Broken Horst Link on Specialized

[pierremerv]

Hi there. Just been for a couple of laps on the Cascades XC world cup track and having a blast. Now I'm home, washed the bike and find that the horst link is broken straight through the middle on the weld. Now it's a Specialized FSR XC Expert. Would anyone know if you can buy just that part before I start phoning up bike shops or should I just get hold of my insurance company and try get paid out for the bike. I could also try weld it but I don't think it will be as strong as what it's meant to be. I really like the bike. Suggestions or anyone had experience with buying frame/suspension parts like this for a Specialized. Thanks

[Tiny K]

Factory fault - should be replaced by the manufacturer / distributor (if it is still new). Looks like it broke on the weld so it was a K@K weld (or if the bike is older, it's fatigue ). Hope you come right man . It's not a great feeling when you find stuff breaking on your bike

[pierremerv]

Forgot to mention that it's a 2008 model but it should not happen. I'm also a light guy, 70kg so not that I'm over stressing the thing. Oh well, will see what I can do.

[Weight Weenie]

Dunno how they make these links but why would they weld it there in the middle, that obviously creates a weak point for it to break ?

[Mecnic]

The warrentee is usually 5 years so its a claim for sure.

 

Contact the bike shop where you bought it and have them process a claim.

[Wyatt Earp]

That's not the Horst Link.

It's a rocker plate.

[Big H*]

Forgot to mention that it's a 2008 model but it should not happen. I'm also a light guy, 70kg so not that I'm over stressing the thing. Oh well, will see what I can do.

 

If you are the original owner and you have your paperwork contact your LBS

[Headshot]

Like Dangle said. The Horst link is the extra pivot in each chainstay just before the rear dropout that allows the rear axle to follow a straighter up and down path than a mono pivot bike.

 

The long term solution - buy a monopivot like a morewood Zula or SC Superlight - nearly nothing to fail or service and they soak bumps nearly as well:)