After 20 years, my Motobecane snapped one of the struts that connect the bottom bracket to the back wheel hub. It broke right where it connects to the back hub. Is it at all conceivable that I'd be able to have this piece welded so that it I could ride the bike again, or am I going to have to ditch the frame as one bike shop told me? I got the bike for 1/2 price in Berkeley back in 1980 for $160. To replace it today would cost me well over $1200.

-Dennis

You could have the frame repaired in a couple of ways. The "strut" connecting the bottom bracket to the dropout is called a chain stay. A good repair man can replace the broken stay with a new one. A cheaper repair would be to have a welder re-weld at the break. It depends on how much you want to spend.

To replace the broken stay and repaint the frame could cost anywhere from $200 to $500, just welding the break and spray painting it could cost less than $100. Although the cheap way would be very ugly.

Thanks for the information and the lesson. Now: does anyone know of a good mechanic in NYC that would be willing and able to do this sort of repair?

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Robert:
You could have the frame repaired in a couple of ways. The "strut" connecting the bottom bracket to the dropout is called a chain stay. A good repair man can replace the broken stay with a new one. A cheaper repair would be to have a welder re-weld at the break. It depends on how much you want to spend.

To replace the broken stay and repaint the frame could cost anywhere from $200 to $500, just welding the break and spray painting it could cost less than $100. Although the cheap way would be very ugly.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>



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If the frame failed at the joint between the chain stay and drop-out then it's possible to have it soldered with a torch. It must be repaired by this low teperature process or the metal will soften and fail again. If you value the bike than take it to someone who is familiar with frame repair and fabrication. If the tubing or drop-out actually broke than you will certainly want to take the frame to a builder. Ask a good New York shop, club or check the net for leads.