Bent (wonky) Brand New Aluminium Frame - Suggestions

I picked up a cheap (now I fucking know why) recently build unused unpainted frame from a US-based eBay seller 2 1/2 years ago for my fixed build. There's various reasons why it's taken me so long to build it, but they're for another day.

After getting 95% of the parts I need I've only just realised that the rear triangle of the frame is pissed. When you slot the rear wheel into the dropouts the top of the wheel sits about 6-7mm to the left of the frame (looking from behind) while the bottom sits the same to the right. Got out the tape measure and from the dropout to the top of the seat tube the difference between the two is around 1.5mm.

Is there any chance a framebuilder or shop could re-align the dropouts? Bearing in mind I've already forked out £60 for one powdercoat I don't want to spend another £60 on another on top of whatever it costs to fix it.

God I'm pissed off!

I think cold setting is a bit risky on an alu frame...

Leave it parked in London overnight.. some drunk will surely kick it, sorting out your alignment issue. Failing that, it will be stolen allowing a nice insurance claim.

alex'll sort it out. especially if there's a problem with the cranks too.

What hippy said.

Alu can be bent and set but it has to be done before heat treating. Depending on the series of aluminum the hardening can occure even without heat treating but it still only takes a week or so. It's the type of thing that needs to be done while the welding is still hot.

PJ, I love your new name, you funny bastard

Sounds like it's a bit of a write off then. It only cost me £70 odd quid, plus the respray at £60, then a headset for £20, then the headset fitted and the BB threads chased through for £25, then a 1 1/8" fork for £50. Hang on, it's started to add up a bit!

Even my Condor Alu Pista was a bit pissed in the same way when I bought it new X number of years ago.

I fixed it by filing away metal from the top of the track end slot, on the left side (the one with the wheel too close to the frame at the top).

If you can get away with filing/cutting 3mm away, that would sort it. Even 1mm might make enough difference to live with...

pj (pj) alex'll sort it out. especially if there's a problem with the cranks too.

Now where did I leave my angle-grinder...

Oh yeah, I don't have one, brick lane bikes do.

a frame builder could correct it, but depending on whats going on it could be lots of $$

Sano PJ, I love your new name, you funny bastard

thanks sano. just wanted to avoid any confusion, y'know?

BringMeMyFix Even my Condor Alu Pista was a bit pissed in the same way when I bought it new X number of years ago.

I fixed it by filing away metal from the top of the track end slot, on the left side (the one with the wheel too close to the frame at the top).

If you can get away with filing/cutting 3mm away, that would sort it. Even 1mm might make enough difference to live with...

Great shout, Scarlett. I'll definitely give that a go.

Cheers mate.
Sam

pj (pj) alex'll sort it out. especially if there's a problem with the cranks too.

+1