Re: [CR]Help! Frame Fatigue? Say it ain't so!

(Example: Production Builders)

Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2008 21:02:05 -0700
From: "John Wood" <braxton72@gmail.com>
To: "James Doolittle" <JDoolittle@bentwaterclub.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]Help! Frame Fatigue? Say it ain't so!
In-Reply-To: <EF195ACEA9C30443B99A969D2261EB3E4738E3@BWCC-SRVR.bentwaterclub.com>
References:
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

James, I'm no frame builder or metallurgist, but I've never been a believer in Frame Fatigue. Cracks, yes, fatigue no. I have well used steel frames that date to the late 40's and they are still going strong, granted I most likely (at 6' even) ride a smaller frame than you. Have you thoroughly checked the stays/BB area for cracks? Have you tried different wheels/freewheel? Not sure what else to suggest, but I'm sure more knowledgeable folks will chime in. I wouldn't despair just yet - the beauty of steel is that it can usually be repaired.

John Wood Red Lodge, MT

On Mon, Feb 25, 2008 at 7:16 PM, James Doolittle < JDoolittle@bentwaterclub.com> wrote:
> Gang,
>
> If you're a collector, read-no-more, this is for Riders of the classic
> steel. I have a circa 1974 classic Italian Columbus steel imported by
> the man (Cesar Moretti) who fit me on the frame. Check archives: My
> Moretti. I've ridden this bike for many, many miles and have loved the
> ride. Actually, it is hard to put into words how I feel about this bike
> because of our long history. Racing and riding all over.
>
> I'm in complete distress! About a month and half ago on a 60 miler in
> the rain with some nasty hills, (at least for this part of Texas - north
> of Lufkin), I started hearing a chain rubbing noise from the rear like
> out of alignment derailleur noise but inconsistent and only in the
> middle gears. The chain is new old stock (the last one in my stash) put
> on mid-summer and I've triple checked, it's the right size. I've since
> taken every thing apart including the Phil BB, changed the front and
> rear derailleur and eye balled the rear in the middle gears and when
> it's on the stand there's no rubbing and it looks like there is plenty
> of clearance when correctly aligned. When I get it on when riding the
> noise gets really bad and now it's making a little noise when just
> riding with little pressure.
>
> The reason I'm in complete distress is I just left my LBS and one of the
> most respected mechanics in this city has looked everything over and
> concluded my steel is weakening in the rear. Furthermore, caused by my
> 200 lb., 6' 4" frame, and the 50 - 100 or so miles a week I've been
> riding this frame over the last 2 1/2 years. That plus the miles I put
> on it 15 to 30 years ago. I rode this frame last year on 7 centuries
> concluding at the Hotter N' Hell and up until the ride mentioned above
> it has been a dream, quiet and smooth! Perfection in motion!
>
> Any advice? Frame makers? I have spoken to Roland Della Santa about a
> repaint as he has original stickers. Should I pack it off to Roland and
> see what he thinks? I'm not well. Please help... I will diet but I've
> not been able to get below 195 for quite a few years...
>
> ARRRRGGGGHHHHH!
>
> James, I can't believe my beloved frame is dying, Doolittle
> Spring, Texas, USA