Stan Pike TT bike with Campag groupset. Broken Seat Tube, what to do???

Hello all

Just looking for some advice.

I have a Stan Pike TT frame (1980) with 531 SL tubing. Seat tube is 57.5cm ctt, and the top tube measures 56cm. The only problem is, the seat tube snapped in half when I changed gear going up a hill!

I've had the bike in the attic for a few years, but it's all still in really good condition (apart from the seat tube!)

The wheels are Mavic Open 4 cds (clinchers) on first gen Campagnolo Chorus hubs. The rest of the groupset is Campagnolo Super Record from various years (82, 83, 84 - non-indexed of course)) and is in excellent used condition. The pedals are standard Record because Super Record pedal spindles had a habit of breaking. These are as smooth as the day they left the factory with no play whatsoever - exactly as you would expect from 30 yr old Campag bearings.

The Bottom bracket is a modern sealed JIS shimano un54. I like these as you just fit and forget about them and they last for years without needing adjusting or servicing. After much research trying to find an alternative to the original record bb, I found that the old Campag cranks used a taper that was closer to JIS (Japanese Standard) than ISO (which Campag used as a standard from their next generation of components). All threads and tapers on the cranks are fine.

The frame is also in excellent, used condition. It is not perfect, carrying the usual small stone chips and wheel rub marks on the stays. It has one very tiny ding in the top tube (531sl is paper thin tubing so it's lucky to have got this far in life without being squashed like many others!), and on the downtube where a previous owner overtightened the front mech, but you'd have to look hard for both of these points and I would only call it patina. It has absolutely no rust.

Currently the bike is geared with a 42, 54 chainring and 13-21 freewheel.

I would like to sell the bike, and I'm wondering whether I should separate all the components and sell them individually, or whether to try and sell as a complete thing. Maybe someone would fancy getting the frame repaired??

4 Attachments

Another issue I've just remembered is that the back brake needs two new brake blocks. Also, I just have a cheap saddle, the one in the picture isn't what is on it now.

If you separate you will probably get a fair bit of money for the super record stuff (I sold some brake callipers for over £80 a few weeks ago).

Try using a Big Ole Pipe spanner on the seatpost- I've managed with one of these before and it will give you the frame as an asset

Is it the seat tube (part of the frame), or the seat post (connected to the saddle)?

It's the seat tube that's part of the frame. It's a clean break just above the front derailleur clamp. The whole seat tube would have to be replaced if anyone wanted to repair the frame.

Tube is replaceable no doubt but will be costly.

If I were you (assuming you want to sell this on) I would split it up. Parts are very easy to shift for decent money, either as a group or individually. Frame will sell for peanuts, so that's what you should ask for it - perhaps good practice for a framebuilder who wants more experience of repairing? Or someone who's willing to spend a bit on it to keep a lovely frame on the road (I did the same with an 'unrepairable Jack Taylor, still not finished building it).

glws, it's a lovely thing. The rake on the fork is a thing of beauty!

I think I'll strip it down, makes financial sense to do so!

I'd be interested in the frame :).

Shaun

Id be interested in the saddle and wheels if you split

I think it would be a great shame to split this.

I would repair.

If I split I will post components and prices on here. Cheers

Contact Steve Goff on Merseyside...he might have a 531SL tube or two....but don't get him to do the respray and definitely don't say to him...take your time because he will.