Gazelle? Does anyone know anything about them?

Recieved this Gazelle today, really happy with it. However i noticed a hairline crack through the top headtube lug. The seller did not mention this and i did not see it when i first viewed the images, although now i know it is there it is quite easy to spot.

Really eager to build it up but im unsure how much this would affect the frame. How concerned should i be about the crack?

Hey Akema, its my frame's little bro!

Recieved this Gazelle today, really happy with it. However i noticed a hairline crack through the top headtube lug. The seller did not mention this and i did not see it when i first viewed the images, although now i know it is there it is quite easy to spot.

Really eager to build it up but im unsure how much this would affect the frame. How concerned should i be about the crack?

Is it right in the middle / in the front ?
That's quite a nasty spot.
Don't know if it will hold, but if it breaks, you can fall and get quite serious injuries.
But it can be welded quite easily at that place. Paint needs spot repair afterwards of a complete respray (would be a shame).

Sometimes (older frames with longer lugs) there's a crack in the points of the head lugs where go over the t/t or d/t.
The reason for that is: the points are welded to the rest of the lugs.
If that is the case and there's a crack at that spot, it's not serious. As long as it doesn't go further in the tubes, but that will normally not happen.

Not nice of the crack of course, but still a very pretty frameset.

Hey Akema, its my frame's little bro!

Haha true!

Is it right in the middle / in the front ?
That's quite a nasty spot.

Would be such a shame to repaint this frame as it is really nice! Not sure if i can bring myself to build it up and ride it as the fact it may break will be in the back of my mind while riding it. Such a shame.

Ah just get it TIG welded then spot the paint, you don't need to go for a full re-spray. I'm trying to find a good match for the blue in a rattle can, I'll let you know if I have any success.

Ditto ^ I'm no expert but reckon it could withstand being welded then touch up the paint. The chip/scratch repair kits that Halfords do are very good and they carry a very wide range of colours and finishes, you should be able to find something very close no problem. Also give a call to a proper frame builder or two, explain the problem and ask their opinion.

Ah just get it TIG welded then spot the paint, you don't need to go for a full re-spray. I'm trying to find a good match for the blue in a rattle can, I'll let you know if I have any success.

Try the brand "Multona". They should have a wide range of (metallic) blue rattle cans..
You could also try to contact Mario Verhoeven, he seems to heve some original touch up kits

I'll check out Multona, thanks. Dutch Cheese or someone said the Gazelle touch up kits often don't match to well, might check out car paints at Halfrauds too...

Was that the one from marktplaats? Quite insane, but fast.

No. That Marktplaats one had been on eBay.com earlier, but it didn't meet reserve with its almost $1000 ending. No idea how fast it went through Mp. The Mp/eBay one had a little less Campag and no disc. Freakin rare. You do not see them often. Stayers in general, not only the Gazelles.

The specific bike we're talking about:

33BL-(5ypD0g~~_12.JPG)

That's Lamerichs one, right?? I met him at the last Stalenros.. Amazing bike!!

http://link.marktplaats.nl/358789209

nice super aa

The fork arrangement on those two stayers look quite different though. The one standing on the bench looks like you could get a 700c wheel in there where as the other has a really long headtube and 24" wheel forks. Are you sure the bench one is not "just" a pista model converted to stayer?

The fork arrangement on those two stayers look quite different though. The one standing on the bench looks like you could get a 700c wheel in there where as the other has a really long headtube and 24" wheel forks. Are you sure the bench one is not "just" a pista model converted to stayer?

Tel,

It has to do with that you see them from another angle. A 700c wheel won't fit in it in a million years and the shorter headtube is explained by that it is a 54cm example, while the eBay one must be taller. Here a pic to give you a more accurate impression:

Imming sells a Stayer as well

Erik,

That is mine.

Haha, so you work for Imming?

Nope. I had to pay actual money for it.

Why is it nose of the saddle braced to the top tube like that?

The cockpit and seat are reinforced with struts so the cyclist can positioning himself as close as possible to the derny/motor. That is also why the front wheel is 24" and the fork bends the other way. Distance front axle to bottom bracket can be no less than 550mm though. Stayers are subject to strict regulations.

Anyone ever seen a Gazelle like this?? Look quite special

http://link.marktplaats.nl/361056259