as for 6061 aluminum, i have tig welded, formed tubing on a jig, and made gussets with it and all of that requires filing, sanding, and metal finishing. As for my frame snaping, why because its aluminum? dont people case jumps in raceing literally catapulting them off the bike (and usually the bike lives to tell another tale)? well how is that any worse than me flying down the street and hitting a curb with my back wheel, or hopping of a 5' drop. As for buying a new frame, yeah that would be cool, how about a ti reaper? ha no im not going to buy a new frame because then i would still have to buy 2 new wheels and hubs. obviously since i have a 250 complete bike i cant blow 300 on a frame and then another 300 on wheels. not everyone can ride a fit frame right now