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.





I was thinking it broke in half at the axle slot

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.