Bent dropouts

[FONT=Tms Rmn][SIZE=2]Hi All,

I've recently purchased a new steel frame on the bay, and it arrived with bent dropouts (rearward facing). It doesn't look extreme, but wont fit my existing rear wheel. I can almost squeeze it on, and probably could with two people but that thats not a feasible arrangement if i need to get the wheel off/on while Im out and about.

The spacing should be set to 120mm (based on the specifications of the stock hubs when bought off the peg), but i measure closer to 110. Also, the left side is squeezed slightly more than the right which raises concerns about wheel alignment.

The frame is a Schwinn Madison and it was relatively cheap. I dont really want to send it back as I dont think I'll easily find a reasonable alternative for the price (the vendor has offered a full refund). I've also bought various bits which I was about to install when I identified this problem and I'd potentially be stuck with trying to flog those if I bought a replacement frame.

The seller was happy for me to have a chat to stores/framebuilders with the view to paying some kind of refund to offset any repair work which may be necessary (within reason). They have already paid me a partial refund for an unrelated issue when the frame arrived without a fork, contrary to what was advertised.

I'm wondering whether its worth getting in contact with framebuilders to put it on a jig. Does minor bending like this compromise the structural integrity? Should I just send the thing back and cut my losses given its very much an entry level frame?

Anyone here had any experience with this? Advice would be appreciated.

Cheers
Balk.
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frame on floor. foot on bottom drop out. mits on other. pull a bit. stop. :D

Unless it's really trashed the you should be able to coldset it.
search Sheldon brown coldsetting.
Barrie Witcomb charges about £25 for frame check and re-allignment

Here

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html

A previous owner might have run a 110 spaced hub and just squeezed the dropouts in while tightening the tracknuts.

Sorry, I know that doesn't answer your question.

i thought this thread was going to be about homosexuals who don't complete college courses

i thought it was going to be a different thread maybe involving barrymore or something...

mario vaz will do it for cheap, prob less than £25 (when i got mine painted he did it for a tenner). However, he's not brilliant, hence the price. My seatsatys and forks were out by over an inch, and after giving it to vaz, its still out by a few mils... however others i know have had more success.
0208 8520 711
07956314216

i thought this thread was going to be about homosexuals who don't complete college courses

haha

sorry i can't really help but "bent dropouts" is possibly the best band name ever.

I love the euphemism 'cold set'. Means 'bend it'.

cold setter

Unless it's really trashed the you should be able to coldset it.
search Sheldon brown coldsetting.
Barrie Witcomb charges about £25 for frame check and re-allignment

Fruitbat, thanks for the advice - its certainly not badly trashed. I've contacted Witcomb and was quoted £40 for realignment which seemed quite steep. Having said that, the store I purchased it from are coming to the table with £20, so effectively its only an additional £20 for me and I know it will be done right.

Anyway, the bottom line is Im going to keep the frame and get it fixed.... somehow.

I love the euphemism 'cold set'. Means 'bend it'.

Cold Set it Like Beckham

mario vaz will do it for cheap, prob less than £25 (when i got mine painted he did it for a tenner). However, he's not brilliant, hence the price. My seatsatys and forks were out by over an inch, and after giving it to vaz, its still out by a few mils... however others i know have had more success.
0208 8520 711
07956314216

Cheers Forms. I've read a number of threads on Vaz, but most seem to be related to spray jobs. Under £25 would certainly make me a bit more comfortable about keeping the frame, but having said that I'd like the thing done right.

Has anyone had experiences with repair work like this with Vaz or others? Any alternatives would be appreciated. Thanks all.