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Can I use fiberfix tape to reinforce this shoddy weld?

Bicycles Asked by alwyn42 on June 29, 2021

I recently built a hi-ten steel bike and I just realized that it had a large hole in one of the welds near the seat tube and the top tube.

Tried taking it back to the shop that shipped me the frame but they said that they won’t accept a return since the frame has already been used and the bike’s already built.

Would it be possible to reinforce this area and reduce the chances of frame failure by wrapping it with some fiberfix tape? I’m using the bike solely for commuting and exercise.

I reckon that it could also be welded, but I’m worried that it could damage the frame even more.

I figured that since they use a similar process when building bamboo bikes, it should work to reinforce an already welded metal part.

Here’s a photo of the hole: shoddy weld hole

One Answer

No. That's dreadful and should not have been sold like that.

Even if you had the frame built for you, it should be welded properly.

That hole is a "blow through" caused by too much heat on a thin metal, and is fixable by a competent welder.

Why some incompetent welder ignored it is unfathomable - the frame's been painted since then, passed through multiple workers and noone said "hey this is bad" ?

Depending on where you are, there may be sales laws about how long you have to return a product. If the product has a supplier the store should deal with them directly.

If you've had this frame for a long time already, you're stuck with it, and repair may be the best option. By repair I mean a weld, nothing else is going to be structurally sound.

That specifically includes tape, glue, epoxy, string, rope, zip ties, thoughts and/or prayers.

Weld it, or recycle the frame are your two good options. Don't on-sell it.

Answered by Criggie on June 29, 2021

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