broken bike :(

[timothy.doran]

I have sheared the bolt that holds the bottom of the rear rack to tht frame. The hole does not go all the way through the frame and the bolt has sheared off inside the hole.

I know that there are a few Bristol peole here, anyone know of a company that could remove it? I have been to the cycle workshop but they could not do it. They suggested speaking to an engineering firm, but did not know of any.

See you on the WRT (i will be the one with p clips if I cannot fix this)

Tim

[Taylor]

Small engineering firm is your best bet.
I remember a small place on Easton business park, Felix Rd, Bristol.
No idea if they're still there, I've not used them in ten years but they done lots of helicoiling on engine block and the like.

[griffdowg]

what size bolt is it? M4/M5?

You should be able to drill a small pilot hole and use a bolt extractor. The bolt shouldn't be too tight in there as its only a bike frame not a 70 year old classic car. If you have a drill and small drill bits, bolt extractors are cheap and you can keep it for future use.

Where in Bristol are you?

G

[timothy.doran]

I work in the center of Bristol just off of College Green but I live in Bradford On Avon. I think that it is an m4 but would have to check.

I am normally very hands on, but with this I am hesitant because if I get it wrong then no one will be able to fix it.

[griffdowg]

if I get it wrong then no one will be able to fix it.

No, dont be silly :D the worst thing you could do is strip the threads which would require a heli-coil. Then you can take it to an eng firm for that.

I really think it would be worth you giving it a go. How tight do you think the bolt is in there?

G

[timothy.doran]

I have phoned Argos bikes in Brisol and they think that it would cost about a tenner. Compared to the cost of buying a bolt extractor and bits it seems quite cheap. I think that I will take it over to them tomorrow morning.

Thanks for your advice though, it has not quite fallen on deaf ears.

Tim

[timothy.doran]

Quick update on the bike. Argos bikes were great, they fixed the bike on the same day. It cost £20 becuase he had to drill the bolt out and re tap an m6 thread. The reason for this is that the bit of the broken bolt that was not stuck had been bouncing in the hole and had damaged the tread.

The place is amazing, never before have I seen so many beautiful bike frames. They do a lot of renovations so there was all sorts of old frames. Definatly recommend them, dont be put off by the basic website.

Next door is a stainless fittings company so I was able to buy some new bolts.

I also enjoyed riding two bikes through town, holding on to one like a run away horse.

Tim