Frame failure
 

Just wondering about frame failures of folding bikes and wondered if those who have experienced it would be willing to fill in the below info. I'm trying to get a picture of the reality of how durable such bikes are and googling hasn't bought up much information that is useful. Sometimes what you find just throws up more questions too so I've tried to include a wide range of questions. If you've never experienced any frame failures and have owned multiple folding bikes maybe just put that number in for 'number of bikes that haven't failed. That way we can get a slightly more realistic picture. Apologies if there has already been a similar thread I couldn't find it. If you have used a folding bike well beyond its weight capacity without frame issues perhaps that is also worth filling in to give others an idea on that brand's durability. Just put N/A in the relevant areas.

• Brand
• Model
• Actual manufacturer of frame if known (Giant, Merida, Fuji-ta etc)
• Country of origin
• Year of manufacture or estimate
• Price when new, estimate if s/hand
• Cause of failure
• Number of bikes that haven't failed
• Years owned
• Estimated km/miles before failure
• Average weight of rider
• Maximum recommended rider weight
• Area of frame that failed
• Frame material
• Hand or robot welded (if known)
• Fork material
• Injury likelihood when frame failed
• Injury received
• Was the frame warranty used and honoured?
• Verdict on frame quality

#1) None of mine.. look up recall data. yourself.


Aluminum welds have failed, and if its a hinge plate to tube weld that renders the bike DNF.
applies to any bikes with aluminum frames, lookup that list, yourself..

I have heard the past Mk2 brass fillet butt brazing of the brommy tube to hinge plate on the main tube had problems ,
I had one, bought used, no problems with mine .

the fillet brazing was a skill they trained people to do. nobody is perfect. then there is the rider abuse factor..

my new, used, Mk 4 uses a different way of making the hinge that eliminated that happening..

and that job could be done by automated processes, with repeatable consistency..



Why does this matter to you, what do you intend to do with the answers?





:foo:

April Fool post

I thought this post was intended for Tern :)

Thanks
Yan

I don't think it's an April fool post, I think he's serious.

Why wouldn't I be. For those not interested in the thread move on and for those who want to share issues they've encountered they can fill it in. I'm not expecting every forum member to add to the thread just those who may have encountered frame issues. I guess my motivation is being over-weight and more likely to have frame issues due to weight. More a thread for end users than anyone involved in retailing of such bikes.

If he is, I have to wonder if he's working on a law suit of some kind.

In any case, I expect that any anecdotal responses will be spread across the board, and like with all bikes reflect use conditions as much as anything else.

I own two folders, and while neither has had a frame failure, I'm realistic enough to know that doesn't mean they won't eventually (though eventually can be a very long time coming).

I also own a Bike Friday built with their heavy rider frame option.. but they are not DaHon Uno, Clone Cheap.

OK, if that's your intent, might I suggest that you edit the OP to make that clear, then winnow the list of questions to what's most likely to be pertinent.

FWIW - Without knowing your details, I suggest you limit yourself to steel framed folders, preferably with big fat tubing, and more frame height to reduce the length of the unsupported stem and seat post.

If you have the room, you'll probably get better structure with a larger wheel folder, but that's a trade off you have to decide about yourself.

Offhand, I don't know each manufacturer's weight guidelines, but I suspect that if you weigh over 300#s you consider giving up on folders for now.