Newbie - Klein frame repair advice

[mk1Matt]

Hi guys, just stumbled upon this site. I've got a Klein Attitude frame from some unknown year (anyone know?). When riding it recently I heard a clicking noise. Couldn't quite place it. Then a week or so later the frame snapped at the rear dropout.

My question is: do you think it can be repaired? If so is it really worth it given what the frame is worth? And finally if it has fatigued at that point, I assume the rest of the frame is probably weakened now so it's likely to break somewhere else. Fair assumption?

Cheers,
Matt

 

[mk1Matt]

Here's a pic of the damage:

And here's the bike when fully built:

 

[pete_mcc]

I'd check with Trek on a warranty job on that, least they should do is give you a new frame cheap.

 

[mk1Matt]

I'd check with Trek on a warranty job on that, least they should do is give you a new frame cheap.

Would be nice but I can't see it happening. I would have thought the frame is way too old to still be in warranty, and some time in the past the bike was stolen and recovered. Whilst in the hands of the bikenappers the frame number on the BB shell was ground off, making it look really dodgy.

 

[orange71]

I happen to know that user 'Shovelon' on this forum is an expert welder and may know if it's at least possible. He's over in the States so won't be able to do it for you, but should be able to advise. Shoot him a PM.

 

[Geoff]

Hmm, the ground off serial number won't help, but I would still give Trek a call, you never know...

 

[messiah]

Klein's of that age had a lifetime guarantee so it's probably worth a try.

Vernon Barker cycles say they repair aluminium frames as do a few others.

http://www.framebuilding.com/custom_uk_ ... ilders.htm

Is it worth repairing? If you like the ride it probably is. I had my Kona Explosif (Steel) frame repaired after the chainstay broke in roughly the same place. Cost wise you've got to price in a respray or do what I did and get the the Hammerite out - I love that my bike looks used and abused :twisted:

 

[mk1Matt]

Just been reading the warranty page on Trek UK's website:

This warranty extends from the date of purchase, applies only to the original owner, and is not transferable

Bugger.

I have spoke to Vernon Barker and emailed pics over. Am now awaiting a reply. From the list posted above there don't seem to be many people willing to fix ally frames.

Does anyone have an answer to the question of further metal fatigue? I don't really want to shell out for a repair only to have another part fail.

 

[Martin]

If you are the second owner Trek will give you a discount of 40 % on a new frame. But still Klein frames are terribly expensice ict a complete bike.

 

[mk1Matt]

If you are the second owner Trek will give you a discount of 40 % on a new frame. But still Klein frames are terribly expensice ict a complete bike.

60% of a shedload of money is still a shedload of money (albeit a smaller shed ).



I've just received an email back from Vernon Barker who thinks he can repair it for a pretty reasonably price. The mech hanger will now form an integral part of the frame and as such won't be removable, but if I happen to break it again then I obviously don't deserve such a fine frame.