Broken chain stay

[mpj66]

Has anyone had this happen? I went biking today and after a mile or so had heavy rear wheel vibration, and felt like the mudguard was rubbing on the wheel. On closer inspection the chain stay had broken in two just before the weld of the joint, where it connects with the rear derailleur. I tried to source a spare today but no luck. So does this mean the bike is now a throwaway except for parts?!

 

[si_c]

Happened to me on a previous bike - I've kept the frame as it's steel and I can get a new chainstay welded in to replace the existing one.

Unfortunately your's is alloy, so it's pretty much new frame time, the parts can be transferred over though.

 

[I like Skol]

It's a full suspension MTB so theoretically the lower stays are replaceable. However, it isn't an expensive bike (bolted axle, 7spd freewheel, Tourney rear mech) so availability of the section you need may be near impossible and the value of making the repair is questionable.
Probably just have to accept that it is time to move on and change frame or bike.
If you don't need the rear suspension then you might find a hard tail frame second hand that would do the job if you are prepared to do the swap over work yourself. Don't expect this to necessarily be cheaper than buying a replacement bike.

 

[Kempstonian]

Plenty of used frames on Ebay but most require collecting, which can work out cheaper if there's one near you.

 

[andrew_s]

I've had it happen 3 times (not the tubing, but the dropout side of the join).
The frame (steel audax) had a lifetime guarantee, so I sent it back to be mended. It's on its 3rd different type of dropout now
I don't trust it much any more, so it only gets local use now.

I don't remember any noise or vibration, just dodgy handling due to the rear wheel steering as the seatstay flexed. Longest ride home after the break was about 20 miles.

 

[oldworld]

As others have said, get something else and save any useful parts.
Are you a heavy rider?
I've heard alluminium frames can break with little warning due to metal fatigue. I ride an alluminium frame and regularly check the frame for cracks. So far (100000 km) it's Ok but I'm expecting it will fail sometime.
When it does I'll have to decide on Alluminium or steel for a replacement.

 

[BrumJim]

I didn't notice this until I got home and looked at the frame. To be fair to me, the stay only moved to that angle when I took the back wheel off.

 

[cougie uk]

Is the other stay cracked too or is that just dirt ?

 

[BrumJim]

Is the other stay cracked too or is that just dirt ?

Yup. That one was about 2/3 - 3/4 cracked through.

 

[C R]

Yup. That one was about 2/3 - 3/4 cracked through.

How old was the frame?

 

[BrumJim]

How old was the frame?

Second hand. Found it in a garage of a house I was renting, along with an abandoned Ford Escort with dented roof. So not clear on the age or history of it. I used it for many years and rides before this happened, although nothing like the mileage I put on my bike these days.

 

[matticus]

That's worrying - I'd get the Escort checked out thoroughly if I were you

 

[MichaelW2]

What is the make and model of the frame? What us the warranty on the frame?

The break is where a thin aluminium tube meets a lump of solid aluminium casting, creating a concentration of force or stress raiser.

If you can find a similar rear triangle from another frame you can replace it but this is not really worthwhile for low end frames.

Can it be repaired with epoxy and fibre glass tape? Probably, if funds are tight, replacements hard to source and this is being used for easy riding. Many such temporary repairs last for years.

 

[Milkfloat]

I would be checking out the warranty and if that has passed using the Consumer Rights Act (fit for purpose). The bike does not look that old at all.

 

[iluvmybike]

I would be checking out the warranty and if that has passed using the Consumer Rights Act (fit for purpose). The bike does not look that old at all.

You are having a giraffe!