Can this be repaired?

[Vetseun]

As I stopped at our front gate after my ride this morning I suddenly heard a loud crack sound from my bikes frame. I discovered that the rear chainstay / swingarm has snapped off.

The bike is a FELT Edict 29er dual.

 

Now my three questions:

 

1) Can an engineering works that specialises in aluminium welding be able to repair/ weld?

 

2) Warantee claim? Problem is that the bike was brought from the USA. It was a gift, thus no proof of payment.

 

3) Will I be able to purchase the swing arm from local Felt suppliers and who sells this brand in SA?

 

Shot

[LOUDMAC]

Felt have left SA. Possibly try contact Felt on their www. Possibly buy new arm. Or lbs could source for you. Don't weld, I did with my old Cannondalde, kept breaking.

[Active Monkey]

I know cajees had these for the scott bikes so sure they can help with the felt .. Give em a shout

[BarHugger]

Ouch......and biting my fingers to not make a smart ass comment.

 

Alu welding will work.....problem is finding someone that can do it properly. Maybe have a look at the guys building off-road aluminium trailers.

 

Hope you get sorted

[corrie.kuilder]

My personal opinion,rather replace the swing arm if possible,because the following scenarios may come to play

-That may be a weakpoint on your frame if repaired,and may possibly break again,and you may get injured.

-You may always doubt the integrity of the repair,and instead of concentrating fully on technique and trail,the repaired area will always be on your mind,thus holding you back.

[Lourens van As]

As jy nie regkom met n nuwe swingarm of iets nie.Ek het laas jaar Junie by Fabrinox in die Paarl gewerk, dis 'n ent vanaf die Vrystaat, maar die ouens wat daar werk kan baie goed sweis. En ek weet in my tyd daar het die een ou baie met aliminium gewerk so hulle is baie goed. So ek dink dit kan geen skade maak om te bel en uit te vind of hulle vir jou kan help nie.

[Vetseun]

As jy nie regkom met n nuwe swingarm of iets nie.Ek het laas jaar Junie by Fabrinox in die Paarl gewerk, dis 'n ent vanaf die Vrystaat, maar die ouens wat daar werk kan baie goed sweis. En ek weet in my tyd daar het die een ou baie met aliminium gewerk so hulle is baie goed. So ek dink dit kan geen skade maak om te bel en uit te vind of hulle vir jou kan help nie.

Thanks, waardeer

[porqui]

A GOOD welder can fix that and stronger than before.

 

Problem is finding that welder.

[Andrew64]

If you can get it to Jhb I have an"old school aircraft welder" that I use, he can work magic

[DJR]

Controversial I know - aluminium bike frames cannot be successfully welded once they break. That is because the frame is welded and then heat treated afterwards to make it harder, stiffer and stronger. If you weld it, the area around the weld lose its heat hardening and will then be weaker and break again. Many have tried and you can Google to find some prophets of aluminium repair, but I don't think they preach a mainstream gospel.

 

Best to replace i.m.h.o.

[Vetseun]

Is there no cycle shop in SA that sells Felt Mountain Bikes?

[Vetseun]

Controversial I know - aluminium bike frames cannot be successfully welded once they break. That is because the frame is welded and then heat treated afterwards to make it harder, stiffer and stronger. If you weld it, the area around the weld lose its heat hardening and will then be weaker and break again. Many have tried and you can Google to find some prophets of aluminium repair, but I don't think they preach a mainstream gospel.

 

Best to replace i.m.h.o.

Agreed, after consulting google. The big question is who is going to be able to assist me in locating this part in SA?

[slowashell]

Try Danie at VIP Engineering, 17 Berg Street in Hilton, Bloemfontein. He did work on my car a few weeks back. He mentioned at the time that he had done work on bikes.They do aluminium welding.

 

Nothing to lose.

 

0825632257

0514306121

[Berry]

Vetseun daar is baie mense wat dit kan weld gaan dit hou? Die antwoord is nee. Kyk of jy nie iemand kan kry wat daai swingarm oorbou nie.

[Vetseun]

Try Danie at VIP Engineering, 17 Berg Street in Hilton, Bloemfontein. He did work on my car a few weeks back. He mentioned at the time that he had done work on bikes.They do aluminium welding.

 

Nothing to lose.

 

0825632257

0514306121

Thanks

[gummibear]

A GOOD welder can fix that and stronger than before.

 

Problem is finding that welder.

 

Alu frames are heat treated.

Will the frame not break in the same area again?