I started with a title as dramatic as "forbidden techniques," but since I’ve been getting quite a few consultations recently, I thought I’d write a little about modifications involving working on frames.
Even though I accept consultations, frame modification is not simple.
Please first understand that even minor modifications become a major undertaking. This is because a vast amount of work is required. It necessitates many steps, starting with removing parts from the frame, followed by painting, and reassembly.
Furthermore, what becomes a bottleneck is that, regardless of the nature of the work, once you put your hands on a frame, you can no longer receive manufacturer warranties (even just repainting it voids the manufacturer's warranty). That is why I wrote "forbidden techniques."
However, when you still wish to make modifications to fit your own way of using it, (though not everything is possible), there are times when we can provide consultation, so I think it is one option to talk to us without giving up.
What kind of frame modifications are there?
Simple ones include adding bottle cage holes or eyelets.
There are also additions such as kickstand plates, or in more extensive cases, changing the dropouts.
With the advent of bike packing and gravel bikes, recent frames have a good supply of eyelets, but we still frequently receive consultations like "I want one exactly here" or "I want a screw hole here because I want to use this specific rack."
What kind of bicycles can be modified?
I think it could be done on any bicycle if you try, but when considering durability, it might not be realistic for frames made of carbon material or lightweight aluminum pipes, as drilling holes or attaching eyelets becomes extremely difficult.
However, among these, you can consult with us about the steel frames we love, provided they aren't made of exceptionally lightweight pipes.
Isn't this the depth and the fun of steel frames?
Let's weld on additional eyelets
Now, since we received a request to add eyelets this time, let's look at what kind of work it involves.
First, remove the parts that get in the way and peel off the paint at the location where installation is planned.
The left side is untouched, and the right side has had the paint stripped.
Next, prepare the eyelet for the planned location, apply flux (a chemical applied to welding points), and weld it...
Done.
It was installed successfully.
Now, attaching the rack is perfect.
What it means to put fire to a frame
These tasks may look simple at a glance.
But, please think about it carefully.
What it means to put fire to a frame.
As I wrote earlier, not only is there the issue of the warranty, but once fire is applied to a frame, its characteristics will change, even if only slightly.
It's not a matter of "steel frames are made by applying heat in the first place, so it should be fine." Please do not forget that applying fire to a place not originally intended for it to attach something will result in some changes to its durability and ride quality.
There are various hurdles, but if you still want to go through with it despite them, please feel free to consult with us once.
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