[CR]CR]When is a 3Rensho no longer a 3Rensho? Think Safety

(Example: Events:Eroica)

Date: Thu, 6 Sep 2007 22:27:06 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Brian Van Baush" <bvanbaush@ameritech.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
In-Reply-To: <MONKEYFOODXMyUHgtII000040c4@monkeyfood.nt.phred.org>
Subject: [CR]CR]When is a 3Rensho no longer a 3Rensho? Think Safety

What I find amusing is that the frame has all along been described as "tweeked". When I saw the actual photos of the "tweeked" frame it was very obvious (at least to me) that it had sustained a pretty significant frontal impact (both top and down tubes buckled). Something that I would describe as a "crashed" frame.

Safe to ride? Sure... from what I've seen in the past (lots of brakeless track bikes used on the street and run into various things) eventually a crack will develop, but the frame won't fail suddenly... you'll get plenty of warning (one of the nice things about steel frames).

Rides fine? It wouldn't have its original geometry anymore, that's for sure.

Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, California USA

I share Chucks comments about the damage to this frame, but I'd add, riding a frame with the crash damage of the 3rensho is not something I would consider safe. I would pay an experienced frame builder to evaluate it for safety on the road, you owe at least this to anyone you ride with and to your family.

Brian Van Baush
Anacortes, WA