What will probably break first?

[RodTi]

So here's something to pontificate on - with no way of confirming either way(?) which answer is correct or more likely...

 

 

On the assumption that my (by now) 2/3 year old KCNC Scandium stem and bar needs replacing - since with their reputation being what they are, they're likely to snap at some point in the not-too-distant future - which one would in all likelihood go first?

 

1.) The stem - since the pressure on the handelbar in acting as a lever/leverage against the stem, would probably result in catastrophic failure at the stem's bolt-holes [old Hubbers - you remember that pic on the forum some years back, taken of one of our Hubber's dad's racing bike KCNC stem - was it Spinnekop(???)]

 

2.) The bar - since all that leverage pressure would presumably see a catastrophic failure near the stem - possibly even in the 'oversized' part of the bar?

 

Cast your votes!

 

Fanks B)

[Tankman]

for your sake I hope neither breaks! I wont wish that on anyone so I wont be voting.

 

Why dont you do a couple a experimental stress test on them while stationary, until they break, then you can go and buy new ones. (let me know if you need some ideas

 

We know you want to ... and take photos

[RodTi]

for your sake I hope neither breaks! I wont wish that on anyone so I wont be voting.

 

Why dont you do a couple a experimental stress test on them while stationary, until they break, then you can go and buy new ones. (let me know if you need some ideas

 

We know you want to ... and take photos

 

Aaahhhh.

 

This might explain why voting is going rather slow.

Alternatively - maybe no-one gives a continental B)

 

Tankman - vote - go on, I know you want to!

Don't worry about jinxing me - will be looking at replacing them shortly.

Or rather - selling them on the Hub WITH A HUGE WARNING SIGN AND REFERRAL TO THIS THREAD!

 

See my cunning plan now, M'lord?

[Capricorn]

i would say the bar as there has been a case on this forum where a dude's bars broke. big, interesting discussion around the failure.

in a nutshell, if your stem has a non smooth inner surface, and u the lazy type of rider that partially undoes the stem bolts to just barely get the bars turning, then the act of turning it will cause the rough edges on the inside of the stem which contacts the bars, to scour the bars. that scour point coupled with frequent loading of the bars during riding activities, can and will lead to premature failure of the bars.

[Lucky Luke.]

I've cracked 2 KCNC stems. Warranteed the first one (team issue, scandium), then just didn't bother with the second. I don't use their stems any more. Or the cranks - broke 2 sets of those. Brakes are still going strong though.

 

I also vaguely remember the posting about the guy's dad's bike with the major stem failure.

[THE BODY CENTRE]

(does bar imply handlebar?) if yes, then n=1 in this case: handlebar broke, stem in tact in all areas

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/26738-capetown-based-paint-job-giant/page__hl__paint+job__st__40

[LeTurbo]

Die Stem: " ... where the echoing cracks resound; From the parts where creaking weakens cut their trails into the girth"

[MariusL]

I've cracked 2 KCNC stems. Warranteed the first one (team issue, scandium), then just didn't bother with the second. I don't use their stems any more. Or the cranks - broke 2 sets of those. Brakes are still going strong though.

 

I also vaguely remember the posting about the guy's dad's bike with the major stem failure.

 

My KCNC brakes don't seem to brake to well... do you also find this (or am I just to used to the disk brakes on my mtb???)

[Tankman]

Don't worry about jinxing me

 

Not worried about jinxing you, I am worried about jinxing ME! What goes around comes around and all that feng shuei power balance crap!

[Lucky Luke.]

My KCNC brakes don't seem to brake to well... do you also find this (or am I just to used to the disk brakes on my mtb???)

 

They work well enough for me Marius, with good pads I can still lock up the back wheel. Better / new pads do make a big difference I find. I've been riding with them for 2 and a half years now.

[Bike Mob]

The stem will break on the face plate if you dont torque it correctly.

The bar will snap only if you swivel it while the stem is clamped quite firmly thus scoring the aluminium and creating a shear start.

[Master216]

I would replace both

[RodTi]

Die Stem: " ... where the echoing cracks resound; From the parts where creaking weakens cut their trails into the girth"

 

Oh touche!

[RodTi]

Not worried about jinxing you, I am worried about jinxing ME! What goes around comes around and all that feng shuei power balance crap!

 

Yes, it would appear karma has a sense of humour...

 

Just yesterday, stupid, stupid me, says to the wife: "You know, I haven't been spending that much money on the bike at all this last while..."

 

Today - up the usual route - and out of nowhere, chain starts slipping like crazy at the back...

 

Replaced the chain about 3 weeks ago - and despite warning from LBS - all went smoothly.

Was convinced I had dodged the proverbial bullet...

 

Appears not.

 

Whilst I'm still scratching my head as to how things went from "all ok" to cassette break-dancing in the space of a day - I guess I am overdue on a replacement at the back - so cannot really complain...

 

Holding serious thumbs no blades need to be switched...

[Guest Frail4Life]

Ala Bar Scud. On the 99ER at the Finish!

 

 

[TomvdP]

eh, you guys have me worried now... I have had a KCNC Fly Ride Stem on my MTB for a while that has been creaking, the bolts also loosen themselves, not to mention the gap where between the stem tightnening section where it tightens around the steerer seems to be smaller than ever (implying that the aluminium has maybe deformed slightly). I have long suspected it might fail but assumed that there must be huge safety factors on these things.