Classic & Vintage - Finally broke my Vitus

No, it did not come unglued, ever. Crashed, rear derailleur dropout broke in half. 1980 Vitus, black. Hanging on the wall in the workshop. hrmph.

Is it beyond repair?

This guy may be able to replace your dropout and he's pretty close:

www.hhracinggroup.com

It's broken in half, like when someone takes half of the last doughnut at the office. The other half is still attached to the derailleur, dangling limply from the chain. It's aluminum, as Vitus' (Viti?) tend to be, and I don't know about fixing it. I suppose the entire rear dropout could be replaced and reglued to the rear triangle, but I'm not sure it's worth it. I'll check out hhracinggroup--thanks for the info, don d.

Perhaps someone will want the frame for a fixed-gear or internal hub gear project.

No, it did not come unglued, ever. Crashed, rear derailleur dropout broke in half. 1980 Vitus, black. Hanging on the wall in the workshop. hrmph.

I wonder if you could use a derailleur hanger; which would fasten at the dropout and bolt the derailleur to the hanger. Many older bicycles used this method but I don't know if it's an option with current equipment.

The broken part of dropout will probably need to be sawed off.

The other option would be to contact a frame builder and have the dropout replaced.

No, it did not come unglued, ever. Crashed, rear derailleur dropout broke in half. 1980 Vitus, black. Hanging on the wall in the workshop. hrmph.

I noticed some "Adapter Claws" on Sheldon Browns site.

http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/derailers-rear.html#hanger

Surely there must be some way to fix it. Hang in there!

Thanks. I'll ponder all this information over the winter. I'll see what can be done, but it might just make good wall art. I've always wanted a pink De Rosa...

Try guywires'dot'com to get ride fixed. peterguy'at'universe'dot'com. Possibly, acquire another frame and send it to Dennis at Harry Hauvnoonian bicycles. I have a 'flat tubed' blue Vitus that I raced in early 80's and I'm in 'process' of replacing a chainstay that got creased by a chainring nut that got loose- ouch!

The drops can be replaced!

It's even easier than with brazed ones.



The adhesive softens at temperatures far below those that will damage the frame. A new drop can be glued in.

I ride a bike that is very similar to the Vitus, A Sakae Ringyo:
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j72/martinheldt/sakaedropouts.jpg

I wonder if you could use a derailleur hanger; which would fasten at the dropout and bolt the derailleur to the hanger. Many older bicycles used this method but I don't know if it's an option with current equipment.
+1!

It may be "cheesier" than a drop-out replacement, but it'll get the job done.
There are many styles, so you may have to visit a few shops to find the right one.

The original thread is 2 year old...:lol:

Wonder if it was ever fixed, though.

I have a 'flat tubed' blue Vitus that I raced in early 80's and I'm in 'process' of replacing a chainstay that got creased by a chainring nut that got loose- ouch!

LOL! I cherish every ride like it could be my bikes last. They just feel so fragile, like a beer can ready for the crusher.

The original thread is 2 year old...

Hoot!

I'm a sucker for a Vitus!