Wolfie Posted July 1, 2015 Share Posted July 1, 2015 Been enjoying the summer evenings out on the bike but noticed to my horror last week that my bike has cracks in the frame between the handlebars and the forks. One about an inch long from the top down and another the same from the bottom up.I've had the bike about 5 years, so isn't under warranty and it has hardly been used because I'm very much a fair weather recreational cyclist nowadays. It's still on its original tyres and brake pads.The trouble is, it's aluminium, so I don't think it can be welded?. Any ideas folks?I don't want to have to shell out for a new one, as it's hard to justify when it maybe goes no more than 300 miles a year.I only ride on the road. Is it safe to use if I keep an eye on it?. I have no idea how long the cracks have been there - could be ages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmuss88 Posted July 1, 2015 Share Posted July 1, 2015 I wouldn't use it personally, sounds like it's in quite a high stress area.Can you imagine cycling down a busy road and it gives way... not worth the risk in my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RicME85 Posted July 1, 2015 Share Posted July 1, 2015 aluminium can be welded, just a different type Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hinzy9 Posted July 1, 2015 Share Posted July 1, 2015 Check with the manufacturer. Many bikes come with a lifetime frame guarantee these days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Day Posted July 1, 2015 Share Posted July 1, 2015 Duct tape will sort that out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfie Posted July 1, 2015 Author Share Posted July 1, 2015 aluminium can be welded, just a different typeOK, I'd read online that it couldn't be done. I'll look into it a bit more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gypsy Ram Posted July 1, 2015 Share Posted July 1, 2015 They still make aluminium bikes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oxram Posted July 1, 2015 Share Posted July 1, 2015 I did my Dissertation on aluminium joining technologies so hopefully I can be of use.Aluminium welding; Possible, but not advisable.Often can't be done with standard welding equipment as the current needs to be over three times higher to stop it melting like chocolate. Long story short, while I don't know about quotes you may get, I do know the company I did the work for (International luxury car manufacturer) chose to fund my research into alternatives rather than upgrade steel welding to aluminium welding.The methods favoured are mainly adhesives but that doesn’t lend itself to personal repairs.If you don't use it much and don't know where the cracks have come from it could be due to accelerated weathering or other durability issues and may be weakened in other locations where the cracks are not yet visible to the naked eye. Component life is mainly about avoiding stress concentrations and crack propagations. As you have the latter, I'd replace it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrivateDerby Posted July 1, 2015 Share Posted July 1, 2015 Smear abit of chemical metal in the cracks! Being serious, is there much play? Does it look like the head tube will split? Maybe put a flat head screwie in the crack and see if you can move the two sides apart? If not I'd still ride it unless you're bombing down rugged mountains/hills. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mostyn6 Posted July 1, 2015 Share Posted July 1, 2015 I'd be tempted to take some pics and email them to the frame-makers asking for advice (do not demand anything), and they should be horrified. If you word it cleverly, they might, as a goodwill gesture, offer replacement. Especially if you suggest that you use the bike for fitness, you're old and fragile, and cannot afford a replacement and are seeking repair advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfie Posted July 2, 2015 Author Share Posted July 2, 2015 Called in at Halfords last night (where I bought it from) & they said the Carrera alloy frames have a 2 year warranty only but asked me to take the bike in and then it's Manager's discretion as to whether they offer me anything. If they were to offer me a discount on a new one, I'd probably go for it because based on what I've read, I'm not sure I'd trust a weld.Thanks for the advice guys. They still make aluminium bikes? On a <£300 bike, yes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McRamFan Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 Your error was shopping at Halford, sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfie Posted July 2, 2015 Author Share Posted July 2, 2015 Your error was shopping at Halford, sorry.I knew some would think that but the Carrera bikes get good reviews and for the price, are higher specced than those I was researching at other specialist bike shops.All I need is a decent hybrid bike for £200-300 and if I can get a relatively light one with enough gears and good reputation from reviews then that's fine. I'm not into brand snobbery - especially for a bike that only gets used on warm summer evenings for maybe 15 miles a time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rezner Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 We've got 2 Carrera's and they're great bikes for the money. Too many people are snobbish when it comes to such things. Take it back to Halfords see what they are willing to do. If that's nothing then as Mostyn said take pics and send them with a carefully worded letter to the manufacturer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McRamFan Posted July 2, 2015 Share Posted July 2, 2015 I knew some would think that but the Carrera bikes get good reviews and for the price, are higher specced than those I was researching at other specialist bike shops.All I need is a decent hybrid bike for £200-300 and if I can get a relatively light one with enough gears and good reputation from reviews then that's fine. I'm not into brand snobbery - especially for a bike that only gets used on warm summer evenings for maybe 15 miles a time.It's not snobbery, looking at the facts, five years old summer evenings and the frame is showing cracks, I have a Raleigh 15 years old and it's been hammered on the peak trails, less than 300 no frame problems Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmuss88 Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 If you are looking to replace, have a look at Kona bikes. Mine set me back a little bit over the top end of your budget but i've had it for years and used it on rigorous ventures around Cannock Chase - no problems with it so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Day Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 Scott bikes are quite nice, saying that only had the one....I've got the Aspect 650 2013 edition, the poor things in the shed gathering dust tho, really need to get her out and oiled up. Won't be the lightest on the market, depends how light you want to go, just looked up and it's 14.3kg/31.5lbs.Paid £400 ish at the time but the 2014 and 2015 models are out so will be cheap if you can find anywhere stocking it and not bothered by the latest model. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfie Posted July 3, 2015 Author Share Posted July 3, 2015 What do people think about wearing cycling helmets?.I've got one but don't use it, as it just makes my head hot. I've tried others and they've all been the same.I've also seen conflicting evidence as to whether they are safer or not. Some argue that other road users give cyclists more space and therefore are less likely to have a collision if you don't wear a helmet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLACML Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 I've got a Specialized allez sport. Not sure on the exact model but I bought it quite a few years ago now. Really really nice bike and you could probably get an older model for a good price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Day Posted July 3, 2015 Share Posted July 3, 2015 What do people think about wearing cycling helmets?.I've got one but don't use it, as it just makes my head hot. I've tried others and they've all been the same.I've also seen conflicting evidence as to whether they are safer or not. Some argue that other road users give cyclists more space and therefore are less likely to have a collision if you don't wear a helmet.I don't wear one, not much to protect and would mess my hair up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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