Frame Repairs - Chain & Seat stays - Hardtails

  1. Unless it's an absolute last resort, we <B><I>always</I></B> prefer to repair a tube rather than replace it. This Cannondale seat stay (and the entire rear triangle of the frame) were bent in an accident. The repaired and repainted (black) frame shows what can be done.
    Unless it's an absolute last resort, we always prefer to repair a tube rather than replace it. This Cannondale seat stay (and the entire rear triangle of the frame) were bent in an accident. The repaired and repainted (black) frame shows what can be done.
  2. In many cases we can repair damage like this by straightening the seat or chain stay and realigning the rear triangle all without cutting into the frame, replacing anything or compromising structural integrity in any way.
    In many cases we can repair damage like this by straightening the seat or chain stay and realigning the rear triangle all without cutting into the frame, replacing anything or compromising structural integrity in any way.
  3. When a stay cracks or breaks down at the dropout area (very common) we always assess the damage to see whether or not we fit a small gusset as part of the repair. Doing this ties the whole dropout/seatstay/chainstay area together and greatly increases its stiffness and strength.
    When a stay cracks or breaks down at the dropout area (very common) we always assess the damage to see whether or not we fit a small gusset as part of the repair. Doing this ties the whole dropout/seatstay/chainstay area together and greatly increases its stiffness and strength.
  4. Examples of the gussets we fit when either seat or chain stays break in the dropout area.
    Examples of the gussets we fit when either seat or chain stays break in the dropout area.
  5. At the <b><i>top</i></b> of a chain stay, one method we use to repair breaks and cracks is a gusset like these. Yes they're tiny, but if it's designed to compliment the frame and overcome the particular issue that caused the break in the first place it makes a huge difference.
    At the top of a chain stay, one method we use to repair breaks and cracks is a gusset like these. Yes they're tiny, but if it's designed to compliment the frame and overcome the particular issue that caused the break in the first place it makes a huge difference.
  6. When the damage is at the front end of a chain stay, we use
    When the damage is at the front end of a chain stay, we use "horseshoe" gussets, which we developed especially for repairs to this area of a frame.
  7. Horseshoe gussets have to be made specifically for a particular problem on a particular frame and no two are ever the same. They are designed so that we can control things like weld direction and temperature so we achieve exactly the structural integrity required.
    Horseshoe gussets have to be made specifically for a particular problem on a particular frame and no two are ever the same. They are designed so that we can control things like weld direction and temperature so we achieve exactly the structural integrity required.
  8. Horseshoe gussets and this method of repair can be used on lugged steel & CrMo frames.
    Horseshoe gussets and this method of repair can be used on lugged steel & CrMo frames.
  9. Horseshoe gussets and this method of repair can be used on welded steel & CrMo frames.
    Horseshoe gussets and this method of repair can be used on welded steel & CrMo frames.
  10. Horseshoe gussets and this method of repair can be used on Aluminium frames.
    Horseshoe gussets and this method of repair can be used on Aluminium frames.
  11. Horseshoe gussets and this method of repair can be used on Titanium frames.
    Horseshoe gussets and this method of repair can be used on Titanium frames.
  12. We can repair, replace or reposition chain and seat stay bridges.
    We can repair, replace or reposition chain and seat stay bridges.
  13. Seat stay (hardtail) - bent & out of alignment.
    Seat stay (hardtail) - bent & out of alignment.