Thinking about any sort of buckling there melts my brain a bit. The front of the lug is supported by the top tube. The lower top tube, I'd assume, would make the seat tube incredibly rigid. Seat tubes themselves are usually one of the thickest tubes, no? Not to mention the seat stays would triangulate the lug even further. In the instance of an improperly inserted seat post I can't fathom enough force to damage it at that position in the lug. Not saying it's not possible but it seems odd.
Given the complexity of the lug junction - maybe the paint has pooled slightly making it thicker and appear warped. The shine makes likely exaggerates the effect? I am itching to see what the area looks like sanded back. My orange Clementine had atrocious paint and cracks everywhere. So many bald patches just to double check. I really hope for a follow up :) On Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 3:25:54 PM UTC-7 Paul wrote: > Hi there, > > Thank you all for your concern! > > @Steve, Kai, Corwin and mwillrossi, Garth > I pick out from your answers that until I remove the paint around the > crack, damage on the frame is just speculation. I agree, that's what I'll > do and I'll send pictures to a local frame builder here in the Netherlands. > In the meantime, I will still build and ride the bike like this. > > @Jim, Ben, Doug, > I am super bummed for sure but would rather accept to the situation than > ask for a refund. It is what it is, as they say. I bought the frame blind > and the seller was both honest and available when we planned a scheme to > have it brought back to Europe. It was packed perfectly well and he told me > he had never noticed the crack while it was his. > > I also went looking at pictures from the previous previous owner and it > looks (though it's hard to see) like the crack was there already then. It > seems the bicycle has been ridden 'damaged' for more than a few years. I > hope this indicates that things are better than the worst I imagine. > Picture attached. > > @Corwin, the first photo was to show the dent, which appears as a white > strip, inside the tube! I'm not sure what it indicates but it's there, > going slightly inwards, on the opposite side of the tube wall from the mark. > > Anyways, I will keep this thread updated if anything new is revealed when > I removed the paint. I still look forward to posting a picture with the > bike built! > > Best wishes, > Paul > > On Monday, March 24, 2025 at 12:35:47 AM UTC+1 Garth wrote: > >> If you do want a frame builder opinion after removing the paint and >> better photos to looksey, I'd contact Jack of Franklin frames in Ohio. He's >> done countless repairs on frames and builds custom himself. 740-763-3838 >> <(740)%20763-3838> >> On Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 7:06:26 PM UTC-4 [email protected] wrote: >> >>> I agree with Kai. If you don’t get rid of the paint, you’ll just be >>> guessing. I’ve been an automotive painter for over twenty years, and I’ve >>> seen paint cracking like that with nothing wrong with the metal underneath, >>> besides some surface rust (or some seriously pitted rusty metal. Just >>> depends on how long it’s been getting moisture in there). I know what I’d >>> do, but I’ve got experience with body work, welding, painting, etc. >>> Best wishes. >>> >>> On Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 6:41:54 PM UTC-4 Doug Van Cleve wrote: >>> >>>> It’s a bummer, for sure. IMHO, the seller not knowing/noticing doesn’t >>>> mean much (if anything). I assume this was not cheap, and I highly doubt >>>> any repair would be less than $500. I’m not sure a seat tube can be >>>> replaced and not require a full repaint, and nobody does cheap paint (that >>>> you would want) any more… I don’t think it is unsafe, assuming a correct >>>> fitting seatpost that extends well below the sketchy looking area, but >>>> will >>>> you be okay with that on your dream bike? >>>> >>>> Regards, Doug >>>> Chandler, AZ USA >>>> >>>> P.S. By buckled, I meant the tubing appears to be distorted in >>>> addition to any paint cracking… >>>> >>>> >>>> On Sun, Mar 23, 2025 at 10:46 AM Jim M. <[email protected]> wrote: >>>> >>>>> I'd ask for a partial refund. That's a flaw that should have been >>>>> disclosed, though apparently they didn't know about it. >>>>> >>>>> jim >>>>> walnut creek >>>>> >>>>> On Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 6:54:59 AM UTC-7 Kainalu V. -Brooklyn NY >>>>> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Remove that paint as it’s the only thing that’s definitely cracked. >>>>>> That way you’ll get a clear view of what’s underneath and there’s not a >>>>>> place for water to get trapped. Probably get it most of the way gone >>>>>> with a >>>>>> toothpick. >>>>>> Be the bike dentist 🦷 >>>>>> -Kai >>>>>> >>>>>> On Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 9:39:17 PM UTC-4 [email protected] >>>>>> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Hi everyone, >>>>>>> I just received my Sam Hillborne frame bought second-hand and >>>>>>> noticed a crack just under the back of the seat post lug. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Though I hate to admit it, it looks like a crack in the steel. There >>>>>>> are two thin dark lines visible from the outside, and a sort of 'dent' >>>>>>> inside on the opposite. I am attaching pictures. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Can anyone from the group second my guess? Did any of you have a >>>>>>> similar case on one of your Riv frames? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> And what would you do in my situation? The person I bought it from >>>>>>> hadn't noticed it and was riding the bike fine despite the crack. >>>>>>> Should I >>>>>>> just put a long seat post (which reinforces the area anyway, unlike a >>>>>>> cracked head tube or bb shell) and ride the bike like this? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I can't yet imagine bringing it for repair at a frame builder >>>>>>> because buying the frame in the first place was quite a stretch in >>>>>>> budget >>>>>>> for me. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I'd love to hear your thoughts and advice! >>>>>>> Cheers, >>>>>>> Paul >>>>>>> >>>>>> -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. 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