Cracked frame & tubing cracks - any suggestions?

I've got my hands on a lovely new steel frame, for an absolute bargain. Hurrah!

Thing is... it was a bargain because it has a crack in the head tube, at the bottom running for about 1/2 inch up vertically. It is a tiny crack, so obviously I want to bodge it up somehow as I am keen to build it up. I have tried a hose clip, but it does not fit, so my latest thought is to whack in the headset and then get someone to spot weld over the crack. There is no gap between the sides of the crack, and it ain't going to split like aluminium would if you did the same.

Do you think this will work okay, or do you have any other suggestions?

Cheers for your thoughts...

Bigger/smaller pipe clamp.
Take it to Witcomb and have it repaired.
Zip-ties and duct tape fix everything.

just get it repaired.

I've seen too many cracked frames recently, the consequences of a failure are probably injury.

Yeah, I am kinda tempted to just weld it and use duct tape - remind me of that general maxim of life:

"Duct tape not fixed it? You just haven't used enough."

Or Vaz's bro'll do it... I've been quoted 30 notes for an ovalised head tube repair...

Scott Alleyn had just become the first mountain biker ever to land a 720 in competition. The second he landed it, the crowd piled over to him as if he was waving $1000 bills. History was made and everyone knew it. But there's one more thing—Scott, well he had a broken thumb (that happened in practice), oh...and did i mention that he snapped his frame earlier in practice too? So just keep that in mind...a broken frame taped back together...and a broken thumb taped up. Sick.

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Creston-720-Dirt-Jump-Comp.html

I had a crack like this on the bike I grew up with and rode for about 10 years. After a while the crack grew longer, and then one summer's day I left it out in the sun and the frame buckled at the crack. I don't know how to fix it but don't leave it unless you don't mind it getting bigger. It's unlikely to cause you any injuries in the meantime though.

mdja I had a crack like this on the bike I grew up with and rode for about 10 years. After a while the crack grew longer, and then one summer's day I left it out in the sun and the frame buckled at the crack. I don't know how to fix it but don't leave it unless you don't mind it getting bigger. It's unlikely to cause you any injuries in the meantime though.

Was that on a steel frame?

Personally, I wouldn't fuck with a crack in the headtube as it could get crazy all of a sudden, but each to their own.

"If you can't Duck it...fuck it!"

well i would not ride it....as most of the forces from impact on the front end go into the fork/headtube.......which may result in catasthopic failure(as they call it) and you eating shit:-).....even if you weld it over...
is there enough space between the head and down tube to shorten the cracked bit of headtube???? this will slightly change the geometry and reduce front clearance but at least you can ride it:-)...maybe

y

Hutch I've got my hands on a lovely new steel frame, for an absolute bargain. Hurrah!

I think the reason why it was an absolute bargain is because whoever was selling it realised it would need fixing before you could use it. I'd seek out a frame builder who does repairs and get a new headtube fitted personally. If it does fail it could be catastrophic for you and the frame.

If you are going to insist on riding it, drill a hole (about 2-4mm) at the absolute tip of the crack. It will stop it propagating any further. Make sure it is at the very tip of the crack mind, otherwise it will just continue past the hole.

Hutch [quote]mdja I had a crack like this on the bike I grew up with and rode for about 10 years. After a while the crack grew longer, and then one summer's day I left it out in the sun and the frame buckled at the crack. I don't know how to fix it but don't leave it unless you don't mind it getting bigger. It's unlikely to cause you any injuries in the meantime though.

Was that on a steel frame?[/quote]

Yeah, they didn't make alu frames in those days :-)

Hey, Is this repairable?

kind of.

a frame builder can remove and re-weld the seat stay. this will cost lots.

damn. 'lots' eh?

better off buying a new frame i suppose.

super ted at FGL might be able to do something with it

^ +1

its worth giving him a call, could save you a load of money

strip it down and give it to me.

And 15 quid and i will fix for yer.

Should've bought aluminium :p

is that serious? Brucy?

can i leave the headset and cranks on?

£15 is cheap I got a quote from someowhere in lincolnshire for £30 to fix it+ £10 to repaint that section. but the problem would be gettgin the frame all teh way to Lincolnshire! which is going to cost loads.

or do you mean strip the paint off it?
with what metal brush or something?

just gaffa tape it!