Hi folks,
I own a 1.5 year old GT Avalanche 2022 and I’ve been noticing recently some creaking noises when pedalling or coasting. Went to investigate and notice a lot of play on one of the chainstays (drive train side). I found a crack just beside a weld point.
Bike is due to sent back to CRC for inspection (here’s hoping they’ll honour the warranty claim).
I am a heavy guy around 250 pounds and 6,1. The bike is used to commute to work mostly with a mix of road and pavement, so I’m guessing maybe my weight is a factor in this?
I haven’t had much luck with it, with pretty every part on the bike having to be replaced. It currently has a loose rear hub and a creaky BB.
It’s a lovely looking bike and it’s a shame. Is it a defect or am I just a fatty?
by seamy238
7 Comments
HAZ crack… Heat affected zone.
https://weldinganswers.com/understanding-why-your-welds-crack-part-3/
The ads are shitty but the info is great.
Poor manufacturing, being heavy won’t make a difference if your only using it on roads, light trails.
Shitty welding.
I’ve had similar cracks to that warrantied by CRC. They took their time on both occasions but did get it sorted.
Poor heat treating
Stresses.
Metal fatigue. All aluminum frames will break eventually, because aluminum has no limit where it can be flexed and not fatigue, unlike steel or titanium. And it usually happens just like this, right at the edge of a weld.