Aluminum frame welding

[AnnaMTB]

Good day 

I need help to get an aluminum frame fixed. Any one that can help or recommend a workshop please.

Centurion area.

[Alouette3]

Eish another Anthem bites the dust. I'm assuming you not the original owner?

[DJR]

Throw that frame away, it cannot be repaired to the required strength and relied on to not break again. It's a safety issue for me. The weld will hold but it will crack next to it because the frame cannot be heat treated again afterwards to harden and strengthen the aluminium. It broke in that particular spot because of repeated flexing resulting in metal fatigue. From the picture it appears that you have an extremely long seat post. That will increase the leverage greatly and is probably a contributing factor to the crack. How much of your seat post is still in the frame? Some Anthems (some years) were very prone to crack in that place, but your model, with the larger diameter top tube - seat tube join was not one of those. B.t.w. what year model is that? Buy a second hand frame from the classifieds and transfer your components to it. (My 2c for what it is worth.)

[Dubbin]

Im afraid DJR is right. Best option is to replace the frame. If you have to make do with what you have, you can pm Ampandy (hub's resident ali guru) for his opinion. Not sure if it is possible to heat-treat the whole frame aftermarket to get the temper right. I know they can fix the chain stay's. 

[DJR]

I know there are people who can weld an aluminium frame and I admire them. But my reasoning is that it broke for a reason, welding it does not solve that reason......and then you ride a known weakness. If you are lucky enough to walk away unscathed after a frame fracture like that, count yourself lucky and don't tempt fate when you are bombing down the trails the next time. I just think I have exhausted my guardian angels quite enough already.

[Dubbin]

I know there are people who can weld an aluminium frame and I admire them. But my reasoning is that it broke for a reason, welding it does not solve that reason......and then you ride a known weakness. If you are lucky enough to walk away unscathed after a frame fracture like that, count yourself lucky and don't tempt fate when you are bombing down the trails the next time. I just think I have exhausted my guardian angels quite enough already.

I agree 100%. Was just trying to give more options in case a new R 20 k? frame replacement was not viable. In replacing the frame I would suggest looking at a larger frame. As DJR noted that seatpost looks like it is extended to the max, which is the most common cause of cracks in that area. Rather play it safe.

[rickus grobled]

All anthem frames have a lifetime waranty on the frames if you're the original owner?

[Rocket-Boy]

Is that how far out your seatpost normally is?

If so then your frame is too small for you and the extra leverage will be the reason the frame cracked there.

[DJR]

All anthem frames have a lifetime waranty on the frames if you're the original owner?

Correct. For the original owner, with proof of purchase. Dragons Sports will replace it pronto.