[1spd1way]

Just got an Intense Taser given to me. The former owner says the bottom bracket threads are "messed up. Oh yeah, there's a crack near the seat post area."
I haven't removed the bottom bracket yet to check it out yet.
So, junk the frame, save the shock, or is there a repair out there somewhere?

 

[1spd1way]

Coeerction

It's a Tracer, not Taser.

 

[Walt]

Find us a picture!

Hard to say without seeing the crack. Leave the BB in the frame and find a crank that's compatible, since it's there, and you might not be able to get another one in.

My guess is that you can find someone to do a small repair (if the crack isn't too bad). If it's not in an area that's going to cause the whole frame to fail catastrophically, just ride it until it's dead and keep an eye on it.

-Walt

 

[1spd1way]

Thanks, Walt

For getting back to me so quickly..
The crack is on the seat mast where the seat tube connects to the mast. It appears the former owner should have had a larger frame size. I will try to get some pics tonite or tomorrow. I live in a mill/Industrial area and have many machine shops and welding talent near me. If the crack can be repaired, I may tapinto this source.
With the bottom bracket, I agree with you.. Without any repair sleeves or retapping available, "ride it till it dies" maybe the only solution.

This leads my "pea-brain thinking". Too bad there wasn't a threaded sleeve that could be epoxied into a bottom bracket that has been "bored out" after damage such as this.

 

[velomatt]

I hate to tell you this but having an aluminum frame "crack" repaired is not a good idea.

I had a Klein frame "worked" on to fill some of the internal cable holes to make it cleaner looking as a single-speed.
The guy who did it simply "miged" some of the holes around the BB area and downtube.
Within a few months the down tube started to crack.
Once you heat aluminum up to a certain temperature the metal becomes brittle and it MUST be heat treated/ re-heat treated. (tempered)
Unfortunately I did not know this.
Neither did the welder ?
Not sure but he gave me a big pat on the back and said "sorry".
I hope some one with more of an metallurgical understanding can dispel my statements and/or beliefs .

Since then I have stayed away from aluminum.

YMMV,
matty-b

 

[MMcG]

I think that was a common area for frame crack-age issues with Intense Tracers.

 

[j e SS e]

It could be done, but it shouldn't be. I absolutely wouldn't ride a repaired aluminum frame.

How 'bout riding around on repaired aluminum rims, stems or handlebars?

 

[ashes_mtb]

Aluminium bikes can be successfully repaired if you can find someone who knows what they're doing.

Gripsport www.gripsport.com.au for example is an Australian company that specialises in bike repairs. They offer a warranty with their work and have had very few issues with their repairs. Their approach is to work out why the frame cracked in the first place (usually a design fault) and engineer a solution that makes the frame stronger than original.

 

[1spd1way]

Thanks all for

The info. I e-mailed Gripsport and they got back to me very quickly.
After all the info, I have put this project on hold for a bit. Gripsport is the way I'll go when it's time to build.
I need (yes, I said NEED!) to put together a Snowbike. If I can only convince Surly to make 24in Endos!

 

[Treybiker]

Dumb question here. Could that be submitted for warranty???

 

[1spd1way]

Don't know..

I didn't think of it really. The bike is four years old and has had a good Life. I don't know/remember the lenght of their warrenty. You know,... I have a family member that works for L.L.Beans. She sees and hears the most outlandish stories from people that abuse the "lifetime warrenty". It really turns my stomach. I have decided that if a product has withstood the test of time and delivered good service than thats enough. Brag about it to all who asks and move on.
Niave..maybe. Honest... I hope so. Good Karma..priceless:thumbsup: