Investment ?

[S-Express]

And may have done so and damaged them. Clearly if you don't clamp the frame then you're guaranteed not to damage it that way. Zero risk is far better than some risk, do you not think?

There is no risk of me damaging a frame from clamping it, because I am a) not a ham-fisted gorilla and b) I know what I am doing. I can't speak for you or anyone else. But the fact that I have never damaged a frame in a clamp, suggests that the clamp itself is not the issue. The issue is with the people that do it.

 

[Smokin Joe]

As the frame is merely being supported for a photograph rather than clamped while worked on I can't see an issue unless the seller is spectacularly incompetent.

 

[vickster]

As the frame is merely being supported for a photograph rather than clamped while worked on I can't see an issue unless the seller is spectacularly incompetent.

Or just selling a 'replica' frame

 

[gavroche]

I clamp on the frame too. The trick is just to grab it and not put any pressure on the clamp. I can't hold it on the saddle tube as it would mean having to raise the saddle every time as I am a short ass. Have been clamping on frame for years now and never had any issues.

 

[Bollo]

Kinda with @Drago on this. There's the odd occasion I'd 'rest' a frame on a clamp for a quick inspection or chain lube, but anything more and it's on a work stand that clamps on the front dropouts. Manufacturers probably do overstate the risk, but a risk there is. I'm not a gorilla, but I'm not immune to clumsiness either.

Looking at the photo with the dented top tube, I wonder whether that's one of those litespeeds made with 6/4 Ti. The shaped tubing looks familiar. An acquaintance had one a few years ago and said the top tube felt like it was made out of tinfoil.

 

[S-Express]

Looking at the photo with the dented top tube, I wonder whether that's one of those litespeeds made with 6/4 Ti

It's a Van Nicholas Astraeus.