Bent frame repair?

[zenbiker]

Had a blue on blue this morning as a mamchari rider forgot to stop or look before pulling out. I hit straight on, they were fine, I got some bruises and scrapes but nothing serious.
As no injury we exchanged details and went on our ways. Now noticed there is a kink in the down tube and the front wheel is a cm or two back. It is a steel frame so is it re-bendable?
How would I do this? I'm surprised the wheel is fine but the frame bent.

 

[J0ckie]

Can you provide a picture or two?
I would first confirm where the damage that has moved the front wheel back has occurred. Is the 'kink' like a crease at the top of the downtube? Do you see any sign that the fork may be bent too?

 

[kiwisimon]

the head tube is out of alignment if the DT is dented.
And the wheel will be weaker for sure but they are designed to take such forces, frames aren't.
generally not bendable, the repair is usually a new DT welded in.
depends on the value of the bike as to whether it's worth it.

go see your bike dealer or LBS.
Mamachari rider had insurance? And accepted fault?

 

[OreoCookie]

First question: do and your opponent you have a bicycle insurance?

 

[zenbiker]

Can you provide a picture or two?
I would first confirm where the damage that has moved the front wheel back has occurred. Is the 'kink' like a crease at the top of the downtube? Do you see any sign that the fork may be bent too?

Kink is on bottom of down tube, top tube is also very slightly angled down. Forks seem fine. Bike rides OK but wheel is now at least 1cm back from where it was.

 

[zenbiker]

First question: do and your opponent you have a bicycle insurance?

I do, not sure about the opponent, a high school girl. Didn't`t call the police as no serious injury.

 

[OreoCookie]

I do, not sure about the opponent, a high school girl. Didn't`t call the police as no serious injury.

AFAIK insurance companies will want a police report. Also, if I understand correctly her insurance will cover your damages. Did you at least get her contact details (or those of her parents)?

 

[Trek DJ]

Honestly sounds like the frame is toast, or a repair would likely cost more than a new frame depending on the make.
DT and likely TT would both need to be replaced, not bent back.

 

[zenbiker]

AFAIK insurance companies will want a police report. Also, if I understand correctly her insurance will cover your damages. Did you at least get her contact details (or those of her parents)?

I spoke to her father, she has insurance, most schools now require it. But will need a police report.
It's a really old and loved frame but I don't think insurance companies pay extra for sentiment. Could be more trouble than it's worth? The bike is a single speed and only used for a flat commute so I'll try to get my friendly local fabricator to apply some heat and bend it back. Then keep an eye on it and practice my painting skills.

 

[OreoCookie]

It's a really old and loved frame but I don't think insurance companies pay extra for sentiment. Could be more trouble than it's worth?

IMHO the frame sounds damaged beyond repair, at least I wouldn't trust it: it is old and bent in key places. Once metal buckles, it cannot be bent back without losing strength.

I get attached to bikes as well, but all things, including bike, have a life cycle, which inevitably ends in death. Don't want to be too crass here, but in my mind, you get to keep all the cherished moments you have on it.

So I'd simply go through the motions. Likely you won't get a lot. (Do you have any medical bills as a result? Make sure they are covered, too.)

 

[microcord]

I'm sorry to hear of this.

Don't bother going to a bike shop. Instead, go to a frame builder. Fixing damaged frames built by others is their regular work, and they'll tell you straight up how much the job will cost you.

 

[microcord]

. . . for example, Ōtaki-san at 大瀧製作所.