Flexbone on GT Marathon 1.0 help please

[GerrieTruter]

I have a GT Marathon 1.0, think its a 2008 model. Today on a leisurely ride I heard a pop and then had a noise coming from my crank/BB area. On closer inspection the GT Flexbone snapped.

 

Is there someone that can give me some information regarding the replacement of the GT Flexbone. Can I replace it with a rigid piece of metal or does the metal have to be flexible? Will it damage the pivot points on the frame if I use something else in the place of the Flexbone?

 

Anyone know where I can buy a replacement Flexbone in the Limpopo area. Closest real bikeshop is at least 65km from me and it isn't guaranteed that they will even stock something like that.

 

I will phone around on Monday as I got home after the shops in Polokwane would have closed so just looking for advise at the moment.

 

Attached is a photo of the item required and one with a similar failure as mine.

Edited June 21, 2014 by GerrieTruter

[droo]

Unlikely that a bike shop will keep stock, you'll have give them a shout on Monday and order...

[Diirty]

I always have one spare in the toolbox somewhere. I was told once before that it snaps when the shock is not "pumped" enough therefore resulting in stress on the bone. Think I have popped about three now. Very easy to replace and you should find them at any good lbs or GT dealer. Got a spare one from Cycle Lab Fourways before Sani this year cost about R190. My leason with this little piece is not to skimp on the bolts. Use the hardest you can get or better still the new ones that come with the new bone.

[GerrieTruter]

Thanks for the replies droo and Diirty.

 

I will phone CycleLab and Saloojees on Monday. I saw on Saloojees website that they are GT dealers. I will definitely buy at least one spare.