If the top tube is bent then the down tube is bent also. It is possible to straighten if no crease is in the tube, but it will never be as strong as new. The way I used to do it was with tube clamps. These are a pair of semi-circle metal clamps made to closely fit the tube. They clamp the tube just behind the bent area, using a vise. Then a metal bar is placed in the head tube. Force is applied in the opposite direction from the bend. Then check the head angle. You most likely have to do the same thing on the down tube, but with a different clamp. All this bending makes for internal stress in the frame, not good. The best way to go is have the tube replaced by an expert frame builder.
Good luck.
Jim Merz Bainbridge Is. WA
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-admin@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-admin@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Cornelius Loh Sent: Sunday, July 28, 2002 8:24 PM To: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]Straightening of Top Tube
Does anyone know what I should do to straighten a slightly bent top tube?? Just behind the headtube. Thanks!!
Cornelius Loh, Singapore