Busted the KLICKfix handlebar adapter 2nd time, anyone find a solution to this?
 

Hi folks.

I have BioLogic Tour bag that connects to the front frame of my Dahon Curve using a Tern Truss with a KLICKfix adapter. Last year lip broke off of the plastic KLICKfix adapter.

I ordered a replacement adapter from VeloFred, but after another few months the lip broke off of that too.
KLICKfix Handlebar Adapter Button

I emailed VeloFred if there was a metal replacement part, but never heard back from them.

The bag is capable of holding 15lbs, and I just weighed what I carry i there, and it is only 5lbs.

Has anyone found a solution to what appears to be a defective part? Or is that an alternative method of attaching the bag to the truss? I'm open to ideas.

Wow. If this was as common for others as it is for you it would be much more written about it on the Internet.

I`d say vibrations, becouse the piece that broke is not carrying any vertical weight. I never liked the truss thingys becouse it sticks out so much. Instincts tell me to keep weight close to what is carrying the weight and not on parts sticking out like that.

This is why I wanted a Brompton truss on my Curve. First I carved out exess plastic from a B carrier block. This made it weaker so I filled out the empty spaces in there with hot glue. Kept thinking "hmm, is it strong enough?" Then I ordered that adaptor thingy that has been presented here. I have not installed it yet. This problem is tumbeling around in my head like in a tumble dryer: Is my carved out carrier block hack stronger than using a regular carrier block with an adaptor? Last question becouse with the adaptor you only rely on the screws plus it puts the carryer block (and therefor the weight) further away from the frame than it is intended to be. Also both on the B carryer block and the truss thingy there is a carved out area that goes over and around the welded on metal thingy and I am sure that gives some extra support that you do not get when it is sticking out like with the adaptor.

Several years ago when this problem started bothering me I bought a "truss" that was much shorter, keeping the load much closer to the frame but this can only be used on small bags. Bromton bags (trough the frame) is atatched at the bottom of the bag. Therefor you do not need a long truss thingy. Clickfix bags/baskets are atatched at the middle or top so you need that long thingy to keep the bag away from the frame and wheel.

Frame bracket (for handlebaradapter on head tube threads) (0211R)

Rixen & Kaul, KLICKfix Adaptersysteme Fahrradzubehör, Solingen, Taschen, Körbe, Werkzeug

I only use the Caddy becouse it keeps the weight close to the bike so less vibration and damage from weight hanging far from the bike. I recently bought two "truss thingys" for seatposts, one for my B and one for my Curve. I only intend to use them on holydays and with a rack supporting the weight under.

You should contact Clickfix. They should be interested in this. I do not expect much reaction from Tern.

No way you can repair it stronger, disassemble and see if you glue it back and then perhaps reinforce it or wrap it in a small thin bit of metal sheeting or just glue more plastic underneath it. It clearly isn't fit for purpose and perhaps the company has had many complaints and doesn't want the expense or replacing. I don't know how many have been sold it may be quite niche product. Over the years I've had quite a few products which have failed due to some small piece of plastic breaking off at the end and I have products that I treat with kid gloves because I can see the plastic will fail easily. The amount of remote controls I've seen without the battery cover because the securing clip broke off. It's like you get to replace the batteries 3 times and then the clip is gone. I always keep small strips of metal for that reason. I had to repair a similar clip to yours in the past and ended up using the lid of a sardine tin cut down and bent to reinforce it. I used superglue and it never failed again wasn't too pretty though.

I have a "Kanga" rack on my Tern, and it hasn't broken off the KLICKfix adapter in four and a half years of daily (well, Monday through Friday) use.
There must be some sort of upwards force on the bag to cause it to break like that. Are you lifting the bike by the bag? (No sarcasm; had to ask).
Steve

Not sure how it works, but from the look of it, to the remaining plastic that sticks out I would rivet a metal strap bent to point down, rather than forward. I would use 2 pop rivets and hopefully regain the previous functionality.

you want to try something similar but different ? I would be interested how that newer Dahon system will stand up to the same treatment
contact me directly though
Thanks Thor

I think you might be on to something regarding vibrations.

About the long truss, since the Dahon has a short wheel base the truss helps to keep weight more to the front. With a bag on the front and calms the "twichtyness" of the bike.

On the Rixen & Kaul website it says to contact the North American dealer, which is Velofred. Email Velofred several months ago and never heard back.

For such a robust truss, it is so sad to have this flimsy plastic "latch". Should have been made of metal instead.

I don't have a ton of tools, but using part of a tin sounds like something I could do. Great idea.

You know, I really like the Kanga rack. Would be perfect for belting in a backpack or a dry bag for commuting. Great to hear about the long life it has had on your bike.

The Biologic bag I have connected to the truss is not rigid, so this might flopping around a bit and putting stress on the plastic clip.

P.S. No not lifting the bike by the bag. LOL

The plastic bit that broke up curves up. From the side the plastic part looks like a J or a fish hook. I wonder if a pop rivet can make it through 4 mm's of hard plastic?

FWIW, now Ortlieb Ultimate 6 handle Bar bag mounts are cross compatible with Klick Fix bags..

Great to know I have more options.

Klickfix reinforced that part beginning this year (or maybe last year). Guess they must have received many similar complaints. They say the most common cause was from people pulling bags/racks off without first releasing the latch.

Ortlieb Ultimate 6 on KFX
 

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/....JPG.jpg?raw=1

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/co...XhT6Ps6DO/file

I bought the replacement latch this summer from the North American distributor, so it must have been the new version. That one still broke.

I knew when I saw the part available on their website, that it was likely a part prone to failure.

Regardless, good to know. Still considering what my path forward will be.

It was nice to not have a backpack on my back during the commute. Less sweaty and the low and forward weight made the Curve more stable.

As usual, very well put together Abu.

Of course. Just use the long version of the rivets.

test samples from me are on their way to Canada
:-)
Thor

Have you experimented with the Brompton luggage block instead? It's just a five-minute job with a drill.

Thor, you are awesome!

Gosh, I had no idea it was that easy. Great to know that is an option. Opens a whole bunch of bags and accessories. Do you find that your cables get caught and make it hard to steer?

Where have you been the last few years? There has been a lot of threads about Brompton luggage on Dahons. My Dahon Curve has a Brompton block. No, no tangeling of cables. They are staying behind the frame. :thumb: :lol:

https://www.faltradxxs.de/images/upl...rrahmen-01.JPG

Brooks makes an absolutely gorgeous leather briefcase for the Brompton block. Gorgeous.

Nope, it worked fine on the Tern I was riding back then, although you might want to shorten the cables/housings if they protude a bit much in the front on your bike.

Besides offering interesting alternatives for bags, the bag won't wobble as much as with the truss.

Get a mini drill and give it a try.

That does look pretty awesome and the sort of design that only gets better with age for that classic look. I suspect serious money though.