BENT Aluminum Frame

[TeddySpaghetti]

Hello,
I have an aluminum frame the rear dropout is bent and I can not even mount a wheel. Is it ok to bend the aluminum back into place? This is a brand new frame has never been assembled. My fear is bending the aluminum back will either break it or cause it to weaken. Also brought it to a local bike shop and they advise against bending it back.
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Regards,
Teddy

[spinningmagnets]

I would bend it back and just keep an eye on it. Add a torque plate (even if it's a mid drive) to reinforce that area if it concerns you

[commuter ebikes]

I had a similar thing happen to a steel frame. I found a local frame builder (a TIG welder), and I took it to his shop for repair. His repair was so good that the frame is now stronger than it was originally. The cost was $180.

[Sneakers915]

What SM said. It should be fine bending it back the first time, using a big adjustable wrench works well on dropouts. Bend it back and forth and you'll break it in short order.

[TeddySpaghetti]

The torque plate sounds like a good idea. With regards to the bend, should heat be applied when trying to bend it back?

[spinningmagnets]

No heat, most aluminum frames are heat-treated, and if done right that process can add significant strength to aluminum. Using a torch will "anneal" the metal in that area. You can bend it back once, but as another poster said, repeated bending back and forth will create cracks.

[Jon]

If it's brand new, perhaps the manufacturer would replace it? I had a trek with broken dropout and they replaced both dropouts.

[TeddySpaghetti]

I have been exchanging emails with the manufacturer and they keep telling me to bend it back.

[JPLabs]

Then I would trust them. They no doubt have experience with it. Bend away! No heat!!

[TeddySpaghetti]

Thank you all for your replies. I'm going to work on bending back and hopefully it doesn't break. I'll be sure to let you know how the results.

[TeddySpaghetti]

Just came across a thread on the site endless-sphere.com and the user received the same frame I have also with a bent dropout. It appears he had good luck with bending it back.