Joe,
I've seen a good number of dents in top tubes in my day. Never actually seen a dent in a top tube lead to a crack or buckling of the frame, which I think would be nearly impossible to accomplish. If the dent was caused by a pretty sharp object and the dent was not pretty smooth all over as most dents are, then it would have a better chance of failure. Being 531 SL probably doesn't change much of anything in this situation. I think the dent is more of a physiological problem (I would feel the same even though I know the unlikelihood of a problem) just because it's there and you can see it. It's probably a good idea to put a band aid over the dent and write "OUCH!" on the top tube; it should make most of us feel better. One step further and you can try and kiss it to make it better (or have your Mom do it). I've also seen a lot of "new from the factory" dents on frames. None of them seem to be real big problems. Most are never even seen, which is (sort of) a good thing.
Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA
Now this bike poses the classic "What is the impact of the wicked dent in the top tube question"? Extra points if you discuss the further impact of metric tube dimensions and further remark on the impact of 531SL tubing on the question.
All in all, I think that is quite a dent and raises the question of the tube buckling or a crack developing.
Joe Bender-Zanoni
Whitneyville, CT
A Frenchman/woman is making the auction of a Rene Herse Randonneuse frame, the object of their first attempt to sell on Ebay.
The frame is a 53cms one with a 54 top-tube..the frame is all-chromium plated, and is offered with what looks like a Simplex seat pillar , one of those bizarre stems that Herse made, and a pair of bars. Condition is not too bad. Frame No is *1079* which will mean something to the Herse cognoscelti.
The seller lives in the Ile de France ie the area surrounding Paris and is willing to send the frame world-wide. To be exact, the frame is at Villepreux a small town to the west of Versailles...an enchanting area for riding a Herse...and quite near the starting town of the Paris-Brest-Paris
With a starting price of 1500 euros, no bids to date, just under four days for the auction to run...the frame is :
*ITEM No: 250601197044* ** *So if you want it, have a punt, as the Irish say..and Good Luck.* ** You know, I have just realised that it is my size...and I have never ridden a Herse Randonneuse, but I do have a Herse Course ( or possibly sportif)
Norris Lockley
Settle UK