aluminum frames

[Flyman]

Will aluminum frames hold up. Anyone here ever try one?

Fly

This is the bike I have coming! https://www.amazon.com/Kent-7-Speed-Cruiser-Bicycle-26-Inch/dp/B00DI1KQGG

 

[TheNecromancer13]

I had an aluminum frame on my first predator bike. It broke within the first 2 months. I riveted some steel plates on either side of the break and it lasted long enough for me to build another bike, literally the day after I finished the next bike it broke in another place.

 

[Flyman]

Mmmmmmmmmmm, that's not good news. I ordered a Kent Curser for my
next build. I did not realize it has a aluminum frame at the time. It to late
to cancel the order. But I do have a miller tig welder in my shop. I also
like the weight saving. It is a nice looking bike. But just wanted some input
as to you guys thoughts?

Fly

 

[scratchbuilder]

I used a Kent Del Rio for 2500 miles using a 142 hushang. Mm was muffler clamped. I swapped out to a S jaguar so I could weld my mm.

 

[Kioshk]

I've had few Kent aluminum frames: two TWO-NINERs and two GS29s. My on TWO-NINER's down-post fractured just above the engine-mount after about 3000-mi. My first GS29s (the replacement) needed replacement soon after I got it since I screwed-up the tensioner-wheel install...I crushed the chainstay and compromised the frame's integrity. Rode on it for a few hundred miles before the chainstay exhibited an incomplete fracture. Have a couple-thousand miles on the 2nd GS29. Seems tough enough. I weigh 280 and carry around about 50lbs in my backpack.

 

[Flyman]

I've had few Kent aluminum frames: two TWO-NINERs and two GS29s. My on TWO-NINER's down-post fractured just above the engine-mount after about 3000-mi. My first GS29s (the replacement) needed replacement soon after I got it since I screwed-up the tensioner-wheel install...I crushed the chainstay and compromised the frame's integrity. Rode on it for a few hundred miles before the chainstay exhibited an incomplete fracture. Have a couple-thousand miles on the 2nd GS29. Seems tough enough. I weigh 280 and carry around about 50lbs in my backpack.

You are a big fellow, I,m just a trim 250 lb (wink) but I have been giving
this much thought. I may slit some 4130 chrome moly steel tube &
make sleeves to hose clamp over stress points like motor mount area &
such. That would spread the stress out more even. My bike will be
delivered tomorrow.
Fly

 

[Velodrome]

My first build was / is a Felt "Twin" aluminum frame. Been riding it for years and Im no light weight. NO problems. Before they had their own frame Phantom used nothing but Felt aluminum.

 

[Slogger]

I have an aluminum frame with largish tubes. When I mounted the engine I made sure it was right, not necessarily real tight. In other words the engine can't move at all but the mounts aren't so tight as to put a crushing force on the tubes. They were snugged for fit then threadlocked and jam nutted.
I only have about 600 miles on it (chinagirl) but no troubles at all so far.
The engine is still jiggle-free, tubes look fine.

 

[Flyman]

That's great to hear. Being this is my first aluminum frame this is
a unknown for me. I have read Kent curser & most of the bike reviews
were very positive & said it was sound other then cheap fenders, which
is no big deal for me. I just wanted a good frame.

Fly