bluegoatwoods
Well-Known Member
I'm sorry I haven't thought to post this before. I guess I assumed it was something that anyone would keep in mind. But it's easy to forget, so here's a reminder.
Spring of 2008 I built an MB using an old Columbia ten-speed. It was really a great bike and I was happy with it.
This summer I pulled off the motor and all components to sand and re-paint the frame.
I discovered matching rust holes on the underside of the rear chain-stays. They were just about even with the front of the rear wheel. Their edges looked clean, so I wondered for a moment if they were supposed to be there. Maybe drain holes? But they were about two inches long and snake-like. They wobbled back and forth. I doubt if anyone would design a shape like that. They must have been caused by rust, or perhaps fatigue.
This was a "mechanical failure" just waiting to happen.
So, especially on older bikes, inspect the frame regularly. Often, I suppose. Often enough to be kind of a pain. But it's better than having your bike collapse at speed.
Spring of 2008 I built an MB using an old Columbia ten-speed. It was really a great bike and I was happy with it.
This summer I pulled off the motor and all components to sand and re-paint the frame.
I discovered matching rust holes on the underside of the rear chain-stays. They were just about even with the front of the rear wheel. Their edges looked clean, so I wondered for a moment if they were supposed to be there. Maybe drain holes? But they were about two inches long and snake-like. They wobbled back and forth. I doubt if anyone would design a shape like that. They must have been caused by rust, or perhaps fatigue.
This was a "mechanical failure" just waiting to happen.
So, especially on older bikes, inspect the frame regularly. Often, I suppose. Often enough to be kind of a pain. But it's better than having your bike collapse at speed.