Iron Horse chainstay broke

[dougp4158]

I have circa '99 Iron Horse ARS 2.0 and the 6061 T-6 aluminum frame broke completely off at the right chainstay (just behind the cross member aft of the bottom bracket). Some folks at the MTB thread told me it's fixable so I'm asking for some advice and potential costs. I really like this oldy but goody and over the years I've replaced and/or upgraded most of the components. Any advice appreciated.

[Torchy McFlux]

If I were you, I'd just buy a new aluminum frame and transfer all the parts across.
If it were a Yeti or Klein or something like that it might be worth going through the trouble and expense, but a 6061 Iron Horse is a dime-a-dozen type frame.
Consider this a good opportunity to upgrade.

[dougp4158]

That's what I figured. Thanks. I can pick up a fairly mint 99 Specialized M2 Stumpjumper frame for about $50. Might have to get a new bottom bracket and/or headset but everything else should fit. Not ideal perhaps but affordable.

Anyone out there know the steering tube diameters and bottom bracket spindle lenghts on these two? I've been looking around online and the owner's manual I have with the Iron Horse is generic and useless.

[rodar y rodar]

If it`s a specific frame you have in mind (`99 SJ) , you might try the manufacturers forum on mtbr or Google up a Specialized owners group. If you`re just kind of cruising ebay and Craigslist for anything suitable, I guess it would be pretty hard to ask about everything that caught your eye.