Buying a new frame - what to look out for

Hi, I'm going to look at a bike frame later.

The only real test I know to apply is place my foot above the bottom bracket and push with my foot - this tests whether there are any weaknesses in the frame.

Can anyone recommend any other tips to apply? Thx.

I don't think you can do much (other than visual inspection) without riding it. If it has dings/dents ask what has caused them.

put some wheels on it, then kick the tyres.

Check it's true.

Hit it with a tuning fork.

duh!

i would check for quaility brands e.g. Columbus.

this ensures a certain quality, also find out what sort of material the frame made out of steel, Aluminium, carbon, titanium ect ect, 10minute google search will detail the benifits of each material...

hope that helps

put some wheels on it, then kick the tyres.

Don't forget to suck your teeth and say "Ooh, well I don't know if it's worth that much"

check for a frame number. Then bite your teeth into it to see the quality of the metal

i dont mean to sound facetious but if you are starting this thread and asking this question at this point in time then the incredibly trite answer is that you should not be going on your own to buy this bicycle frame.

sorry if i missed something.

Check that all the tubes look true (see pic above), then you need to lay your hands. Touch the bike all over, especially at the junctions of the tubes. Minor dents or bumps may not be noticeable by eye but you'll feel them. Ripples in the tubing near the lugs at the front of the top or down tube mean the bike has been in a head-on crash at some point. If you know the make of the frame Google it and check the provenance. Know what size frame fits you and check that too. Sizes given as a single measurement usually refer to the seat tube length whereas the top tube length determines your reach and has a huge impact on how comfortable the frame will be for you. If you can try before you buy then do. Other than that check for the quality of brazing or of the lugs if relevant. Chunky lugs that stand out from the main tubes indicate mass production, whilst tapered, streamlined lugs point to hand finished work.

Check that all the tubes ..........blah .........blah....... Chunky lugs that stand out from the main tubes indicate mass production, whilst tapered, streamlined lugs point to hand finished work.

not difinitive.

sorry if i missed something.

not difinitive.

sorry if i missed something.

What a piece of crap

Ask to speak to the sellers Mother.

^ :-)

better still ask your mother to speak to the sellers mother.

sorry if i missed something.

[quote=coppiThat;880802]

Ok so if the frame looks like this then buy it. Otherwise as I wrote above, chunky lugs USUALLY denote poorer quality.

But that Alan is lugged aluminium, yeh? So different rules apply.