Welding on Big box store bikes?

Birddog1148 · #1 05-13-2010, 05:21 PM

So I took a used hub in to get it laced onto my Cranbrook rim so I can add disc brakes to the MB. The guy at the shop say welding to a bike is like welding to a spring. How true is that on the cheep bikes like Cranbrook? I am a good welder and have no doubts about my skills, but will I do more harm than good metaurgecly speaking?

chainmaker · #2 05-13-2010, 06:03 PM

I am pretty sure Your bike wasnt glued together, it was probabally welded. Im no expert on bikes or welding but I would think if You arent trying anything new or radical I would say you are ok to weld.Just curious what were you trying to weld on ?
Cheers
Chainmaker

Birddog1148 · #3 05-13-2010, 06:18 PM

I need to weld brake caliper mounts to the forks of a new Huffy cranbrook.

The bike shop guy said welding destroys the heat treat on the bikes.

dvddtz · #4 05-13-2010, 07:24 PM

Just my opinion,but I would get a suspension fork with the mounts already on them.I dont say that because of the welding,but because of ride comfort.I may be spoiled but I cant hardly ride a MB without front suspension.

good vibrations · #5 05-13-2010, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dvddtz

Just my opinion,but I would get a suspension fork with the mounts already on them.I dont say that because of the welding,but because of ride comfort.I may be spoiled but I cant hardly ride a MB without front suspension.

Yeah, that's what I'm doin'. Can't handle the bumps. But yer not gonna hurt anything welding those tabs on. Long as you don't blow any holes through the fork.

Retmachinist · #6 05-13-2010, 08:36 PM

The guy at the bike shop doesn't know what he is talking about. There is no heat treat to the cheap steel tubing they use on dept. store bikes. My only concern would be that you would blow holes in the thin steel tubing, and I mean "thin".

John

civlized · #7 05-13-2010, 09:16 PM

Are you planning on using wire or stick? I would use wire if possible on the lowest setting. Maybe consider putting the disc and caliper on the left side of the fork. May not make much difference, but the force will pushing against the fork and weld instead of pulling away from it. Should be no problem. I've welded all over my bike frames and never had any bad experiences other than blowing through the frame and having to come back and fill in the hole.

**2door** · #8 05-13-2010, 09:57 PM

I've never owned a Cranbrook but as far as "big box bikes", if the Target Schwinn Jaguar qualifies, I can assure you that there is absolutely no problems with welding on it. In fact, I was impressed with the clean metal of the frame. I use TIG almost exclusively and TIG welding requires clean metal with no impurities for a good sound weld. I've not encountered any splatter that normally is associated with bad or dirty steel on my Jaguars. I think the bike shop guy you spoke to was full of it...and just wanted to see you buy an overpriced bike shop version of the same bike. If you're experienced with welding you'll have no problems.
Tom

good vibrations · #9 05-13-2010, 10:13 PM

Mr. 2door, I met with Ron in Co. today down at the REI flag store, you know, the one down by the Platte? I know this isn't the right thread but I wanted to ask you If we have any sort of rides here. One of the things RIC and I talked about. Just wundrin.

noco · #10 05-14-2010, 03:22 AM

ive made my own bikes for tour de fat....i just found mild steel frames to cut up since i dont have a tig or experiance welding cro-mo....just know what your getting in to and remember you can always fill any burn hole and it will be stronger than before....