Newbie - Klein frame repair advice

[Void(EN12-82)]

Was just reading this thread and wondering:

Is this some common weak spot on KLEINs with those "micro dropouts" (that's what it's called ain't it)?? Because the guy who sold me my Rascal had about eight of those frames (even one in that yellow/red/white backfire team colour thingie) and they were all broken EXCACTLY there, where you bolt on the mech hanger...

Just wondering :?:

 

[orange71]

My 97 pulse frame has micro dropouts but the hanger isn't replaceable so there is no bolt through that part of the frame to weaken it.

 

[Max P]

Was just reading this thread and wondering:

Is this some common weak spot on KLEINs with those "micro dropouts" (that's what it's called ain't it)?? Because the guy who sold me my Rascal had about eight of those frames (even one in that yellow/red/white backfire team colour thingie) and they were all broken EXCACTLY there, where you bolt on the mech hanger...

Just wondering :?:

Has to be a weak spot looking at the pic - not exactly a lot of 'meat' left once that hole is drilled....

 

[mk1Matt]

Yeah there's basically bugger all material around it.

Can't wait to get it back. Currently riding around on a DMR Trailstar. It's a damn good bike, but it's definitely no Klein.

 

[rody]

Dodgy repair at best unless done correctly.

The frame will need to be stripped, the old dropout cut out, the stay ends milled, new drop placed and welded and then the whole frame heat treated in a certified facility. Then factor in a new finish.

If you are sentimental and are totally stoked on keeping this frame, ante up the money and go for it.

You're best bet would be to find an empathetic Klein dealer to pick up the torch for you and get a warranty replacement.

cheers,

rody

 

[shovelon]

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.

Man that was a disaster waiting to happen. On the drive side too, that's where they always break. So warranty is out of the question with the serial # gone. :shock:

I would bevel the the hole and weld it solid with the dropout. It is pretty easy to reweld dropouts back onto a frame, and would make for a much more reliable frame.

 

[mk1Matt]

To be honest the bike doesn't get ridden off road properly. It goes on the local ex-railway line (towing my son in one of those child trailers), and also on the road/pavement on the way to work.

Of course every single obstacle on the way to work gets bunny hopped/jumped off etc.

If the repair lasts a year or so then that's fine. Hopefully at that point I'll have enough cash to get something equally as nice yet not quite so broken

 

[shovelon]

Seems like it held up pretty good up til now. I would get quoted from weld shops in your area to weld the dropout and frame together permently. Should fall under the minimum charge of 1/2 hour if you do the prep.

 

[Wold Ranger]

Busted

I broke two in the same place and had lots of m8s who did the same, reason they are now so unpopular. Seen them crack under the headtube/downtube join. Dealers response "you've been jumping it then" apparently a standard response from Trek, i.e. noway hosay, common sense as an engineer should have told me that something that thin made out of coke can alloy ain't gonna last! Take a look at the drop outs on an average modern hardtail frame! Just a wee bit thicker!
Go buy something out of Steel or Ti, your ar*e will love you for it too!

 

[Carsten]

that's a 1999 Attitude, the only Attitude with external cables. first year for the replaceable rear der hangers and disk tabs. many of those broke there or at the disk tabs on the other chain stay. i doubt that Trek would replace it under warranty but why not give it a try. they certainly know that those frames had issues and that it is a design flaw and has nothing to do with if or how it was ridden and if it was stolen or you are the original owner. they dropped those features during the model year and later came with a different design that seems to be more reliable.

carsten