FLY Ti 29er frame crack

[isleblue65]

I've had my bike since late '09, and it has been a great bike.

I noticed a creaking noise coming from my bike lately - which I thought was the seat post, but this morning found this.









I have not heard of any other failures of these frames.

The seat post is 4.5" - 5" into the frame. Anodizing is worn off because I used carbon paste to stop creaking and previously pushed the post down for long descents.

I weigh 210 lbs currently.

I contacted BD this morning so we will see how this goes.

[mtb_mangler]

That is a major bummer, that bike looks like a sweet rig.

[dstedman]

Wow - I have the exact same frame - gonna have to keep an eye on it now! I wonder if you have any warranty options.

[isleblue65]

Frame has lifetime warranty against defects. I'm sending BD more detailed photos of the seat post next to the seat tube to show how far it was inserted, and some more photos detailng the crack and of the whole bike.

They have been very responsive via email, and the crack just happened on this morning's ride.

[newfydog]

I had a prototype with a gusset at the head tube/downtube connection. The frame cracked at the edge of the gusset, and they replaced it with the production model, with an improved gussetless design.

They stripped a bike to send me the new frame.

I hope we don't see any more of those. My Moongoose Ti frame has been going for 15 years.

[jettore]

Is that full photo of the bike your regular seat height? That looks like an awful lot of seatpost extended out there.

[isleblue65]

Yes, that is my regular seat height. It is a lot of extended post, but there is 4.5 to 5" of post in the frame (it goes to the center of the green/ yellow/ white Titanium sticker on the frame). There's a photo of the post held up in front of the seat tube below. The grey grease shows where it was inside the frame.

I'm 6'4" with longer legs than torso proportionally, so that is the best fit for me. However, I'm going to buy a longer Thomson post for the new frame. Aside from the extra length, Thomson makes a stronger, more rigid (thicker walled tubing) seat post than the stock Ritchey, and it will do a better job of supporting the seat tube.

Yes, they said that based on the photos they will warranty the frame! It's disassembled, boxed and ready to ship in the morning.

One thing to note for those of you who have this bike; I personally know someone who has stripped all of the Motobecane decals off of this bike because they liked the stealth Ti look, and I remember seeing quite a few people on MTBR in the past explaining how they did this. This will void the warranty. I never considered doing this - at least not very seriously, but now I am very glad I didn't.

[jettore]

Yeah, a longer Thomson sounds like a good plan for the new frame. With that much exposed any extra in the seat post would be nice insurance.

Did they actually tell you they would not warranty the frame if the decals were removed? If so was it Matt from BD? I'm getting ready to remove mine and that sounds ridiculous. If that's the case I'm going to contact them before doing it and confirm this policy.

[AZ]

Yeah, a longer Thomson sounds like a good plan for the new frame. With that much exposed any extra in the seat post would be nice insurance.

Did they actually tell you they would not warranty the frame if the decals were removed? If so was it Matt from BD? I'm getting ready to remove mine and that sounds ridiculous. If that's the case I'm going to contact them before doing it and confirm this policy.

It has been posted here before and it is not uncommon for a company to not warranty frames with decals or finishes removed.

[isleblue65]

I am working with Matt, but he didn't tell me this. Someone here on the forum previously as AZ said was told this and reported it, or they were rejected for warranty because of it. I would call and confirm.

[jettore]

What's the reasoning? Possible damage to metal from substance used to remove the decals? Or just being jerks for removing their brand name?

I'm sending them an email, will post the response.

[jettore]

Actually, just found the policy on the Motobecane website and it's true.


WARRANTY DETAILS

This warranty is void in its entirety by any modification of the frame, fork, components, removal of decals or any signs of bending/denting thereof. Bent or dented components, frame or fork would indicate abuse beyond the design of the bicycle

[AZ]

What's the reasoning? Possible damage to metal from substance used to remove the decals? Or just being jerks for removing their brand name?

I'm sending them an email, will post the response.

One possible reason is that these are catalog frames, it could be difficult to confirm its origins without deals or other finishes.

[isleblue65]

Mike somewhat addresses the "why" question in this thread:

Motobecane warranty policy?

[ftajiri]

tube failure?

[isleblue65]

Frame arrived on Tuesday and first ride will be tomorrow. Geometry is slightly different from 3 years ago model. Chainstay is wider where it comes out from the bottom bracket. My inside chain guide ring scraped on the new frame but easily cleared on the old one. Had to turn down nearly 1/4" off the outside of the guide to get it to clear. Also, cable guides are in slightly different spots. Not a big deal, just observations.

Everything looks good, and Bikes Direct gave me great service!

[forrestmiller]

I am 6'-3" 210 lbs. I am amazed that it is the same failure point. I have approximately 10K miles 90% off road on this frame. I didn't notice it until I was adjusting my seat position and looked down.

I have contacted both BD and Motobecane. Only BD has so far responded. I am trying to locate my receipt.

[isleblue65]

I am 6'-3" 210 lbs. I am amazed that it is the same failure point. I have approximately 10K miles 90% off road on this frame. I didn't notice it until I was adjusting my seat position and looked down.

I have contacted both BD and Motobecane. Only BD has so far responded. I am trying to locate my receipt.

That's a bummer! I think you will be OK as long as your seat post was inserted at or deeper than the minimum insertion point, and I can see that you still have the decals on the bike, etc. FYI, Bikes Direct is the company that owns the Motobecane brand - so they are one and the same. Be prepared to take photos of the seat post and several of the frame (location of the crack as well as the whole frame). They will likely ask you to strip down the bike to the frame, ship back the frame and then they will inspect it and send you a replacement.

My replacement frame is still good, but I've only put a few thousand miles on it. It looks like an identical design to the old frame, so I would not be surprised at all if it eventually cracks as my old frame did.

One thing I did to reinforce the frame is to replace the Ritchey post with a Thomson that is longer. Thomson tubing is thicker on the sides so that it resists flexing; therefore supporting the seat tube where it goes in. It feels much stiffer while riding than the Ritchey post. I also installed a beefier seat post clamp which grabs more of the seat tube above the top tube.

My view of this bike now with my frame crack experience, and now yours is less positive than it was when I initially purchased it, and I would probably not purchase another one unless design changes were made. The bike is also extremely creaky, clicky and squeaky, which no amount of lubrication, tightening of parts or carbon paste on the seat post fixes. The old frame had the same issues. I have learned to live with it, but it is annoying.

[Lickety Split]

You get what you pay for

[forrestmiller]

nice!

[isleblue65]

nice!

Did you get any resolution with BD on your frame crack?

[ducatisteve]

You get what you pay for

Because no one has cracked a $4k+ brand name frame before, right?

[elcaro1101]

Because no one has cracked a $4k+ brand name frame before, right?

And he found the only info by what I can see on the Interwebz for a ti Moto frame failure. Not that there aren't loads of other posts by owners saying how pleased they are with their bikes, even years after purchase.

[ProfGumby]

Curious on the status of the two bikes with cracked frames..how they are holding up etc...

Also, I have to comment that that is a lot of exposed seat post! Lots of force being exuded against the frame. Along with the thicker and longer seat posts, how about a larger frame? Larger size frame should mean less exposed seat post and = less torque on the frame

[isleblue65]

Curious on the status of the two bikes with cracked frames..how they are holding up etc...

Also, I have to comment that that is a lot of exposed seat post! Lots of force being exuded against the frame. Along with the thicker and longer seat posts, how about a larger frame? Larger size frame should mean less exposed seat post and = less torque on the frame

Mine is holding up fine. The creaking is driving me crazy from the seatpost and the cranks, but after 4 years of fighting with it and trying every solution under the sun, I'm convinced that this is an artifact of Titanium with dissimilar metal component interaction. I've fought it since the beginning with my first Fly Ti frame back in 2009 (the one that cracked), and it continues with this new frame. The best solution is carbon paste on the seat post, and this is good for about 3 rides before the creaking begins again.

This is the last Ti bike I will own mainly because of the creaking and frame flex (another contributor to creaking, especially in the bottom bracket and cranks).

I am 6'4" and own the largest size Fly Ti 29 frame that Bikes Direct sells. That seat position is the one that is natural for me, and allows me to fully extend my legs. My Thompson post is in past where the top tube is welded into the seat tube. I don't know what else I can do.

[allthatisman]

Mine is holding up fine. The creaking is driving me crazy from the seatpost and the cranks, but after 4 years of fighting with it and trying every solution under the sun, I'm convinced that this is an artifact of Titanium with dissimilar metal component interaction. I've fought it since the beginning with my first Fly Ti frame back in 2009 (the one that cracked), and it continues with this new frame. The best solution is carbon paste on the seat post, and this is good for about 3 rides before the creaking begins again.

This is the last Ti bike I will own mainly because of the creaking and frame flex (another contributor to creaking, especially in the bottom bracket and cranks).

I am 6'4" and own the largest size Fly Ti 29 frame that Bikes Direct sells. That seat position is the one that is natural for me, and allows me to fully extend my legs. My Thompson post is in past where the top tube is welded into the seat tube. I don't know what else I can do.

I used to have a Thomson post in my Fly Ti 29er, as well as a Cane Creek Thudbuster (both Aluminum posts) and they both slipped and made a bunch of noise no matter what I did. I bought a J&L titanium seatpost off eBay and a Woodman Death Grip clamp. The post NEVER makes a noise and it NEVER slips. I just put a very, very light layer of grease on the inside of the frame tube and I made a mark with a sharpie to monitor the height of the post. In god knows how many months, it hasn't moved even a MM. It's a $120 seatpost, but it looks really nice on the bike and if you have more post than me exposed, you might even notice a little better ride. Mine is a little more flexy than the Thomson, but not a huge difference. Just FYI.

[isleblue65]

I used to have a Thomson post in my Fly Ti 29er, as well as a Cane Creek Thudbuster (both Aluminum posts) and they both slipped and made a bunch of noise no matter what I did. I bought a J&L titanium seatpost off eBay and a Woodman Death Grip clamp. The post NEVER makes a noise and it NEVER slips. I just put a very, very light layer of grease on the inside of the frame tube and I made a mark with a sharpie to monitor the height of the post. In god knows how many months, it hasn't moved even a MM. It's a $120 seatpost, but it looks really nice on the bike and if you have more post than me exposed, you might even notice a little better ride. Mine is a little more flexy than the Thomson, but not a huge difference. Just FYI.

Thanks! I'll check this out. I've only tried 2 seat posts: the original Ritchey and this Thomson. What do you weigh? This would be my only concern with an Ebay Ti post, because I'm 220lbs.

[allthatisman]

Thanks! I'll check this out. I've only tried 2 seat posts: the original Ritchey and this Thomson. What do you weigh? This would be my only concern with an Ebay Ti post, because I'm 220lbs.

I've had the post for about 8 months now I think... Maybe longer... I weigh anywhere from 180-190 without gear (depending on my beer consumption...) the post hasn't given me any pause as to the quality. It doesn't have much bling factor aside from the fact that its titanium... Unbranded and plain, but I kind of prefer that since I removed all but the motobecane decal on the bike. The only real detractor is the price... But it's still far cheaper than a lynsky or eriksen... Although they do look nice... But it's a freaking seat post, lol.

[isleblue65]

I've had the post for about 8 months now I think... Maybe longer... I weigh anywhere from 180-190 without gear (depending on my beer consumption...) the post hasn't given me any pause as to the quality. It doesn't have much bling factor aside from the fact that its titanium... Unbranded and plain, but I kind of prefer that since I removed all but the motobecane decal on the bike. The only real detractor is the price... But it's still far cheaper than a lynsky or eriksen... Although they do look nice... But it's a freaking seat post, lol.

I ordered one today (Amazon was a bit cheaper, faster shipping and still free shipping). Since it has a 1-year warranty, I feel pretty good about it. My Thomson post is 330mm long, and I ordered the 400mm Ti post. The Thomson is also only about 1/2" from the minimum insertion line, while the new post will go in 2" & change deeper. If it gets rid of my creaking noises, I'll send you a beer!

[allthatisman]

I ordered one today (Amazon was a bit cheaper, faster shipping and still free shipping). Since it has a 1-year warranty, I feel pretty good about it. My Thomson post is 330mm long, and I ordered the 400mm Ti post. The Thomson is also only about 1/2" from the minimum insertion line, while the new post will go in 2" & change deeper. If it gets rid of my creaking noises, I'll send you a beer!

Regional IPAs only ;-)

[cac313]

I ordered one today (Amazon was a bit cheaper, faster shipping and still free shipping). Since it has a 1-year warranty, I feel pretty good about it. My Thomson post is 330mm long, and I ordered the 400mm Ti post. The Thomson is also only about 1/2" from the minimum insertion line, while the new post will go in 2" & change deeper. If it gets rid of my creaking noises, I'll send you a beer!

Can you post the link on Amazon for the seatpost?

Cheers!

[isleblue65]

Can you post the link on Amazon for the seatpost?

Cheers!

Sorry for the delay. This is the link to the post I bought and seller:

Amazon.com: New Titanium Bicycle Seatpost Road MTB Moutain Bike Seat Post 31.6 X 350mm / 400mm: Sports & Outdoors

[allthatisman]

Sorry for the delay. This is the link to the post I bought and seller:

Amazon.com: New Titanium Bicycle Seatpost Road MTB Moutain Bike Seat Post 31.6 X 350mm / 400mm: Sports & Outdoors

FWIW, that's not the post that I have, although I'm sure it's good as well. This is mine: J L Titanium TI Seatpost 31 6mm 27 2mm for Road Mountain MTB XC DH Fr Bike Zero | eBay

[cac313]

Thanks guys!

[Surfacecreations]

"You get what you pay for"

He got what would go normally go for triple at a bike shop, had an issue, and is covered 100% due to the great warranty.

I expect it must be a sense of relief in your search to come across somebody among the hundreds if not thousands who finally had an issue. Everybody in here paid less for a bike similar to which you own that you paid triple for because yours has a sticker on it you can show off. Coming into the Motobecane forum and being jealous due to poor financial decisions is pretty sad.

[isleblue65]

FWIW, that's not the post that I have, although I'm sure it's good as well. This is mine: J L Titanium TI Seatpost 31 6mm 27 2mm for Road Mountain MTB XC DH Fr Bike Zero | eBay

My seat post is amazingly FLEXY! Very scary actually. The tip of the saddle tilts up and the rear tilts down by 1/2" to 3/4" when I apply my full weight to it, and the seat post visibly flexes toward the rear tire.

If this was a natural feature of this Ti post designed to add a little suspension to my ride, I could maybe live with it, but I can't help but think this thing is going to eventually snap either at the saddle rail clamp or seat post clamp.

Sure, it is light as hell, but I'm 220 lbs geared up.

I'm curious how your post feels? It looks a little more substantial than mine.

[allthatisman]

Did you buy the same one I linked to (the $120 one)? I only have like 7-8 inches of post showing and I can't really say I can feel it flex much at all, which was why I kind of bought it. I've actually been thinking of picking up a Syntace P6 Hiflex for more comfort, but I'm not sure if it'll make any difference.

I'm 190 geared and I ride an XL.