I have an old Specialized Epic that I ride as a beater.
[IMG]webkit-fake-url://219B390A-B59B-4A35-B68F-0B19A942F9D8/i.html.jpg[/IMG] DISCLAIMER - this is NOT my bike. http://cgi.ebay.com/Specialized-Epic-Allez-Frameset-/170672781099?pt=Road_Bikes&hash=item27bce3f72b#ht_500wt_951 I am now seeing corrosion between head tube and down tube. I rode this bike a lot when new. Is this corrosion mainly cosmetic or is it time to hang this frame up? This also occurred when the frame was one year old. The Specialized rep said it was cosmetic but replaced the frame anyway. Thanks.
A photo of the actual rust spot would be helpful. If the rust was on the lug and had not pitted it, I would just sand it off, dab on some paint, and forget it. If the rust is in the area where the tube is brazed into the lug, then it is not cosmetic and it would be a good idea to either retire the frame or have it looked at before riding it anymore.
Thanks for the thought. It's not rust. It's galvanic corrosion between the aluminum lugs and the carbon fibers tubes. Stuff looks just the corrosion on your car battery. I'm thinking I got my miles out of it and I shouldn't press my luck. Specialized Rep said it should be okay as a rollers bike-no road shock to the head tube-but don't ride it on the road. I was just looking for a 2nd opinion. thanks again.