What to do with this.....
 

First...my apologies but for some reason I can't post pics here. I'll save that discussion for another time. But, I recently came upon a Raleigh Team USA that is mine for free. It is dirty but generally in decent shape. Unfortunately when I put it up in my work stand I discovered that the derailleur side drop out is snapped off. It's all there and a clean break but two pieces nonetheless. The tubing is 555, the components are a mix of stuff including Suntour Radius rear derailleur and Raleigh crankset. It also has stickers and badges saying something like Raleigh Ameican Corporation. Just wondering if I should toss it, try to rehab it or try to sell off parts. TIA.

replace the dropout if your going to toss the bike I will pay shipping lol

^ I second that. The cause was likely a crash of some sort or perhaps just a rare overly brittle dropout. does the paint around the broken dropout match the rest of the bike?

If you like you can email me some pics and I'll post them.

I just had the same issue, but on a not-as-nice bike. A '98 GT Tequesta. I know a welder who has tinkered with some brazing. So with the help of a local guy who used to build frames, he replaced the dropouts for me. Have yet to test it out, but he is pretty skilled, and I'm sure it will be a nice ride.

Thanks I will do that. I have to get a battery pack for my camera but probably later today. Thanks again.

Bruce19 sent me some pics. The right rear dropout just broke off at the frame attachments.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...5&d=1330385417

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...6&d=1330385432

I was thinking it broke in half at the axle slot

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...7&d=1330385450

If you want to ride it, have it fixed. If you want to make money on it, part it out.

Had a beer and sandwich at my favorite local tavern with my friend & Ducati mechanic last night. I mentioned the Raleigh to him and he said he has someone who he thinks will have no trouble welding that drop-out. So I guess I'll try to put the bike back together and see how it goes down the road. Thanks for all the input.