frame repair by a motorsport welder and it cracked again.

 

[Markybeau]

These are notoriously fickle and fragile frames. They're not really something you can 'have a go' at with a torch. I knew of one of these that hung in Stanley Bridge Cycles in Cheshunt for a couple of years because they couldn't find someone who was prepared to take it on.

 

[Mod-Master]

my understanding from talking to a couple of frame builders is that repair welding aluminium can leave the weld brittle. New frames are heat treated during manufacturing to strengthen them.
I have an F800 volvo Cannondale frame in the shed which had a professional frame repair by a motorsport welder and it cracked again.

These are notoriously fickle and fragile frames. They're not really something you can 'have a go' at with a torch. I knew of one these that hung in Stanley Bridge Cycles in Cheshunt for a couple of years because they couldn't find someone who was prepared to take it on.

So is it doomed for the wall?

 

[Imlach]

So is it doomed for the wall?

Yes

 

[Mod-Master]

Part of me really wants it and to save it…

However the more mature and educated part of me says (ghostly voice) stay away!.!.

 

[Imlach]

So is it doomed for the wall?

I personally wouldn't repair an alu frame.

But that's just me. Some far more educated and knowledgeable folks on here have told me that alu repairs can be long lasting, and I have no doubts, but I imagine that those proper long lasting repairs were done by folks that happen to be framebuilders.

I have heard of people spending anything from chip money to have an alu frame fixed, with it inevitably failing again, to people spending more than the frame is worth for a pro fix where it still failed. It seems to me that there's just far more factors to consider with alu welding if you want it to be long lasting for actual riding.

But I don't know and I'm sure some will correct me, but there's a reason why the majority of us ditch alu frames when they crack, or why we at least get the shivers when we discover an alu crack.

 

[lukewheels]

You also end up in a position that if it wasn't cracked you'd be scared to ride it because it's bound to. Can't really win with an al mega.

 

[Bike Hoarder]

@danson67 could repair this, right?

 

[Jpw]

Best thing to do ( frame builder to me this ) drill a hole at either end of the crack and use epoxy resin.. had the same problem with my almega … 12 years later and all is well