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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

240.0. "Frame problems with the Raleigh?" by JACUZI::DESHARNAIS () Mon Mar 23 1987 11:26

    My wife and I are still shopping around for a touring bike.  We
    are considering one of three makes: Nashbar Alpha Tour, Raleigh
    Aleska, and Shogun 500.  
    
    The Shogun dealer is desperately trying to talk us out of considering
    the Raleigh.  He says the frames are inferior to the other bikes
    on the market and there's been problems with them.  Of course, he's
    pushing his bikes so I'm wondering how true the info on the Raleigh
    is.
    
    Anyone have any comments on the Raleigh?  I'm going for the Shogun
    but my wife is still considering the Raleigh.  The Nashbar is out
    mainly because of the color and tire size.  The Shogun, however,
    has everything I'm looking for.
    
    All inputs will be greatly appreciated.
    
    Regards,
    Denis
    
    
T.RTitleUserPersonal
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240.1They're OK with me...NAC::CAMPBELLMon Mar 23 1987 14:1412
    
    Denis,
    
    	I've never heard any complaints about Raleigh frames.... Check
    what type of frame it is... Reynolds 531???? Raleigh does back up
    there frames though with a lifetime guarentee.... Most manufactureres
    do. 
    
    Guess I like Raleigh......
    
    Stew
    
240.2MPGS::DEHAHNTue Mar 24 1987 07:4012
    
    Most low end frames come out of the same handful of Taiwanese shops
    these days, so the salesperson's claims of inferiority are probably
    nothing more than a desperate sales pitch.
    
    The Raleigh is a good bike, and so is the Shogun. Teams are racing
    on Shoguns as well as Ralieghs. They both are in the same league
    at that price level, so buy what you like best.
    
    Good luck,
    CdH
    
240.3We're going with Shogun.JACUZI::DESHARNAISTue Mar 24 1987 11:179
    Thanks for the replies.
    
    We decided to both go with the Shoguns, since the the Raleigh dealer
    didn't have what my wife wanted in stock.  I heard the Raleigh frames
    are American made.  I also heard the Shoguns were totally Japanese
    made.  It gets a little confusing......
    
    Thanks,
    Denis  
240.4small crack in frame -- panic?MARVIN::MACHINTue Aug 22 1989 08:3329
    
    I have a Raleigh frame, made of 501 tubing. It's a new bike, and I've
    noticed a problem that I suppose must have been there when I bought the 
    bike, but I'm not sure.
    
    I'm not familiar with terminology for frame parts, but it concerns the 
    part that attaches the rear wheel -- the flat bit that the nut tightens
    onto. It's the opposide side to the block side of the wheel. Anyway, 
    where this flat piece is welded to the lower tube there's a small gap:
    
    Side view:                      Top view:
                 saddle  
                  | \                        ----------------\
                  |  \                                   | |=====  ===
                  |   \                      ----------------/
                  |----O <- flat bit                      ^         ^
                                                          gap       flat bit
    
    I'm concerned in case it weakens due to corrosion or something. The 
    gap is small, but big enough for water to get into the joint. 
    
    Ever seen this before? It could have been filled with extra-thick paint,
    I suppose, but it wasn't (or it has appeared since the frame was
    painted). The bike is due for its '6 week service' next week -- worth
    moaning about?
    
    Ta
    
    Richard.
240.5I cna't remember seeing it before.VERVE::BUCHANANBatTue Aug 22 1989 13:218
   The piece you are talking about is called the "dropout".  It does seem
   unusual that there would be a gap.  While it may still be strong enough
   it does seem like some poor workmanship.  And you said this is true
   only on one side?

   Perhaps some noters with frame building experience can help.  I would
   suggest asking someone in a good bike shop, other than the one where
   you bought it from, to take a look.
240.6not uncommon....SUSHI::KMACDONALDIs there life after drywall?Tue Aug 22 1989 13:388
Voids in brazed seams are not really unheard of, and generally cause no 
problems, unless they're large. They shouldn't be found on custom or 
top-of-the line frames. Examine the crack closely for signs of new metal 
or cracking of the paint - i.e. for something that's occured since 
assembly/painting of the frame. If that's the case, then you may have a 
problem. But do point it out to the shop folks in any case; at the very 
least, they should be aware of it.
                                            ken