My beloved Trek Y frame has failed me...

[neil_cardiff]

Have been wondering what the knocking noise was, working through all the busehes trying to trace it and finally found out that one of the aluminium shock mounts that is bonded to the carbon frame has failed.

It seems that there was a few failures like this, and now my beloved Y frame is no more

Does anyone here know of anyone who specialises in boding techniques (i.e. any carbon spoiled manufacturers who bond the aluminum mounts to them) on PH?

If I can't get anything from Trek (going to try an old rep I know from Trek) then she will have to be repaired.

I'm so gutted...



Although I do have a replacement on its way which I'll get to show you soon... hmm carbon fibrery lightness...

[neil_cardiff]

Can I also point out for those who'll start pointing and groaning about carbon is crap etc etc, that this frame is 10 years old, and is in great condition - but has been ridden 'properly' since I've had her for the last six months...

I'm not disappointed - I suspect that the bonding technique was improved over time - and was never invisaged to last so long (even though they have a lifetime warranty...).

[egomeister]

Have you got any photos of the failure Neil? I'm sure I could find someone who can bond it back in for you.

[neil_cardiff]

egomeister said:

Have you got any photos of the failure Neil? I'm sure I could find someone who can bond it back in for you.

Well, I haven't yet, however I could later tonight.

Ultimately its not an ugly failure, it has simply de-bonded, and will just require the correct processing in order to repair it. I have read that they require a layer between the carbon and metal in order to stop a reaction (can't remember the name), and then the layers can be bonded back together.

I could probably get some factory technical specifications from Trek if your contact needed anything. Cash/Beer obviously waiting

[egomeister]

Send over as much info as you can and i'll forward it onto a friend of mine who has designed a carbon road bike. I would have though one of his suppliers could do something - there are plently of composite shops round here with it being the heart of motorsport!!

[neil_cardiff]

egomeister said:

Send over as much info as you can and i'll forward it onto a friend of mine who has designed a carbon road bike. I would have though one of his suppliers could do something - there are plently of composite shops round here with it being the heart of motorsport!!

[lotisi]

Hi Neil

I recently went on the West Epoxy training course. Rebonding the component you talk about should be very simple. Check out Wests website for details (www.westsystem.com)

[Selmer]

Hiya Neil, always a bugger when a frmae, certainly a favourite one, breaks somewhere.
Have you tried Pace of Pickering/Kirbymoorside?
The guy was into carbon long before many others from what I've heard.

[Trooper2]

When I was a technician at a major U.S. TREK dealer, they had repair kits available for us should anything come un-bonded. It shouldn't be too difficult to get it repaired.

[pdV6]

But looking hopeful from the replies above

[rico]

Try losing some weight fatty

[KUB3]

I very nearly bought the lovely Y frame trek when they were new, at around 3k back then. In the end I went for a hardtail trek with oclv frame. These days I stick to metal frames with big chunky welds, as I do a bit of jumping and rougher riding.

[neil_cardiff]

YAY!

Have just got off the phone to the very friendly chappie in Warranties at Trek, and after having explained the situation, and established my original links as an authorised Trek dealer all those years ago, he has arranged to get my frame repaired.

It is an easy job for them to do - and although not common it is not unheard of either.

They simply drill out the rivet that holds the shock mount on (which was all that was holding the bloody shock mount to the frame when I was riding ), clean the carbon surface up, rebond it, leave it to cure, and send it back.

Hey presto, one frame back in rude health

Here's to Trek

[neil_cardiff]

rico said:

Try losing some weight fatty

piss off you ebay crim...

[egomeister]

Excellent result Neil!!

I'd still be interested in seeing some shots of the failure if you have them, if only from engineering curiosity point of view!

[neil_cardiff]

egomeister said:

Excellent result Neil!!

I'd still be interested in seeing some shots of the failure if you have them, if only from engineering curiosity point of view!

They'll be up soon

[neil_cardiff]

Pics:

Basicly the mount has debonded from the carbon, and is only held in by the rivet...

[egomeister]

Interesting... I didn't realise the lug was actually bonded to the outside of the carbon skins rather than as an insert. As long as the rivet can be replaced ok, it should be a really easy repair.

[neil_cardiff]

egomeister said:

Interesting... I didn't realise the lug was actually bonded to the outside of the carbon skins rather than as an insert. As long as the rivet can be replaced ok, it should be a really easy repair.

Yes, they dropped the design after a couple of years, as I'd imagine they had a few issues with this (or expected to).

They since moved to a design whereupon the shock mounts in a completely different way (and whilst probably stronger, it looked shit).

Trek seemed very confident that it would be a piece of piss to sort out.

I'm very grateful to them, and to everyone who has offered to help

[rlk500]

That's a seriously elegant frame, when you see it without the rear triangle. My Y5 still sits in my garage and was only replaced 2 years ago for a more modern full susser. Lovely bikes, and I don't really give a toss what people say about URT bikes, at the time they worked really well and still aren't that bad, it took me a long time before I found anything that really gave me the same feeling when riding as my Y5. Hope you get it sorted.