Water inside bike frame My latest "project" involves my bike, i.e. I want to perform a complete renovation of it. This involves changing rim, complete shift group, brakes, hubs, carrier etc, just keeping frame, seat post and handlebar &amp; stem.

I wanted to start by stripping down my bike to those bare components, and while I was cleaning and oiling the seat post, I discovered a horrible stench from within the frame. This smell is best described as sewage ( hydrogen sulfide is the chemical behind that I believe).

Since that aluminum frame is roughly 15 years old and heavily used, I now wonder whether this water in the frame causes a risk to the frame?

PS: Please do not discuss whether do-it-yourself is appropriate here, building up the bike from its parts is part of the fun.
See this question: How many years an aluminium frame lasts in a touring bike? for an example of an aluminum frame that is showing some cracks.  This particular frame had been used for 10 years, but it depends mostly on the number of miles ridden and the type of riding (rough/smooth surface, load, etc.)

There is lots of useful information in the answers to that question.  You should read it and form your own opinion on whether what you are planning to do is a good idea.

Personally, I think it might be unwise to buy lots of new components and invest a lot of time building the bike when the frame might already have cracks or may soon develop cracks. It might be better to spend a few hundred dollars/euros/etc to buy a new frame.