Why don't GT frames seem to crack like other alu frames?

[SeeingisBelievingGTMuseum]

If I recall correctly GT entered the alu. frame game as 1 1/8" headsets started to prevail. Brands like Cannomndale, who have a very bad reputation for frame failures, were making their frames with 1" headtubes and these really did have a habit of falling off under stress. So maybe mud stuck to some manufacturers early.

Yes but cannondale's most commonly failed at the seat clamp area or head tubes wallowed out.

 

[SeeingisBelievingGTMuseum]

I would say GT for the quantity of aluminum frame bikes out there probably has a lower failure rate percentage than most brands that made/sold aluminum frames. I think in the early years they had the engineering specs where they needed to be to insure the product was sound. I also know that their heat treating was better than most other brands. The later years especially 97-8 there seem to be more failures on the higher end stuff and for that I blame lighter tubing and mostly Easton. Other companies like Manitou that used lighter Easton tube sets from that 95-97 time period are also known for having had high failure rates. Cracks in BB's and the bottom sides of chainstays are not due to bad manufacturing or materials but abuses from poor landings and smashing the frame on rocks and trees.....come on guys admit it!

 

[mikee]

most of the damage i've seen over the years on GT's is in the b/b shell
lts's were the worst for this but a few hard tails too
mostly from the threading inside the shell
do agree with the easton comment tho ,the kinesis ones seem stronger

they are still a lot better than most tho

 

[SeeingisBelievingGTMuseum]

If I recall correctly GT entered the alu. frame game as 1 1/8" headsets started to prevail. Brands like Cannomndale, who have a very bad reputation for frame failures, were making their frames with 1" headtubes and these really did have a habit of falling off under stress. So maybe mud stuck to some manufacturers early.

Yes but cannondale's most commonly failed at the seat clamp area or head tubes wallowed out.

 

[fingers]

Well I hope my USA built GTs dont crack!! BITD they were always regarded as overbuilt and tough frames, but I suppose any frame will give up at some point if you abuse them (except old steel frames, which live forever).

Look on fleabay, there are usually cracked/dented/bent Intense m1/m3 etc frames on there, and theyre supposed to be proper tough!

 

[GoldenEraMTB]

I would say GT for the quantity of aluminum frame bikes out there probably has a lower failure rate percentage than most brands that made/sold aluminum frames. I think in the early years they had the engineering specs where they needed to be to insure the product was sound. I also know that their heat treating was better than most other brands. The later years especially 97-8 there seem to be more failures on the higher end stuff and for that I blame lighter tubing and mostly Easton. Other companies like Manitou that used lighter Easton tube sets from that 95-97 time period are also known for having had high failure rates. Cracks in BB's and the bottom sides of chainstays are not due to bad manufacturing or materials but abuses from poor landings and smashing the frame on rocks and trees.....come on guys admit it!

forgive me if I think you have a bit of bias

I've always found my aluminum, (m2, so metal matrix aluminum), to be durable. Just sold a bunch of old M2 frames after heavy use, and all still had life left in them.

in the end, it's aluminum, and will crack.

Steel is real....woooooooo :twisted:

 

[SeeingisBelievingGTMuseum]

I would say GT for the quantity of aluminum frame bikes out there probably has a lower failure rate percentage than most brands that made/sold aluminum frames. I think in the early years they had the engineering specs where they needed to be to insure the product was sound. I also know that their heat treating was better than most other brands. The later years especially 97-8 there seem to be more failures on the higher end stuff and for that I blame lighter tubing and mostly Easton. Other companies like Manitou that used lighter Easton tube sets from that 95-97 time period are also known for having had high failure rates. Cracks in BB's and the bottom sides of chainstays are not due to bad manufacturing or materials but abuses from poor landings and smashing the frame on rocks and trees.....come on guys admit it!

forgive me if I think you have a bit of bias

I've always found my aluminum, (m2, so metal matrix aluminum), to be durable. Just sold a bunch of old M2 frames after heavy use, and all still had life left in them.

in the end, it's aluminum, and will crack.

Steel is real....woooooooo :twisted:

Forgive me back...but in the end all materials have proven they will crack or fail. Aluminum, Carbon, Ti and yes even steel. Again I'll say that crashing, flying and bashing are what shortens the frame life.

 

[Russell]

in the end, it's steel, and will rust.

 

[RTSclassic]

But with Steel it will give you a chance to get off before it dumps you on your face, aluminimium and the like tends to be a less graceful experience

 

[fingers]

My M2 stumpy cracked through the top tube, thankfully didnt let go completely...

Hoping my GTs aren't easton alloy then...