Is this 531 frame repairable? Top and down tubes crimped.

My favourite fixed wheel bicycle which I've ridden for 30 years, 196? Jensen, 531 tubing, ornate lugs, might have met its end. Had a cyclist ride out of a side road in front of me, I went over the top and landed the bicycle vertically on the front wheel. Forks look ok, but the top tube and down tube are badly crimped next to the headset lugs.

If it is repairable, I think it would need new top and down tubes and a respray. Are the headset lugs likely to be reusable? Whilst I was getting all that done, I'd have the bottom bracket shell replaced as the threads are badly worn. I'm trying to decide if it's worth repairing, or better to put the money into another frame similar to this one.

I've attached a picture of the damage.

Any thoughts or advice would be gratefully received.

1 Attachment

Thats quite a crimp! I reckon its repairable but it'll be hundreds especially with a new BB shell and then paint. Where are you based?

It was quite a big impact! Thankfully I got away with just bruises and a few cuts, the other cyclist was unhurt. I'm based near Ipswich, Suffolk.

From getting quotes to restore my own frames, the cost of the repair will probably be two or three times as much as a replacement second hand frame, though a bit less than a new, scratch built replacement. Yes I think both tubes would need replacing.

I have a damaged frame I'm considering restoring, which will cost twice as much as a replacement frame. Personally, I think it is a good thing to keep old machines running rather than throw them away. But I have to accept that it is a sentimental extravagance to do so.

sorry I missed that part off, I hope you're OK!
Can't help with frame builders in that neck of the woods.
Bob Jackson's prices are 85 per tube, 160 for the BB shell and then paint.
Lugs look lovely and ornate so that might add to the cost I don't know.

Good luck

this guy's frames are reasonably priced maybe his repairs are too
http://www.steve-goff-frames.co.uk/bicycles.shtml

Glad to read you came off better than the bike.

To the best of my knowledge, the nearest frame builder is in Harwich and I'm not sure he does repairs, particularly vintage ones.

I need some work done and planned to see Winston Vaz aka Varonha (ex-Roberts builder): perhaps we could pool our resources?

It's worth bearing in mind, that Winston's brother Mario does paint and works from the same premises.

Oh dear! That does look like a bad bust! Good to hear your OK!
As a frame builder myself, first thing would be to check the frame alignment to make sure the rear triangle hasn't suffered..If its OK, it is possible to repair, but will cost a fair bit. I think you could save the lugs as the crimp is just after they end.
I can replace both tubes with Columbus CroMor for 70 per tube, but I'm based in South London (same area as Winston Vaz). Hope this helps!

Thank you for all the comments on this. I've decided that it doesn't have enough sentimental value to be worth repairing.
If anyone is interested in repairing the frame, then it's available for free. Centre to centre sizes are: ST 59cm, TT 60cm.
Collection only from near Woodbridge, suffolk.

don't give it away, hang it on the wall!

it has deserved at least that after 30 years of trusty work