Is this a crack in my cruisers frame?

GoldenMotor.com

Rusty_Nail

Active Member
Oct 11, 2019
233
92
28
45
Is there a way to weld it or will I need to get a new frame? Also would it be safe to ride it like that or would it not be recommended? I’ve never had a frame crack on me.
 
Last edited:

Sidewinder Jerry

Well-Known Member
Dec 19, 2011
2,057
1,052
113
62
Rockwood, TN
Is there a way to weld it or will I need to get a new frame? Also would it be safe to ride it like that or would it not be recommended? I’ve never had a frame crack on me.
It can be fixed by a skilled welder. You're also going to need to repaint it. I suggest putting a custom made split lug on after the weld repair. The split lug will have to be welded back together once around the frame, then brazed on. This should prevent any future cracks.
 
Last edited:

fasteddy

Well-Known Member
Feb 13, 2009
7,470
4,954
113
British Columbia Canada
If it's aluminum I'd get a new frame. This is a problem with the stress of powering an aluminum framed bike that has been discussed on here over the years. Walmart level bikes are usually the first to break. Find a steel frame if you can find one you like.

The frames usually crack where the tubing is welded to the head tube just behind the weld like this one did.

Steve.
 

wrench

Well-Known Member
Aug 20, 2019
819
1,175
93
So Cal
If it's aluminum throw that frame away

If it's steel strip the paint with a wire wheel then weld a 6" sleeve (1/2 pipe) on the frame rail to the neck Over the crack

Because if ya just weld the crack it'll probably crack again by the weld

Looks like the crack is at the frame neck top tube
 

Rusty_Nail

Active Member
Oct 11, 2019
233
92
28
45
I honestly have no idea if its aluminum or something else. I have no access to a welder or someone that can fix it for me, so I'm still leaning toward a new frame. But How can I tell if its steel? I do know that whenever I would ride it the frame would vibrate a notable amount if I was on WOT. One reason I was thinking about another cruiser frame is so I can use my hub mounted sprocket setup. I hate having to use those stock sprockets.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gordy and fasteddy

Gordy

Member
Oct 13, 2024
22
39
13
17
East Kentucky
I honestly have no idea if its aluminum or something else. I have no access to a welder or someone that can fix it for me, so I'm still leaning toward a new frame. But How can I tell if its steel? I do know that whenever I would ride it the frame would vibrate a notable amount if I was on WOT. One reason I was thinking about another cruiser frame is so I can use my hub mounted sprocket setup. I hate having to use those stock sprockets.
Get this. I really love it.
 

fasteddy

Well-Known Member
Feb 13, 2009
7,470
4,954
113
British Columbia Canada
Again it's Walmart quality. Look for a frame from the 1960's or 1970's or even earlier. Craigslist or Facebook market place, second hand stores, bike shops old bikes pile or even a scrap yard if you have one near you. Check out Sportsman Flyer if you want the absolute best frame going. It's a lugged frame so there's no butt welded tubing.

Steve.
 

Gordy

Member
Oct 13, 2024
22
39
13
17
East Kentucky
Again it's Walmart quality. Look for a frame from the 1960's or 1970's or even earlier. Craigslist or Facebook market place, second hand stores, bike shops old bikes pile or even a scrap yard if you have one near you. Check out Sportsman Flyer if you want the absolute best frame going. It's a lugged frame so there's no butt welded tubing.

Steve.
Although it is a Walmart bike, the frame itself is damn impressive. It's made woth thick tubing and is surprisingly heavy compared to other frames. It is lacking with the stock wheels, but OP mentioned using his current wheel setup. Not everything is poor quality just because it's from Walmart.
 
  • Like
Reactions: fasteddy

Sidewinder Jerry

Well-Known Member
Dec 19, 2011
2,057
1,052
113
62
Rockwood, TN
Although it is a Walmart bike, the frame itself is damn impressive. It's made woth thick tubing and is surprisingly heavy compared to other frames. It is lacking with the stock wheels, but OP mentioned using his current wheel setup. Not everything is poor quality just because it's from Walmart.
Haven't worked on a Walmart bike yet, in which I didn't have to true the wheels. Low quality components and very poor assembly. On the former pedal only forum (YA Cycling) I told people, if they must get a Walmart bike; get one still in the box and have a reputable bicycle shop assemble it.
 

Tom from Rubicon

Well-Known Member
Apr 4, 2016
2,842
6,131
113
Rubicon, Wisconsin
Haven't worked on a Walmart bike yet, in which I didn't have to true the wheels. Low quality components and very poor assembly. On the former pedal only forum (YA Cycling) I told people, if they must get a Walmart bike; get one still in the box and have a reputable bicycle shop assemble it.
The Huffy's were not too bad, ;)

Tom
 
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: Gordy and fasteddy

Rusty_Nail

Active Member
Oct 11, 2019
233
92
28
45
Although it is a Walmart bike, the frame itself is damn impressive. It's made woth thick tubing and is surprisingly heavy compared to other frames. It is lacking with the stock wheels, but OP mentioned using his current wheel setup. Not everything is poor quality just because it's from Walmart.
Ok Gordy I'll check it out. Thanks for the link.
 
  • Like
Reactions: fasteddy and Gordy

Rusty_Nail

Active Member
Oct 11, 2019
233
92
28
45
I know I've had a good 3-3.5 punishing years on that frame and from my experience with what I put it through, it's held up well until now. If my crank was better balanced I'm thinking the frame would not vibrate as much when I would ride it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: fasteddy and Gordy