Hi,

Is the cracked dropout pictured below fixable? I have read that it can be welded for so long as it is not too close to the area of brazing. Given these are forged, am I correct in assuming there is no brazing in this area of the crack? Also how far away does the heat have to be to be safe? If I do go the welding route, are there any specifics that need to be said to the welder (i.e. weld on a supporting plate etc)? Also read that replacing the entire dropout would be more expensive than welding. Should I decide to go the proper replacement route, how much does it usually cost to have this replaced with a regular dropout. Is it even possible to still get the same dropout to have re-brazed on?


On another note, what causes these types of dropout failures? Is it all factory defect from overheating during brazing or is there also something that affects it during daily use like maybe overtightened clamping?
Thanks,

Fish