Cracked OZX frame

[StoereVent]

I'm almost starting to think that Dominic had a dream about fixing the crack in his frame. In that case I'm happy for him that his cam didn't really brake...







Jeroen.

[Oz-SUB]

Dominic

I'm in the UK and have a brand new Oz-m Large frame I'm just going to start to build up into a bike.

If in making the moulds my frame could be guaranteed to be undamaged, I might think about loaning it out for your mould creation process.  For which the return of my undamaged frame and one of the first batch of your new creations would be a consideration.

Would.nt it be great to export these back to those over the pond?  Let's not forget we gave them the Harrier VTOL, and supersonic travel with Concorde, what did we get in return - MacDonalds! (tongue in cheek).

[Proflexman]

 [smiley=nod.gif] Hello one and all, sorry about being so tardy with this subject but i had to rebuild the bike as you will know as i had paid to do an Enduro called the Newnham 90, meant to be 60 miles more like 50 in the end but great none the less.
Well as i said i rebuilt her and showed her off to a few old K2 shops over here and they liked what they saw. You know when they test a new modal and take it out on the road it doesnt look like the finished article, like my bike, as i said it needs rubbing down and a mix of graphite powder and epoxy mixing up and applying to any holes or dips ( low spots ).
Then the decals need to be applied and a coat of lacquer applying.
Whats your choice gloss or satin or just mat.
Anyway i tried it out on a training ride and the seam at the back of the frame opened so the seat post sleeve turned, this was a weak spot as i had not covered this section in carbon fibre but when i got back i removed the sleeve and ground down the lip and applied five layers of carbon fibre and epoxy let it dry and sanded it down then applied another coat of epoxy.
I then epoxyied in the sleeve.
Then i took the bike out again on another test ride of about 24 miles and all was fine.
I rode the bike last Sunday in the event and all was fine again in fact it was brill no creaking just me groaning, I had a lot of comments from people offering me web sites showing the types of composites i use and what they get used for, how they are applied and such like.
I have been offered a few frames and there is something you the lender must understand i have been in contact with K2 and they have agreed to let me repair carbon frames and take a mould and make them though they will not look the same as a finished article but bear in mind this it will null and void your warrenty with them as they want to repair them, this is okay because if you are in the UK the turn around will be many months where as in the States its K2's home ground and the turn around is quicker.
Its your choice but me i want my bike yesterday not to have to wait.
But i would say that.
Now as to the taking of a mould from a frame i will have to remove all fittings attached to your frame these can be put back.
The frame will need to be split in half and what you have if you look on the plans to the frame is that it has an inner section which the two outer halves are glued to, this will need to be removed and wont be able to go back and the seam this will also be removed.
So when the frame is re joined together i will need to bond the two sections together with a carbon fibre tape which will not match the matrix used in making the frame but it will be stronger.
It may be better for me to buy a Medium size Oz  carbon frame to build up as it wont matter what i do to it.
Most people say that for a six foot rider the Medium frame is better as it is easier to control and chuck around.
Have others found this.
A friend and myself are looking at changing the metalwork to Ti and redesigning the swinging arm to cure the tail wag this will also be made out of Ti or T6 depending upon cost.
I am actively looking for a Medium frame.

Regards Dom


 [smiley=beer.gif]

[Proflexman]

Oh before i forget i still have not bought another camera as i keep on being outbid on E bay for a Minolta 7Hi.
But i will buy one or maybe claim on my house insurance and i will take photos of my busted camera.
And when i get a frame and start to do all the work needed to make a mould and build one i will have a web site made by someone with pictures leading you through the process, and how to repair the frame yourself should you need to.

I believe nearly all of you out there a adept enough to do such a repair and i am always willing to help anyone in need.

[Simon]

Hi Dominic,as you know I'm 6' 1" and an currently using my medium Oz while I repair my large 4500, I'm getting on great with the medium frame but this is just a personal choice, I know the consensus is that the large frame is the preferred choice, and I also have no problem with the large frame,I think a large frame would be a more popular size to have a mould for, if you wish to try a medium frame because you think it may be more suited to you, your welcome to try mine.Simon  [smiley=nod.gif]

[Proflexman]

Evening all.
I received in the post this afternoon a carbon frame sent to me from Nigel.
It has a small crack in it most likely caused by a car hitting the swinger and it forcing on one side which caused the crack to appear.
This frame of Nigel's will be the one i use to make a mould from and once i have split it and cleanded it up and it is ready i have to make sure the surface is blemish free so the frame will have a two pack lacquar applied to it untill i get to the point i am happy with it because when taking a mould from this whatever imperfection is on the frame will be re produced onto the newly made frame and we dont want that.
I will post photo's as i go so you guys can see what is going on.
[smiley=beer.gif]

[tmaybee]

Does anyone know what happend with this repair?  Any pics?

Trevor

[Ionit]

That's a good question. But Unfortunately I haven't seen any posts from him lately. I was particularly invested in this forum. I have a medium 4500 that has a very small crack.

I remember telling you that ripping apart the frame would be a good idea. Although I still think it is if you want a quality repair. I am not going to do it. It sounded like it was allot of work. What I am going to do is put a coating of epoxy over the whole frame to seal the outer shell.
Could I do that by manually rolling or brushing the epoxy on or by using a vacuum bag.  

Dominic if you're out there then drop a line.

[Simon]

I might be able to update things a little as I've kept regular contact with Dom though we've yet to meet up,first he's received Proflex GB's old cracked 5500 frame and split that one with a view to using it to make a mould to replicate the frame in Carbon (not as a thermoplastic shell),he also got permission to do this from K2,things have not gone straight forward and I believe he is planning a complete redesign,don't mention the stolen and burnt out car along with the new digi camera that was inside though,sore point,I'll try and get him to update every one with how its progressing.Simon