Bicycle Mechanics - Broken Frame Advice

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : Broken Frame Advice

cell1
07-29-09, 10:05 PM
My mountain bike's frame cracked recently whilst I was riding it to work. It happened out of the blue so to speak - I hadn't jumped off a gutter or done anything else to give the bike a jolt.

My guess is that there was a latent defect in the frame, possibly caused by the weld nearby the crack. I would be interested to hear anyone's thoughts.

Here is a little more info on the bike to help with your opinions:


I bought the bike new from an eBay store for a bit less than $300 AUD.
The crack occurred when the bike was 18 months old.
The crack occurred just below a weld. (See the photos referenced below.)
I ride the bike quite regularly to and from work which is about a 5km trip - it's all on the road (or footpath).
I would say I'm a fairly conservative rider - I don't think the bike has had any harsh treatment.


Here are a couple of photos of the broken frame (http://www.dugaldmorrow.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=39&Itemid=57).

CCrew
07-30-09, 04:58 AM
Yup, it's broke :P

Strip it and put the parts on something else if they're worth anything and the frame isn't under warranty. Not to be a smartass, but you got what you paid for. It's why I buy name brands with warranties.
kycycler
07-30-09, 06:24 AM
+1 on what CCREW said.

jsharr
07-30-09, 08:11 AM
In 18 months of gentle use you have ridden the tires bald in the center? How many miles have you put on that thing? I would say look for a used bike without suspension if all you do is gentle path riding for a 5KM commute. All that suspension is going to do is rob you of power in your pedal stroke.
AndrewP
07-30-09, 11:34 AM
I would say definitely manufacturing defect, but not worth the price of fighting for a warranty replacement, when it is not the type of bike you need. Just look for a non-suspension hybrid with tire width between 32 and 37 mm
cell1
08-03-09, 03:56 PM
Hey, thanks for all your comments. I agree with them all which is why I just bought myself a much better bike without the rear suspension - 1 year warranty on the parts with 5 years on the frame this time.
estabro
08-03-09, 06:09 PM
At least you didn't break that bombing down a hill. Bones are harder to repair than bikes.