Don't you hate it when this happens...

**gtdrew** · 03-23-2009, 10:02 AM

2008 Iron Horse MKIII. Crack all the way through the vertical tube at the weld just above the drive side chain stay. I think I may be hosed on this one. Did anyone use to be an IH dealer? Anyone know someone at IH? Looks like they may be bought after all but I want to ride my damn bike.

Thought about trying to get it repaired locally. Anyone had a frame repaired? It is 6061 so I think it needs to be heat treated after welding. Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

Click image for larger version.

Name: MKIII 008 (Medium).jpg
Views: 65
Size: 52.2 KB
ID: 57791

**gtdrew** · 03-24-2009, 08:29 AM

Well, looks as if I am in the market for a new trail bike. Does not look like it can be welded and Iron Horse has shit the bed.

Anyone have a line on Giant Reign for a good deal? L or XL, frame only.

**ridevt** · 03-24-2009, 09:08 AM

Did you try Randal Scott Cycles? They have IH parts from I have heard.....

**gtdrew** · 03-24-2009, 09:27 AM

Did not buy it through RS. They will not even sell me a rear triangle let alone warranty mine. Seems like they are hoarding parts to cover warranty repairs, which they know are coming. The whole thing is fucked. This is a known issue with numerous frames failing at the same weld. Randall Scott which is owned by the son of the owner of Iron Horse has me by the balls.

I can not afford a new frame. Now I know why I like my steel hardtail singlespeed so much. The MKIII was a great bike while it lasted. But lesson learned.

**Lonnie** · 03-24-2009, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by gtdrew

I can not afford a new frame.

"New" doesn't have to be "new"....

+++Vibes+++

**gtdrew** · 03-24-2009, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by Lonnie

"New" doesn't have to be "new"....

+++Vibes+++

Agreed. The thought of buying a used full suspension frame without being able to put my hands on it is scary though. Riding is big where I live, Asheville, NC but it is still a small population.

The MKIII was less than 6 months old to me. ~150 hrs on it.

**kidwoo** · 03-24-2009, 10:36 AM

I can't beleive randall scott won't work with you.

I thought they were supposed to be the IH warranty source, not just their own sales.

**gtdrew** · 03-24-2009, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by kidwoo

I can't beleive randall scott won't work with you.

I thought they were supposed to be the IH warranty source, not just their own sales.

Honestly, I could not believe it either. The CS rep sounded like he had fielded the question 20 times that day. Really frustrating. Even if they would sell me a triangle I don't know if it is worth it. It will fail at the same spot again.

Hopefully IH will be bought by some more refutable folks and will honor existing warranties. It has become a well known brand, the name has to be worth something. In the meantime I need a freakin bike. Trails are perfect now.

**Platinum Pete** · 03-24-2009, 11:16 AM

major bummer. I'm sure those Intense frames on chainlove are killing you.

**Buzzworthy** · 03-24-2009, 02:48 PM

"IH shit the bed."

Well that sucked to read as I have about 20 hours on my 08 IH MKIII Comp (the white frame).

I did get it through RS, so that may be helpful down the road.

Found this on IH website, in bed with a company in Canada:

http://www.ironhorsebikes.com/dealer-locator/

**YetiMan** · 03-24-2009, 02:51 PM

Originally Posted by gtdrew

Riding is big where I live, Asheville, NC

big and tall.

**gtdrew** · 03-24-2009, 07:35 PM

Mooney is a fucking trip man. He regularly rides his 12 footer at a local network of trails, Bent Creek. For the past couple years he has been trying to crush the world record for tall bikes. something like 40+ feet.

**nick > jesus** · 03-24-2009, 07:50 PM

how does one go about stopping, when the need inevitably arises?

**Alpine Dreams** · 03-24-2009, 08:09 PM

Buy a bicycle with an excellent warranty. When this happens you'll be taken care of, I'm just saying!

**PedalPaddle** · 03-24-2009, 08:44 PM

sux about IH changing and noone to back the product. i have an azure that i have put a couple thousand miles on over the last two years and it is holding up strong.

if you were to decide you want to replace the MKIII with a Preston, I have one for sale and I am also in N.C. so there is the plus of an easy transaction. okay, i'll stop being a slut. but it's a sweet bike that doesn't get ridden and wants a home closer to the mountains.

**kidwoo** · 03-24-2009, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by Alpine Dreams

Buy a bicycle with an excellent warranty. When this happens you'll be taken care of, I'm just saying!

He did.

The company went belly up.

**Alpine Dreams** · 03-24-2009, 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by kidwoo

He did.

The company went belly up.

My point exactly. Aluminum needs a lifetime warranty. Pick a company that won't go belly up. http://www.ironhorsebikes.com/downlo...E-WARRANTY.pdf

**Staggerwing** · 03-24-2009, 09:14 PM

I don't know if it helps, but you might try e-mailing, or calling, Carl Strong at Strong Frames. He is a custom cycle frame fabricator in Bozeman, with extensive experience in steel, titanium, and most importantly for you, aluminum. Don't know if he would consider repairing it for you, but he would likely give you a straight answer.

**awf170** · 03-24-2009, 10:06 PM

Shit... I have the same bike with about 200 hours on it and 100's of 5 footers to completely flat landings. I'm just waiting for this to happen.

**tromano** · 03-24-2009, 10:29 PM

Shit happens, bikes break. +++Vibes+++.

There are enough frames out there and others will be selling theirs cheap you could double down and buy another for parts if you really like it alot. Just saying.