Bike problem

[Ben]

I've snapped the clamp which holds the front mech in place. Unfortunately for me the clamp is rivet mounted to a carbon tube. Though wiggle is cheap, there customer service is all done by via e-mail.

In the meantime, as I need to use the bike and to get it fixed quickly, by someone, some how, any ideas ?

[Jon H]

Just take the front mech off, leave the chain on the big ring, and don't go anywhere too hilly.

Grahame and Marco will be along with some zip-ties and gaffa-tape in a minute.

[Alex S]

[quote]Just take the front mech off, leave the chain on the big ring, and don't go anywhere too hilly.

[Jon H]

Oh yeah, good point Alex.
I was forgetting that single chainring setups usually use a special chainring with long pointy teeth to keep the chain on.

If it can't be repaired, check the diameter of the seat tube. If it's a standard size (31.8 or 34.9mm) you may be able to file off what's left of the bracket so it's smooth with tube, then fit a normal front mech clamp around the tube and re-fit the front mech. Probably wouldn't be recommended by the manufacturer or a bike shop due to the issue of clamping around a carbon frame, but might be worth a go if the alternative is scrapping the frame.

[Alex S]

I have one of these you can borrow untill you get a front mech

http://media.rei.com/media/670913Lrg.jpg

[Ben]

Front mech got eaten by the chainset, which lead to the clamp breaking. I'm getting used to using my hand to change between the two. I was thinking that i'm going to have to drill out the rivets or try and hacksaw through the remaining part of the clamp. Then fit a standard clamp around the seat tube. Though DIY skills aren't my strong point.

[Alex S]

if it gets to that, try and hacksaw what you can instead of drilling.

Before it cuts all the way through the clamp try sticking a flathead screwdriver in the groove you made with the hacksaw and try to snap the clamp so you dont accidentally cut your frame with the hacksaw ;D

[Andrew G]

I'm not going to mention plastic frames . Will it make you clean you bike occasionally in the future?
Good luck sounds dodgy, might be worth giving GBs a call to see what they'd charge to sort it all out for you and get a bit of piece of mind.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Get hold of an angle grinder - that'll shift what's left of the clamp (and your seat tube):wink:

Guru P

PS, I have used clamps around a carbon tube and not had any problems.

[John the old'un]

Should be simple.
Use a small drill bit, slightly larger than the diameter of the rivet head; drill the head off the rivet. (The frame will still be protected by the bracket)
The bracket will then be easy to remove.
Push the remainder of the rivet into the frame tube.
Next time you have the bottom bracket out remove the remnants of the rivets.
Job done.
Good luck.

[Ben]

There going to replace the frame for me "in the interest of customer service". So hat's off to them.

[Snoop Doug]

[quote="Ben"]There going to replace the frame for me "in the interest of customer service". So hat's off to them.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Still think you ought to have a go with the angle grinder before sending it back
Guru P

[Andrew G]

I'd clean it before sending it back. If they see the state it's in then they'll change their minds as it's not "normal wear and tear" .

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

[quote="Andrew G"]I'd clean it before sending it back. If they see the state it's in then they'll change their minds as it's not "normal wear and tear" .