Frame Repair Welding???? Help

[Josh Davimes]

Hi Everyone.

My 2017 Silverback Sido 1 bottom triangle recently broke in two places - one complete shear at a welding joint and another crack along a tube.

Desperately in need of an aluminium specialist welder to repair it if possible.

The part is discontinued at Silverback and I can't afford a new bike at this point.

Any suggestions or referrals please.

Based in Johannesburg.

Pictures below.

Thanks

[Longbarn Killer]

Not sure of the circumstances leading to the break, but perhaps you could consider an insurance claim. 

There is lots of discussion on the hub regarding the integrity of aluminum welding. 

 

[Ispeed_V]

I would suggest seeing if you cant just get a rear triangle?

Reach out on the Hub, you never know what could be lying around somewhere.

[Josh Davimes]

@Longbarn KillerThanks very much for the quick response. Basically I was not using my bike as an XC bike, but more an enduro/ trail bike and was going for bigger features than my suspension should handle. My own fault and too many casings.

Unfortunately, I did not have out and about insurance on the bike, only home content - so no chance there.

 

@FondTF2Good idea, will post something shortly. Thanks

 

I have seen a few posts out there for guys who do aluminium frame welding  (@Ampandy) - but have not been able to get a hold of them so far.

 

[Trashy]

I'm really sorry about your broken rear triangle.

I think it's highly unlikely you can get that repaired with much success. If it does get repaired, it will need to be gusseted at the points of failure and the rest of it will need to be inspected, as there are likely other points that have suffered fatigue.

IT WILL HAVE TO BE HEAT TREATED AFTER WELDING.

The other problem with repairing a swingarm, is that during the softened stage of heat treating, it will have to be straightened so that everything aligns properly. Without the manufacturer's jigs, this becomes a very difficult job.

Swingarms are more difficult to get straight than a front triangle.

I think you are better off sourcing another swingarm or frame.

Edited October 12, 2021 by Trashy
Spelling

[Me rida my bicycle]

The issue with welding is bicycle frames are not pure aluminum it's always some sort of "mix". We welded a frame of mine to see how it would hold up.

Where the weld broke is not an issue because there is enough material there to weld but the other crank the tube is so thin you have a good chance of just burning it away. 

[Josh Davimes]

@Trashyand @Me rida my bicycleThanks very much for the detailed and quick responses!

Yes, it seems it is not going to be worth the repair and most likely will not fit correctly and possibly break once again.

Thanks again for the input. Hopefully I can source the part from somebody...

If not, then a new bike....

So it goes.

Thanks and the help is much appreciated!

 

[RobertWhitehead]

Annette at cycledelic will be able to help

[Nico van Loggerenberg]

Another option is the potentially ugly and jerry rigged carbon fibre tube, there are some examples of this online - really depends on how safe you want to feel riding it and how good you want it to look.

[Josh Davimes]

@RobertWhiteheadThanks very much. Will definitely give them a shout.

 

@Nico van LoggerenbergThanks man, looking at all options available. Will check it out!

Cheers

[Martin PJ]

I would give it a go, there's a guy in Durban who does this. I have a mate who used him to weld an XL road frame into a medium. It worked OK. I can message you his details.

[Josh Davimes]

@Martin PJ yes please. Can you PM his details.
Thanks

[Vetseun]

Oke here in our township has a road side exhaust repair shop.

He will weld it for you for 6 black ladels and a streetwise 2

[dasilvarsa]

http://www.smartcoprojects.co.za/

 

[Steady Spin]

I might have missed this but is there no warranty left on the frame? 

[Josh Davimes]

Howzit again. 

So I managed to get a 2nd hand bottom triangle from cycle mobile in Pretoria ????????????????????????

No need for welding repair and all is well for now. 

Will most definitely upgrade my bike insurance going forward. 

Thanks so much for the quick responses and help everyone. 

Sorted ????