Titanium Repairs?

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Mon Feb 21, 2011 8:42 am

Have a crack in the chainstay of my 6 year old Airbourne. Was of course sold with a "Lifetime Frame Warranty" but apparently that refers to the lifetime of the company name, not me, and since they've changed their letter-heading to Van Nicholas they don't want to know.

Anyway, pointless getting upset. Can't justify another new one so am investigating a repair. Anyone an expert? Am guessing it will need the chainstay cutting out and a new one welding in (probably two, as shape needs to match). I think Enigma will do it, but they're in Sussex.... Am waiting on Sabbath to get back to me, but I think they just import.

Any leads gratefully received.

tomf · Post by **tomf** » Mon Feb 21, 2011 5:57 pm

If Van Nicholas bought up Airbourne's business they *should* have acquired their guarantee liabilities too, but getting lawyers to argue about it probably won't achieve anything fast (or cheaply).

There's a page at http://www.framebuilding.com/custom_uk_ ... ilders.htm
...which lists frame builders and their sidelines. It suggests that Vernon Barker in Dronfield could be yer man, and his website is encouraging: http://www.vernonbarkercycles.co.uk/oth ... rvices.htm .

Hope it works out...
tom

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Mon Feb 21, 2011 7:43 pm

Thanks for that Tom.
Have already been down that list and wunged off emails to likely candidates. So far -ve apart from Enigma. Vernon Barker appears to have retired. Its a waste of Ti not to fix this frame. Jubilee clip? No-more-nails?

Don't get me started on VN.

Broom Wagon · Post by **Broom Wagon** » Mon Feb 21, 2011 8:31 pm

As an engineer by trade I swear by cable ties

Though seriously Rob, I can imagine how you feel, you'd expect a Titanium frame to last longer than you will.

Dr Dave · Post by **Dr Dave** » Tue Feb 22, 2011 11:07 pm

I'd certainly make sure that you advise any and all fellow cyclists about the business philosophy of the manufacturer in question......

Dave B · Post by **Dave B** » Wed Feb 23, 2011 1:05 pm

Rob - bit of a long shot but might be worth contacting tubing manufacturer Timet in Birmingham (EuroSales@timet.com). They used to supply tubesets to Raleigh for the R800 road frame and may have a list of approved/recommended UK welders & fabricators who work with Ti tubes.

Dave B

P.S. Vernon Barker is semi-retired and I believe still does some frame work so may be worth a shot after all.

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Fri Feb 25, 2011 2:18 pm

Dave B wrote:might be worth contacting tubing manufacturer Timet in Birmingham (EuroSales@timet.com). They used to supply tubesets to Raleigh for the R800

Thanks Dave, just the sort of nugget of info I think I need! Had there been a round of questions about Birmingham in the University Challenge edition that we remember you in, then York would have walked it!