IMPORTANT: Crack in on the headtube of and Alu trekking bike

[MsMellie]

Hey everybody,

Recently I have purchased a lovely aluminium trekking bike intending to up my game for long distance riding which I usualy do with my 1950-s(!) Victoria. I got to checking it up and cleaning it and it looked to be in amazing condition. However, yesterday I was cleaning it and noticed a crack in the head tube. The crack starts at the bottom and continues upwards for maybe 3-4 cm. It is wider at the bottom and thinner, like a hair, at the top. I rode the bike for a very short time before I saw it just to test it and I heard no creaking or anything. I probably would have missed it if I didn't have an obsession with checking every detail. The question is: Can I keep riding this bicycle? It has shock absorbers on the front fork, on the back fork and on the seat. Tubes are thick as they come and apart from that crack I couldn't find a single other one. I paid for it and I am in no situation to buy another one right now. Is there anything I can do at all? I'll add some pictures later if needed.

[Jdsk]

Yes, please add the pictures.

From what you have told us I wouldn't ride this.

Jonathan

[Nearholmer]

Well spotted!

Based on the description, it sounds as if it might have been (ab)used as a full-on mountain bike, taking serious shocks to the front end, which a trekking bike is unlikely to be designed for.

If it’s as I’m imagining, then potentially dangerous to ride methinks.

[MsMellie]

Photos in the attachment.

[rogerzilla]

Keep the bits and put the frame in metal recycling.

[MsMellie]

That bad, huh?

[Paulatic]

Oh dear, it doesn’t sound or look good. I’m surprised there is no creaking sound as I once had a creaking sound, when out of the saddle, for weeks before I noticed a crack in the head tube.
I think you need to be knocking on the door of who sold it to you. Perhaps they hadn’t spotted it?

[MsMellie]

I dont know. They told me about some other faults it had and even lowered the price on that account. Can riding this thing kill me?

[Jdsk]

It's in a safety-critical location and might fail suddenly.

Jonathan

[Psamathe]

New or 2nd hand? Purchased from dealer or private individual? Warranty or "as seen"?

Ian

[Jupestar]

Afraid i'd be scrapping that frame. Not worth the risk.

[MsMellie]

New or 2nd hand? Purchased from dealer or private individual? Warranty or "as seen"?

Ian

Used, purchased from a private dealer. A family member who is also in cycling and bike mechanics went to check it out and buy it. My mistake probably in not going for it myself but I was in a bad situation time and transport- wise.

[rareposter]

It's unlikely to just fall apart - after all the whole lot is kept in place with the headset, forks and stem.
However it is pretty much terminal, that frame is fit for little more than the scrap heap.

[Jdsk]

Used, purchased from a private dealer.

I'd start by asking for a full refund.

Usual advice: document all communications, don't delay, don't make allegations.

Do you have cover for legal fees from an insurance policy, Union etc?

How long ago did you buy it?

Jonathan

[MsMellie]

Not much documentation, just saved messages about the state of the bicycle and arranging to meet to see it. Bought the thing like five days ago