My Eli Died...time to break out the welder?

[Monkeybutt]

Well, after several months of hard rising my Tomac Eli had developed cracks around the lower welds on the seat stays. It's a shame, too, because this has been an outstanding bike. Having bought the frame used (but in new condition), I do not have any type of warrenty & Tomac wil not sell me a main frame (they directed me to a dealer and the $1200 MSRP...Why, I asked, would I wantt spend $1200 on a frame that I know breaks? Ah well...
Anyway, the bikes handles great and I hate to scrap it. So, I'm thinking of repairing the frame myself, and maybe adding some gussets to the seat stays while I'm at it. I mean, it's just alluminum tubing. I'm a big guy, so i could live with an extra few ounces on the frame if it meant I could pound on it with no worries. Any of you guys ever attempt this? I basically have nothing to lose, so I figure what the hell.

[rockalot]

I say go for it if you know how to weld aluminum and know about heat treating or the effect your welding will have on the surround metal.

[Krylon..]

I've heard of some people locally rewelding frames that have cracked... I'd say if you know you weld aluminum well, then go for it!

Or there are alot of nice frames out on the net for sale. Check out www.mtrb.com and some of the shops like Price point and Supergo!

[Monkeybutt]

Yup, there are alot of nice frames out there but a Tomac eli is supposed to be near the top of the heap for all-mountain/ trail rigs. Performance wise it was one of the best pedaling bikes I've owned. I'm going to go for it...I really have nothing to lose and could end up wtih a pretty sweet, truly one of a kind ride. Maybe I'll paint it pink when I'm done...or urban camo. :flipoff2:

[Krylon..]

There is a M/L Elli frame on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=98083&item=7159529853&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW