If this bends (which i highly doubt seeing the 2.5mm metal plate was fine for near 8 months ) ill up the plates to 10mm, prefer a neat planned look rather than "quick fix" type of look myself... (remember the Sick Bike Parts Shift kit with the angle on the side plate real professional look that LoL ) appreciate the input though would definitely strengthen it up, just not a road i would like to travel ;-)