Broken Axle

[Newbie321]

Hi

 

So I bought a Silverback Stride 29 hd a couple of months ago and over the course of 4 months +-70 km's seem to have broken the rear axle. So I know this bike is entry level and wont last all that long when pushed hard but I'm just trying to get a second opinion. The bike shop said that I should probably buy a better spec'd bike.

 

Is it really possible to destroy an axle in such few km's or was I just unlucky? Is it a common point of failure and would upgrading make a significant difference?

 

The trail closest to me has a fairly rough section of about 1-2 km's with lots of rocks that makes for a bumpy ride but I find it difficult to believe after such a low amount of km's components would start failing. Any advice/experience with components failure would be appreciated.

 

 

[Skylark]

It's a bit extreme to advocate replacing the bike when just the axle is broken?!

 

By broken axle what exactly do you mean, the hub bearings are worn out, Qr snapped, the hub body cracked?

[bikebloke]

so clarify when you say you bought the bike ... do you mean new or second hand ? 

a few months ago - is that 3 or 6 or 10 months ago?

did you buy it from a bike shop/ retailer ?

 

If it was a new bike the opinion you should be getting is from the retailer / or silverback themselves as to wether the part was defective and may be covered by some type of warrenty .

 

if the bike was second hand then who knows what has gone on with the rear wheel and you will have to spring the cash to have it repaired( it can probably be fixed and not replaced ) ...thats life .

[PhilipV]

If it's a quick release axle with cup and cone bearings, then replacing the axle is easy and cheap enough. Replace it and ride again.

If it is a reoccurring event, then either the wheelbase underspecced and a stronger back wheel is a good idea, or you need to learn to ride less like a Neanderthal and more like a fairy.

My bet is on it being an unfortunate event, and a new axle will take you far.

[FirstV8]

More detail as asked . 

[DJR]

 

Where are you based? If you don't know much about bike mechanicals, then I agree that a TRUSTWORTHY 2nd opinion is a good idea. Perhaps someone can recommend a good mechanic near you or perhaps a fellow Hubber can have a look?

 

But if you bought it new from a shop, then take it back and insist that they deal with it. 

 

In my experience, axles don't break easily. Often people call anything that goes wrong with the hub of a wheel a "broken axle" but it could be a whole number of other things. Broken skewer from over tightening? Broken bearing? Broken freehub? 

[Newbie321]

Hi

 

Thanks for the replies. It's a brand new bike bought it in Aug/Sept. Its a QR, the skewer was bend and the axle was either broken or bent beyond repair. When putting load through the rear axle the wheel would rub against the left chain stay. They said they would replace the axle, the quote was reasonable +- R200. They said they would call if there are any other problems.

 

The upgraded bike idea was just floated as they said my riding is to extreme for what the bike was spec'd at and should perhaps consider buying a better bike. But I'm not there yet for various reasons. 

 

I'll see how long the replacement axle lasts and go a bit easier over the big bumps

[King_Crispy]

Are you a "heavy" rider? That could also play a big role.

Especially if your skill level isn't high.

Too many factors at play

[Newbie321]

Chubby no, but I'm a fairly big guy otherwise. I understand components aren't indestructible just trying to gauge whether this is a common problem but from the sounds of it not. Will see how the new one lasts and update.

[bikebloke]

Hi

 

Thanks for the replies. It's a brand new bike bought it in Aug/Sept. Its a QR, the skewer was bend and the axle was either broken or bent beyond repair. When putting load through the rear axle the wheel would rub against the left chain stay. They said they would replace the axle, the quote was reasonable +- R200. They said they would call if there are any other problems.

 

The upgraded bike idea was just floated as they said my riding is to extreme for what the bike was spec'd at and should perhaps consider buying a better bike. But I'm not there yet for various reasons. 

 

I'll see how long the replacement axle lasts and go a bit easier over the big bumps

 

its possible that at some point you where riding with a loose QR -( could be other reasons )

 

ask the mech at the shop to show you how to test that your QR is tight or too loose if you not sure how tight to do them up and check them periodically if you rough ride  .

 

and try not to break your neck ....or the bike(again)