What would you do?

Bicycling
1

Looking to see what others would do…

I recently noticed a crack, or what looks to be a crack, in the rear swingarm of my full suspension bike. The bike is a 2014 with an aluminum front triangle and carbon rear swingarm.

I sent off photos to the company to see about warranty options and they came back with two:

  1. New carbon rear swingarm, different, non-matching color to my old one

  2. New 2016 frameset, full aluminum

Which one would you choose and why???

I am not savvy enough to know if I will notice a difference between a full aluminum frameset vs what I have been riding, or if the carbon swingarm is essential to have.

Honestly, all I can think of is a brand new 2016 frameset that has never been ridden is better than mine which is a 2014…

2

Check to see that the 2016 frame still uses the same standards as your 2016 otherwise you might be looking newer ‘boost’ spacing for the rear wheel, or a press fit bottom bracket versus threaded, etc. If all your parts transfer over I’d be inclined to go with the full frame option.

My 2 cents anyway.

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3

I agree. If you can make the swap to the 2016 frame with the components from your 2014 I would do it. If there has been changes that, for example, would require new hubs and such then that up to you if you want to spend the money.

The way I look at it if you get just the rear triangle your only getting one part with 0 mileage.

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4

You’ll never notice the difference between aluminum and carbon swing arm.

Parts compatibility is your major concern like @gtrguy and @Chris_Dwyer-perkins have said.

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5

If you are still riding the Marin trail bike that you have in the ‘Pic from every ride’ thread, then you should be ok to swap stuff over.

It looks like they are still on the 142mm rear hub spacing and haven’t changed to boost rear end.

I would definitely go for the new frame if that is the option they are giving you.

6

Glad to hear they’re willing to stand behind it. I went from the same situation as you (aluminum front, carbon rear) to a full aluminum bike after cracking my swingarm.

There are far fewer Boost frames from 2016 than 2017, but I would check to make sure it’s the same, or that spacers are available.

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7

Thanks for the input guys…

I emailed the company to ask about compatibility issues, and barring any, a new frame it will be…

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