Frame Break at Dropout Then Bottom Bracket

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Kona "Jake The Snake" mid-1990's(?) frame failed at right rear dropout between removable hangar and weld; repaired. After about 18 months and unkown further distance, failed at seat tube/down tube/bottom bracket.

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Dropout failure noticed while riding up a hill and the bike felt suddenly "floppy", as if suspension had been added suddenly. Dropout was welded (non-factory repair; aluminum frame, was not heat treated) and riding continued. Bottom bracket area failure noticed when again the bike felt "floppy".

Note the dropout failure is in thick material, between the replaceable dropout and the weld's likely heat-affected zone (HAZ).

Note the bottom bracket failure includes an area along the edge of the seat tube weld, discolration along the weld suggests the failure started at the juncture of the seat tube and down tube welds.

The bicycle raced 6 seasons then sold and used for daily commuting about 6,000-7,000 km and 50 km vertical, including some standing climbing. First rider's weight unknown. Second rider plus gear weight about 90 kgf.


See also FAIL-115.html.