My frame has cracked! Devastated...

[Funtboy]

My frame has cracked along one of the bottom bits either side of the back wheel. It is a clean break. The bike is a light commuter, a Gary Fisher...
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gary-fisher/mendota-2008-hybrid-bike-ec000623?style=71140

I got it second-hand about four years ago. I have riden it in London all of that time, to and from work. It is pot-holie and despite my best efforts, I have occasionally caught one or two in the dark. I heard a few funny noises today and as I was near work, I heard a small crack and then my back end went a bit wobbly. I got off, looked down and my heart sank.

Dunno what to do; I love that bike!

What do you think my options are, oh wise ones?

 

[Funtboy]

It is an aluminium frame...

 

[MattHB]

house insurance accidental damage claim?

 

[MacB]

pick up a cheap frame and transfer the parts

 

[ohnovino]

Gary Fisher are part of Trek, who (I think) offer 10 year guarantees on all their alu frames. I'd try getting in touch with them and seeing what they say.

Edit: Sorry, I've just checked and the warranty is only for the original owners

 

[Funtboy]

Cheers Ohnovino and thanks for the sympathetic smilie. That's what I suspected.

Oh well, any recommendations for picking up a similar but affordable frame? I could google but some tips would be great.

Oh, and ...

 

[Funtboy]

Oh, and I'll check my insurance. Good idea...

 

[Funtboy]

What about this...?

http://www.cotic.co.uk/product/roadrat

Cheers...

 

[mickle]

What about this...?

http://www.cotic.co.uk/product/roadrat

Yes.

 

[Psyclist]

What about this...?

http://www.cotic.co.uk/product/roadrat

Cheers...

Are you chucking the gears then, as that's a single speed frame.

 

[Funtboy]

Are you chucking the gears then, as that's a single speed frame.

Bugger. I was going to yes. Didn't spot that.

 

[Funtboy]

Hang on a minute, it says.."Cotic Dogsbody dropouts cover all the bases. You want gears and racks for touring? No problem. Singlespeed or fixed for commuting? We've got that too..."

Does this mean I can have gears?

 

[Psyclist]

Hang on a minute, it says.."Cotic Dogsbody dropouts cover all the bases. You want gears and racks for touring? No problem. Singlespeed or fixed for commuting? We've got that too..."

Does this mean I can have gears?

Yes it does, my mistake.

 

[simon.r]

I don't want to be negative, but be aware that swapping bits from one frame to another can be less straightforward than it seems. Bits that may or may not be a straight swap:

Seatpost
Seatclamp
Headset
Stem
Bottom Bracket
Front Mech

Even, in some cases, the rear wheel (different OLDs), though you should be able to bodge this if necessary.

Bits like cables and grips can be swapped, but the the new frame may needs cables that are just a bit longer, the grips may split when removed...etc. etc.

It's surprising how much 'a few little bits' can add up to!

Also depending on how much maintenance and replacement of bits you've done in the last 4 years, some of the major components must be close to worn-out? Parts like hub bearings and drivetrains don't last forever!

Like I say, I really don't want to be negative, but don't go into a project like this thinking that the only cost will be the new frame.

BTW, I had a Cotic MTB some years ago and it was lovely - their Roadrat looks good IMO, saw one for the first time in the flesh the other day.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Cheers Ohnovino and thanks for the sympathetic smilie. That's what I suspected....

You could claim you are the original owner and you've lost your paperwork. They can tell the date of manuacture from the serial number. Just an idea, I'm making no comment on the chance of success or the morality of it, just throwing it out there