Possible frame crack below the frame where the seat post sits

[jonmat]

Hi Guys,

Have a look at 2021 H25, done just over 4,000 miles. Not had a serious prang, just minor falls off the bike at low speed. Please see the photo's and let me know what you think

 

[irie]

That does look like a structural crack, not just a paint 'crack'. Do not like the look of that tbh.

 

[jimbob]

Agreed, I'd say that's a pretty decent size crack that!

 

[Plummet]

Fubar.

Take it back for warrantee claim.

 

[Mikerb]

There is the joining of 2 sections at the point and that is a crack suggesting that joint is beginning to fail.

 

[jonmat]

As a first step, I've reported it to my supplier. Orbea frames have a life time guarantee, my bikes registered, so I will have to see how it goes. I'm still going to ride it

 

[jonmat]

So far no reply from my dealer. They have been good with some issues with a Bosch Gen 3 on a previous bike. I'll give them another day then try Orbea direct.

 

[steve_sordy]

I would not ride that bike. Just imagine what would happen to you if the crack sheared through on a rough downhill section.

 

[jonmat]

The dealer JE James in Sheffield is going to RMA the frame. If they don't have a hydro-aluminium frame in stock in the UK, they will upgrade it to carbon fibre.

 

[jonmat]

Orbea are not alone on this issue Search results for query: frame crack

 

[jbrown15]

The dealer JE James in Sheffield is going to RMA the frame. If they don't have a hydro-aluminium frame in stock in the UK, they will upgrade it to carbon fibre.

That's great news for you, the carbon frames have been pretty rock solid.

 

[Humanbeersponge]

Poor welding seems to be a theme in so many Alu frame failures.

 

[jimbob]

Poor welding seems to be a theme in so many Alu frame failures.

Not surprising as that's always going to be the weak point. There's not much to go wrong with a tube, and it can be repeatability manufactured (unlike carbon). The welds are not as repeatable if done by hand, and will always cause a change for the worse in the base metal making it less ductile, which then requires a specific heat treatment to mitigate. Lots of room for issues there in comparison with the rest of the frame.

 

[Mikerb]

Not surprising as that's always going to be the weak point. There's not much to go wrong with a tube, and it can be repeatability manufactured (unlike carbon). The welds are not as repeatable if done by hand, and will always cause a change for the worse in the base metal making it less ductile, which then requires a specific heat treatment to mitigate. Lots of room for issues there in comparison with the rest of the frame.

To be honest that whole area looks a mess to me. The welded joint is only a "bulge" at the bottom of the tube section with no proper weld visible..........meaning it has likely been machined down.........and yes, that weakens a joint. Otherwise a proper weld is not the weak point. The weak point is the tube just beyond the weld if it has not been properly heat managed or if the weld has undercut the wall of the tube at that point ( poor weld/too many amps).
Other than the a bove, the actual design and resultant stresses on a joint area can be to blame for failure.

 

[jonmat]

Update, I didn't get a carbon frame. I got a new aluminium one with new bushes and a new rear triangle. It took just over 2 weeks and I'm very pleased with the results. I do like the new colour, JE James in Sheffield and Orbea have been great to deal with.