Is a bicycle frame with a dent in the top cross bar still safe to ride?

1 Answer

Answer :

Sounds like you’re looking on craigslist. Maybe ask the person if you can take it to a bike shop to have it looked at before you seal the deal. If it does need to be repaired you could ask them for an estimate and ask the seller to take it off of the asking price. The other thing you want to know is how the dent got there. Was the person in an accident? If so, there could be a host of other problems with the bike that only a mechanic would be able to point out. You didn’t mention your overall knowledge of bikes, but by asking the question it sounds like you don’t have advanced mechanic skills. I would ask some more questions and get a second opinion at a shop if you plan to buy the bike. At the very least bring a friend along who knows a lot about bikes.

Related questions

Description : When you ride a bicycle, what keeps it from falling over?

Last Answer : answer:The rotating wheels act as gyroscopes, such that the axles of the wheels resist tilting. The faster the wheels are rotating (and the more mass is situated out where the tire and rim are) ... when the bike is in motion, you can make constant small steering corrections to compensate for leans.

Description : Why did bicycle brakes go back to the side-pull type?

Last Answer : I had an old Raleigh with center pull. It was a wonderful bike. It didn't use brake cables either; it used mechanical (straight) steel bars instead. Sadly, it was stolen I think they went to ... to the brake and the rim. Too much energy was being expended and too little braking was being done.

Description : Can someone explain gear ratios on a 21 speed bicycle to me?

Last Answer : Easiest: Smallest # of teeth on the front and largest amount on the back (Think climbing hills) Hardest: Largest # of teeth on the front and smallest amount on the back. (Think flat sprints and descending fast)

Description : What goes into re-painting a bicycle?

Last Answer : answer:If you plan to paint your bike by yourself then you will likely be disappointed. You want your bike to look good so get a professional to paint the frame and save a few bucks by disassembling and ... I did a very sloppy job and I ran out of paint after two cans and my bike looked hideous.

Description : What should I consider when shopping for a bicycle?

Last Answer : What you can afford should set the parameters of what you will buy. Go to a bike dealer who can size and fit you to the bike and from there you can peruse the used market for possibly a fancier lighter ... is still like the day I bought it 18 years ago and I ride hundreds of miles on it each year.

Description : What is that Bicycle Called?

Last Answer : Penny Farthing.

Description : How do you measure a bicycle seat post?

Last Answer : answer:Diameter. From the bottom. The part that goes into the frame. 27.2 mm is very common diameter, however there are countless frame manufacturers who have different standards. Be sure to get one as long as the one you have, or a smidgen longer.

Description : How do you measure a bicycle seat post?

Last Answer : answer:Diameter. From the bottom. The part that goes into the frame. 27.2 mm is very common diameter, however there are countless frame manufacturers who have different standards. Be sure to get one as long as the one you have, or a smidgen longer.

Description : What is the proper technique for using Shimano rapid fire shifters on a bicycle?

Last Answer : I’m not familiar with the Rapid Fire shifters, but if he picked up his bike from a decent bike shop then they should be able to tell/show him how they work.

Description : What's a good bicycle for the city?

Last Answer : You might want to try a recumbent bike. They are kind of pricey, but you get to sit down. If you prefer standard bikes, get a mountain bike with good shocks. You can also put road slicks on the tires for better road performance.

Description : Can I replace the front fork on my bicycle with a suspension/shock absorber type fork. Should it be done by a pro?

Last Answer : You can change the fork and I figure it should probably be done by someone who knows what they are doing.

Description : What's the best bicycle rear derailleur of all time and why?

Last Answer : answer:For my money, on a mountain bike, it's been the Shimano Deore LX. (It's gotten some alright reviews, too.) Twelve years and still going strong on my full-suspension, even when practically ... , I've always heard it was Campagnalo. But I'd also like to hear anyone's personal experience.

Description : Can the gears on my bicycle be fixed?

Last Answer : This problem should be fixed easily. There should be a barrel adjuster that you can turn on the cable that attaches to the rear derailleur. Just give that a turn and you should be in good shape. Adjust as necessary until it is shifting properly.

Description : Are there any hard core, old school bike shops in the Napa area that would have a frame alignment jig and a master tech that knows how to use it?

Last Answer : I haven’t a clue where to get your wheels spun but I must thank you for the laugh of the day, priceless and brilliant writing. Reminds me of a friends hoarder husband whose shelves with 10,000 Nat. Geo mags fell over and dented her car in the garage. hahaha

Description : How many other professional bike racers were doping in the Lance Armstrong era?

Last Answer : I suspect the answer to the title question is all of them. Many of those who came in second, third, or fourth to Armstrong have already been connected to of doping, and most of them have already ... more use of the drugs than others. So maybe the results would have been the same, but maybe not.

Description : Why does a sports celebrity not have to face the charges that he cheated for his 7 medals?

Last Answer : The USADA stripped him of his titles and banned him for life.

Description : What is this bike brand?

Last Answer : answer:Any of these ring a bell? ha ha, lame joke

Description : Biclyclists, do you clip in to the pedals? How did you get used to unclipping?

Last Answer : I would be surprised if it took you more than two or three unclipping events to get used to it.

Description : Why do people on bicycles and scooters feel that they don't need to follow the laws of the road?

Last Answer : answer:I don't know what others think, but I'll tell you my thinking. I will blow through stop signs and red lights and I'll play a kind of eyeball chicken with motorists when I'm riding my bike. ... don't have a problem acting as if we are privileged, so long as we can do it without undue risk.

Description : I want to sell my used Cannondale road bike(in San Diego), but have no idea what it is worth. I need help getting a quote.

Last Answer : answer:Check the serial number. Cannondale serial #: Serial number code: first two digits are the size, next 6 are date of manufacture, remainder are unit number. For instance: SN#54021787121 indicates a 54 cm frame, built on February 17, 1987, #121 This will be a start as to finding out it’s value.

Description : What kind of singlespeed bike should I get?

Last Answer : What is your price range? I have a older version of this that I am happy with. You can flip the rear wheel to go between fixed and free. But it was 500 bucks.

Description : What's the weirdest thing you've ever seen in a vending machine?

Last Answer : Here’s a ton of weird vending machines in Japan.

Description : Which polo shirt maker has a velocipede as the chest logo?

Last Answer : answer:closest I could find. Is it any help? http://www.zazzle.com/classic_bicycle_velocipede_tshirt-235256529743790339

Description : Where can I get the value for collectible bicycles?

Last Answer : Hubbs, cyclist, says there are collector’s guides you can buy, but he recommends going to ebay and seeing what similar bikes are going for as well as what people are paying.

Description : How often does radial lacing on a deep-v wheel need to be trued?

Last Answer : I love it when you talk like that.

Description : Which is better for a mountain bike? Tubed or tubeless tires? Any experiences ?

Last Answer : Never tried the tubeless but I think the main difference would be weight.

Description : Where can I find a Nalgene (32oz) bottle holder for my bike?

Last Answer : you might want to call and check first, but I am pretty sure I saw those at The Container Store.

Description : Should I feel bad about liking high gas prices?

Last Answer : You know what? Its fine to want to watch people cringe at the pumps, but I think that you are forgetting the fact that there is a global economy. It's not just Americans, and the whole thing is ... I DONT BUY GAS. THAT MEANS I GIVE MORE MONEY TO THESE GROUPS, LIKE CHILDREN INTERNATIONAL. SO GROW UP.

Description : Folding Bicycles

Last Answer : Paper isn't the only thing that can be folded. Today, to provide more convenience and to cope with the constant need for space, some things are folded when not in use. Some mobile phones can ... should be the ones laughing as they enjoy every minute of convenience they get from their folding bikes.

Description : Electric Bicycles

Last Answer : For most people, riding a bicycle is a very physical activity. If you're the type who doesn't like the idea of coming to school or work all sweaty and tired, you might have never considered ... allows them to move in the traffic and even in narrow lanes, making them more productive and efficient.

Description : Custom Bicycles

Last Answer : Everyone has special preferences. Some ask waiters to take away the onions from their salad because they are allergic. Some want their computers to be equipped with a firewire port for video editing. ... a custom bike is an excellent way of personalizing your bike to match your lifestyle and tastes.

Description : BMX Bicycles

Last Answer : If bicycles were in high school, each kind would fall under one stereotype. Utility bikes are the geeks. Mountain bikes are the adventurers. Racing bikes are the jocks. Used bicycles are the kids who failed. BMX ... riders to enjoy them. Even a kid as young as six can start enjoying BMX as a sport.

Description : Used Bicycles

Last Answer : Most people are apprehensive and reluctant to buy hand-me-downs, especially when it comes to items with which their lives have to depend on - a prime example of which is a bicycle. Compared to other ... also give you an estimate of the repair costs. Most of the time, shops do inspections for free.

Description : The Guide to Bicycles

Last Answer : In any list of the greatest films of all time, you will surely find The Bicycle Thief. Released in 1948, this Italian masterpiece narrates the story of a father and son who spend the whole day ... are very valuable. If you own a bicycle, make sure to take necessary measures to keep it safe.

Description : Road Bicycles

Last Answer : Are you tired of always arriving late for work? Are you starting to make your boss breathe fire because of your consistent tardiness? Do you always receive the annual what-time-is-it award in your company? ... , who says you have to walk? With a road bicycle, every paved road is a lot easier.

Description : Any advice for helping an adult learn to ride a bicycle?

Last Answer : answer:Would he be humiliated to use training wheels (if you and he practiced somewhere private)? That's how I learned, when I was six. My father took the wheels off and then ran along side me when I ... . Oh, teach him how to brake with both feet also. I love thinking about this. Keep us posted.

Description : What is a good daily distance to ride your bicycle?

Last Answer : answer:Where are you riding? Road, rail trail, off road, mountain, etc? What kind of bike? Road, Hybrid, mountain? Wear a helmet if you are in traffic, mountain, going anything over 15 miles per ... over the whole terrain if you are doing anything serious. If it is casual, it does not matter.

Description : What is the most comfortable way to ride with a bicycle chain lock?

Last Answer : Wrap it around the handlebars.

Description : Are there any bicycle related laws I should know before I ride to work in Columbus, Ohio?

Last Answer : answer:You're technically only allowed in the right hand lane (but you're allowed anywhere in the right lane), you are required to have brakes, and lights on the front and back if you're riding at ... ride with the group until you get tired and go home. My friend says bring beer . Awesome question!

Description : What is the safest and easiest way to teach an adult woman to ride a bicycle.

Last Answer : First sit her on the bike and have her get used to trying to balance herself every time she looses balance tell her to put her foot down. When she is ready walk side by side with her while she ... this over and over until she can ride without you holding on. Good luck and I hope this was helpful.

Description : Why don't you ride a bicycle instead of driving a car?

Last Answer : cars are faster.. and less work

Description : How do you ride a bicycle?

Last Answer : Dear, there is no possible way of learning to ride cycle without falling because it's the part of learning. You should not be scared if falling because it will make you better at cycling .. In ... are falling because it means that you are learning. Same thing happens in our lives. Best if luck

Description : What's a good way to strip paint off a bicycle frame to be painted?

Last Answer : Use a fine, circular, wire brush that attaches to an electric drill. I stripped a bike years ago doing this and it worked well.

Description : Why did the bicycle never cross the finish line? -Riddles

Last Answer : He was two-tired.

Description : Is there a safe place to park my bicycle at the 77th Street 6-train subway station in NYC?

Last Answer : East or West side?. Between which avenues? On 77th street itself?

Description : What is the best way to remove a bad dent from the roof of my car?

Last Answer : Get a heavy rubber suction cup like they sell at some home improvement stores, or try a rubber plumber's helper. Have someone pull on the dent in different places while you bump the edges of the dent ( ... mallet or your fist. It won't remove heavy creases, but it might make it look a little better.

Description : Is the Susan G. Komen for the Cure campaign putting a dent in breast cancer statistics?

Last Answer : The president of the foundation makes a half a million dollars per year, according to Charity Navigator. That’s a whole lot of money and that’s why I won’t donate to that organization or go out of my way to purchase products with the pink ribbon.

Description : Who should pay for the car's dent?

Last Answer : answer:C is responsible for the damage. He should pay. Since he can’t, A gets screwed from helping friends out. As they say, no good deed goes unpunished.

Description : When metal is scratched does a small metal filing occur or a dent?

Last Answer : Depends on what caused the mar.