Frame welding

robthehungrymonkey

I recently took my Kona Sutra touring bike in for a warranty repair. The rack mount had snapped off (tbh, the frame isn't very well designed to accommodate discs). However, despite there not being much weight at all on the rack at the time and Kona already repairing the opposite side, they have told me that they cannot repair it under warranty as "there is no way to verify the weight on the rack at the time".

I'm a bit annoyed by this, but anyway... If I was to get the rack eyelet welded back on myself, where should I go? To a frame builder? Or can I get someone that weld commercially?

Monty Dog

Sounds like a bit of bull on behalf of your LBS/Kona - a properly designed rack mount should be designed to take 30kg or so, otherwise what's the point of having rack mounts? The frame is steel, so if you take it to a frame builder, they should be able to braze-on some suitable fittings. Alternatively, Argos in Bristol will do frame mods - prices on their website. Don't forget that this will involve local damage to your paintwork, so factor in a touch-up or a DIY job.

robthehungrymonkey

Monty Dog wrote:

Sounds like a bit of bull on behalf of your LBS/Kona - a properly designed rack mount should be designed to take 30kg or so, otherwise what's the point of having rack mounts? The frame is steel, so if you take it to a frame builder, they should be able to braze-on some suitable fittings. Alternatively, Argos in Bristol will do frame mods - prices on their website. Don't forget that this will involve local damage to your paintwork, so factor in a touch-up or a DIY job.

Cheers Monty, It's particularly annoying, as Kona had previously repaired the other side without any issues. It's a badly designed frame around there tbh, it uses spacers on the rack mount, to accommodate the rear disc calliper. Stupid design, and they changed it the following year. At the time I was buying it to ride to Morocco and it was the best option within budget (it's actually a brilliant bike apart from that one aspect).

Apparently, Kona have a new UK distributor since the last repair who are a "much bigger" company. It is them that have the final say.

Anyone know any frame builders in the West Midlands???

woolwich

You could try Lee Cooper in Coventry.
http://leecoopercycles.webs.com/