Old Suntour freewheel with sheared off removal teeth This freewheel was not installed using any sort of lubricant or grease and has been used over many miles and 30+ years. It's not coming off the hub!
Old Suntour freewheel with sheared off removal teeth
Title
Old Suntour freewheel with sheared off removal teeth
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₂₀₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on September 21, 2023 at 15:17:24.
Broken axle (10mm, QR, 135mm OLD) Used on a freewheel hub, this is a common failure as the bearings are some distance inboard from dropout on the drive side.
Broken axle (10mm, QR, 135mm OLD)
Title
Broken axle (10mm, QR, 135mm OLD)
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₄₀₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on September 21, 2023 at 14:52:59.
Cycle Luminator 2 board Note blackened lead, 2nd from left on 8-pin DIP. Magic smoke was released.
Cycle Luminator 2 board
Title
Cycle Luminator 2 board
Exposure
400, ¹⁄₁₇₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on March 3, 2023 at 14:37:55.
Ca. 1994 Shimano SPD shoes are well-worn (out). (2) Many years of good use.
Ca. 1994 Shimano SPD shoes are well-worn (out). (2)
Title
Ca. 1994 Shimano SPD shoes are well-worn (out). (2)
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₈₀₀ sec at f/5.6
Focal Length
39 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on February 18, 2023 at 12:43:25.
Ca. 1994 Shimano SPD shoes are well-worn (out). (1) Many years of good use.
Ca. 1994 Shimano SPD shoes are well-worn (out). (1)
Title
Ca. 1994 Shimano SPD shoes are well-worn (out). (1)
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₈₀₀ sec at f/6.3
Focal Length
39 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on February 18, 2023 at 12:42:56.
Cracked hub motor side plate (inside view) This was a maintenance error. I was trying to press out the bearing at the center but did not support adequately the material adjacent to the bearing.
Cracked hub motor side plate (inside view)
Title
Cracked hub motor side plate (inside view)
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₁₀₅ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on June 10, 2022 at 18:04:49.
Cracked hub motor side plate (side view) This was a maintenance error. I was trying to press out the bearing at the center but did not support adequately the material adjacent to the bearing.
Cracked hub motor side plate (side view)
Title
Cracked hub motor side plate (side view)
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₁₂₅ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on June 10, 2022 at 18:04:42.
Cracked hub motor side plate (outside view) This was a maintenance error. I was trying to press out the bearing at the center but did not support adequately the material adjacent to the bearing.
Cracked hub motor side plate (outside view)
Title
Cracked hub motor side plate (outside view)
Exposure
400, ¹⁄₁₇₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on June 10, 2022 at 18:04:29.
Pursuit head tube crack, right side Thsi crack passes through the right-side cable stop welds and into the main head tube weld.
Pursuit head tube crack, right side
Title
Pursuit head tube crack, right side
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₄₂₀ sec at f/3.2
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on May 3, 2022 at 17:10:27.
Pursuit headtube crack, left side The crack passes through the welds for a cable stop that I ground off. The crack tips are in virgin tube wall to the left of the cable stop weld and into the main headtube weld on the right. The crack probably started at the sharp discontinuity on the inside of the cable stop weld.
Pursuit headtube crack, left side
Title
Pursuit headtube crack, left side
Exposure
100, ¹⁄₃₂₀ sec at f/4.0
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on May 3, 2022 at 16:39:55.
Pursuit headtube crack @ cable stop Photo taken before I ground off the cable stop. After I ground off the cable stop I discovered the cracked passed through the cable stop weld.
Pursuit headtube crack @ cable stop
Title
Pursuit headtube crack @ cable stop
Exposure
80, ¹⁄₂₈₀ sec at f/4.0
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on April 27, 2022 at 12:55:35.
FSA Orbit X 1" - crack on lower headset cup from Pursuit, inside view This headset had about 53,000 miles on it before the failure was discovered when I found new grease spot appearing on the outside of the cup after each ride over the last several rides. A closer inspection revealed the crack. It provided a good service life.
FSA Orbit X 1" - crack on lower headset cup from Pursuit, inside view
Title
FSA Orbit X 1" - crack on lower headset cup from Pursuit, inside view
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₂₈₀ sec at f/4.0
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on April 20, 2022 at 12:47:20.
FSA Orbit X 1" - crack on lower headset cup from Pursuit, outside view This headset had about 53,000 miles on it before the failure was discovered when I found new grease spot appearing on the outside of the cup after each ride over the last several rides. A closer inspection revealed the crack. It provided a good service life.
FSA Orbit X 1" - crack on lower headset cup from Pursuit, outside view
Title
FSA Orbit X 1" - crack on lower headset cup from Pursuit, outside view
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on April 20, 2022 at 12:45:34.
Broken weld in Pursuit seat frame The crack appears to have started at the dimple (possible defect in material) adjacent to the bluest area of the weld as the crack surface in that location is darker than elsewhere around its circumference. The blue coloration is an indication of too much oxygen present during welding, leading to increased brittleness of the material. This should have prompted the welder to redo his work at the time.
Broken weld in Pursuit seat frame
Title
Broken weld in Pursuit seat frame
Exposure
80, ¹⁄₅₀₀ sec at f/5.0
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on May 29, 2021 at 13:18:20.
Schwalbe Energizer Plus Tour sidewall failure This tear in the outer sidewall ply occurred spontaneously while riding the bike. The tire was rideable at reduced inflation pressure until I could get myself home, so i wasn't stranded. Although there is plenty of rubber left on the tread the tire had approximately 10,000km on it, so I feel that I got my money's worth.
Schwalbe Energizer Plus Tour sidewall failure
Title
Schwalbe Energizer Plus Tour sidewall failure
Exposure
400, ¹⁄₁₁₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on March 9, 2021 at 10:45:31.
Broken aluminum bottle cage You can see that the crack started at the inside of the bend and worked toward the outside.
Broken aluminum bottle cage
Title
Broken aluminum bottle cage
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₅₀₀ sec at f/3.2
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on December 28, 2020 at 11:30:41.
Broken aluminum bottle cage You can see that the crack started at the inside of the bend and worked toward the outside.
Broken aluminum bottle cage
Title
Broken aluminum bottle cage
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₈₀₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on December 28, 2020 at 11:30:25.
Crack starting in gusset weld on Gold Rush - right side
Crack starting in gusset weld on Gold Rush - right side
Title
Crack starting in gusset weld on Gold Rush - right side
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₃₅₀ sec at f/4.0
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on October 24, 2020 at 12:36:08.
Crack starting in gusset weld on Gold Rush - left side
Crack starting in gusset weld on Gold Rush - left side
Title
Crack starting in gusset weld on Gold Rush - left side
Exposure
100, ¹⁄₃₄₀ sec at f/3.6
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on October 24, 2020 at 12:34:50.
Broken Easy Reacher L support, failure detail.
Broken Easy Reacher L support, failure detail.
Title
Broken Easy Reacher L support, failure detail.
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₄₈₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on November 18, 2019 at 14:14:59.
Broken Easy Reacher rack L support
Broken Easy Reacher rack L support
Title
Broken Easy Reacher rack L support
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₁₈₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on November 18, 2019 at 14:14:07.
Broken seat stay crack (2) The crack may have started along the boundary between the weld and the tubing where there appears to be a "hole".
Broken seat stay crack (2)
Title
Broken seat stay crack (2)
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₁₈₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on November 18, 2019 at 14:13:04.
Broken seat stay, crack (1) Actually two cracks can be seen, one at the weld boundary and the other to the left.
Broken seat stay, crack (1)
Title
Broken seat stay, crack (1)
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₁₇₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on November 18, 2019 at 14:12:35.
Broken tube on Easy-Reacher under-seat bike rack This rack has been in continuous use for 12.5 years, carrying 5-10 kg.
Broken tube on Easy-Reacher under-seat bike rack
Title
Broken tube on Easy-Reacher under-seat bike rack
Exposure
320, ¹⁄₃₀ sec at f/1.8
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on November 3, 2019 at 18:21:14.
Spoke hole cracking and displacement, interior view This hard anodized rim (ca. 1991) has about 10000 miles on it. Rim makers these days eschew anodizing in favor of polishing or powder coating.
Spoke hole cracking and displacement, interior view
Title
Spoke hole cracking and displacement, interior view
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₉₀₀ sec at f/8.0
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on October 26, 2019 at 11:39:02.
Spoke hole cracking and displacement, exterior view This hard anodized rim (ca. 1991) has about 10000 miles on it. Rim makers these days eschew anodizing in favor of polishing or powder coating.
Spoke hole cracking and displacement, exterior view
Title
Spoke hole cracking and displacement, exterior view
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₁₂₅ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on October 26, 2019 at 09:54:26.
Tread separation and imminent failure of Schwalbe Kojak 406-35. This tire has over 11000 miles on it, so I got my money's worth. The tire is booted and inflated to a barely usable 50 psi to slow the advance of the separation. The tire was discarded after this photo was taken.
Tread separation and imminent failure of Schwalbe Kojak 406-35.
Title
Tread separation and imminent failure of Schwalbe Kojak 406-35.
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/2.5
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on July 24, 2019 at 17:03:59.
Hole in tire with accompanying bulge The hole was created by my running over something sharp on the road. The photo was taken after I had installed a boot inside the tire to prevent another blowout.
Hole in tire with accompanying bulge
Title
Hole in tire with accompanying bulge
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/4.0
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on May 15, 2019 at 14:38:44.
Gold Rush fork, showing location of crack in left leg.
Gold Rush fork, showing location of crack in left leg.
Title
Gold Rush fork, showing location of crack in left leg.
Exposure
80, ¹⁄₅₅₀ sec at f/7.1
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on March 16, 2018 at 13:28:12.
Fork in left leg of Gold Rush fork.
Fork in left leg of Gold Rush fork.
Title
Fork in left leg of Gold Rush fork.
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₁₂₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on March 16, 2018 at 13:24:26.
Crack tip detail. Notice the Lüders bands on either side of the crack, evidence of plastic deformation of the material.
Crack tip detail.
Title
Crack tip detail.
Exposure
400, ¹⁄₁₇₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on March 16, 2018 at 13:23:41.
Crack in fork leg, detail The crack initiated at the center and spread outward in opposite directions.
Crack in fork leg, detail
Title
Crack in fork leg, detail
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₁₁₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on March 16, 2018 at 13:21:48.
Visibly broken cords on Kenda Kwest 559 tire. This tire has about 4800 km of wear and appears to have plenty of rubber left on the tread. Since there is no bulging I will continue to use this tire, but I will inspect it after each ride.
Visibly broken cords on Kenda Kwest 559 tire.
Title
Visibly broken cords on Kenda Kwest 559 tire.
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₁₀₅ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on March 11, 2018 at 15:11:19.
Bulging sidewall of Michelin Energy 406 tire. This tire has about 550 miles on it.
Bulging sidewall of Michelin Energy 406 tire.
Title
Bulging sidewall of Michelin Energy 406 tire.
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₂₀₀ sec at f/5.6
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 10.4-37.1 mm f/1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on February 11, 2018 at 14:31:10.
Cracked and non-functioning Hall sensor in hub motor Fortunately, I had replacement sensors in stock.
Cracked and non-functioning Hall sensor in hub motor
Title
Cracked and non-functioning Hall sensor in hub motor
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₂₂₀ sec at f/4.9
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on January 22, 2018 at 14:05:08.
Raceface Sixc carbon fiber crank, broken at pedal eye
Raceface Sixc carbon fiber crank, broken at pedal eye
Title
Raceface Sixc carbon fiber crank, broken at pedal eye
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₁₂₅ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on December 31, 2017 at 09:17:12.
Raceface Sixc carbon fiber crank, broken at pedal eye, side cracks (2)
Raceface Sixc carbon fiber crank, broken at pedal eye, side cracks (2)
Title
Raceface Sixc carbon fiber crank, broken at pedal eye, side cracks (2)
Exposure
800, ¹⁄₁₅₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on December 31, 2017 at 09:16:29.
Raceface Sixc carbon fiber crank, broken at pedal eye, side cracks (1)
Raceface Sixc carbon fiber crank, broken at pedal eye, side cracks (1)
Title
Raceface Sixc carbon fiber crank, broken at pedal eye, side cracks (1)
Exposure
800, ¹⁄₁₀₅ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on December 31, 2017 at 09:16:18.
Schwalbe Energizer Plus 47x559 failure at bead (2)
Schwalbe Energizer Plus 47x559 failure at bead (2)
Title
Schwalbe Energizer Plus 47x559 failure at bead (2)
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₁₅₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on December 11, 2017 at 15:23:48.
Schwalbe Energizer Plus 47x559 failure at bead (1) Tire was never overinflated or overloaded. Approximately 3000 miles on tire.
Schwalbe Energizer Plus 47x559 failure at bead (1)
Title
Schwalbe Energizer Plus 47x559 failure at bead (1)
Exposure
80, ¹⁄₄₀₀ sec at f/4.0
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on December 11, 2017 at 09:36:47.
Lifted patch This patch held for over a year before it failed. I discovered after it failed that installation error was the culprit. (1) The patch was not centered over the small tear in the tube, and (2) the tube/patch interface surrounding the tear was dry and void of glue.
Lifted patch
Title
Lifted patch
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₂₁₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on June 18, 2017 at 07:43:23.
Failure of Gaadi tube at flat end. Notice the circular scuffing or stretch mark in the material at the end. The cut appears along this mark at the top of the photo.
Failure of Gaadi tube at flat end.
Title
Failure of Gaadi tube at flat end.
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₂₄₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on July 11, 2016 at 15:34:10.
Rear shift cable from SRAM Attack 9-speed shifter Although cables last a long time when used in Grip Shifters, they do eventually fray and fail. This cable lasted about 12000 miles before failing.
Rear shift cable from SRAM Attack 9-speed shifter
Title
Rear shift cable from SRAM Attack 9-speed shifter
Exposure
400, ¹⁄₁₅₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on June 19, 2016 at 09:56:33.
Thorn entry point on outside of tire Looks like a wooden splinter from the outside.
Thorn entry point on outside of tire
Title
Thorn entry point on outside of tire
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₂₀₀ sec at f/6.3
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on June 18, 2016 at 16:05:45.
Thorn poking through the tire It looks like a metal shaving of some sort, but it broke off easily, like plastic.
Thorn poking through the tire
Title
Thorn poking through the tire
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₃₂₀ sec at f/6.3
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on June 18, 2016 at 16:05:23.
Ply separation beneath tire tread on left side of tire. Notice the depression in the profile on the left side of the tire.
Ply separation beneath tire tread on left side of tire.
Title
Ply separation beneath tire tread on left side of tire.
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₈₀₀ sec at f/5.6
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on February 15, 2016 at 13:32:56.
Defective Schwalbe Kojak, interior view The folds visible on the inside indicate ply separation.
Defective Schwalbe Kojak, interior view
Title
Defective Schwalbe Kojak, interior view
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₈₀₀ sec at f/5.6
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on February 15, 2016 at 11:16:44.
Panaracer Minits Tough with long tear Tire blew off and ran flat on bare rim. The material looks like it was torn, which suggests that sideways force when running flat on the bare rim caused the material to fail at the tread/sidewall boundary, where the cords are weakest, like pulling on opposite sides of a creased paper. This tire was about 1 year old with 2700 miles on it.
Panaracer Minits Tough with long tear
Title
Panaracer Minits Tough with long tear
Exposure
800, ¹⁄₁₂₅ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on January 2, 2016 at 17:50:50.
Water bottle cage cracked at the attachment
Water bottle cage cracked at the attachment
Title
Water bottle cage cracked at the attachment
Exposure
250, ¹⁄₃₀ sec at f/7.1
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on October 22, 2015 at 17:48:59.
Fender bracket cracked at the attachment.
Fender bracket cracked at the attachment.
Title
Fender bracket cracked at the attachment.
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/2.8
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on October 22, 2015 at 17:47:20.
Gold Rush 203mm disk rotor clearance with chainstay Notice that the rotor has at times gouged a groove in the chainstay (that I've subsequently filed smooth and polished). The clearance with the chainstay at the edge of the rotor is about 3mm.
The wear on the chainstay was observed after rear brake use that caused loud howling and vibration. I suspect the edge of the rotor moved out of plane while vibrating, causing the chainstay gouge, there being no other plausible explanation (e.g. loose bearings, rotor mount, caliper alignment) for how the edge of the rotor could move closer to the chainstay.
Gold Rush 203mm disk rotor clearance with chainstay
Title
Gold Rush 203mm disk rotor clearance with chainstay
Exposure
800, ¹⁄₁₀₅ sec at f/4.3
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on July 19, 2015 at 20:05:39.
Neal Oren's cracked carbon fiber Gold Rush fork The fork was probably cracked when Neal fell at the Davenport CA1 railroad crossing. It's possible it cracked when he tried to straighten his stem after the crash without loosening the headset, or perhaps the fork was cracked earlier. Neal didn't noticed the crack until I pointed it out to him.
Neal Oren's cracked carbon fiber Gold Rush fork
Title
Neal Oren's cracked carbon fiber Gold Rush fork
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀₀ sec at f/2.8
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on July 11, 2015 at 14:17:57.
Worn cam suspension strap on battery pannier
Worn cam suspension strap on battery pannier
Title
Worn cam suspension strap on battery pannier
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₂₅₀ sec at f/5.6
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on July 6, 2015 at 14:57:00.
Ritchey Girder ISO559 rim cracked at eyelet This crack is lengthening. The black dots marked the furthest progression of these cracks upon prior inspection, but one can see now that the crack tip has traveled on the left side (away from the spoke nipple) past the dot.
Conclusion: It's time to retire this rim, even though this is the only spoke hole on the rim to show cracking. Cracks get to a certain length then can suddenly grow, possibly causing complete failure of a structure, rendering this innocuous-looking crack a safety hazard.
Ritchey Girder ISO559 rim cracked at eyelet
Title
Ritchey Girder ISO559 rim cracked at eyelet
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₁₄₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on June 30, 2015 at 16:13:34.
DT Alpine III spoke broken at top nipple thread This spoke broke on a wheel subjected to extreme disk brake vibration. Usually when spokes break under these conditions they break at the elbow, but this one broke at a nipple thread. There could have been a flaw or small imperfection in the thread that allowed a crack to progress through the thickness of the spoke. Note that the dark surface has oxidized and been exposed for some time, while the light-colored metal is the thickness of spoke that broke suddenly at the time of failure.
DT Alpine III spoke broken at top nipple thread
Title
DT Alpine III spoke broken at top nipple thread
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₃₄₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on June 27, 2015 at 17:18:00.
Hole in sidewall with Tyvek boot User error! It looks like my brake pad was rubbing the tire. It finally wore through the cords at the hole. I believe the brake shoe must have shifted at some point, perhaps when installing the wheel. An added reminder to check brake pad clearance, especially when using fatter tires or when clearance is tight.
Hole in sidewall with Tyvek boot
Title
Hole in sidewall with Tyvek boot
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₈₀₀ sec at f/5.6
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on June 14, 2015 at 14:09:41.
Ti seat frame crack works its way around the tube.
Ti seat frame crack works its way around the tube.
Title
Ti seat frame crack works its way around the tube.
Exposure
800, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on April 13, 2015 at 14:53:05.
Ti seat frame crack Probably initiated by a weak spot in the weld. Perhaps there was too much oxygen near the weld during welding (causing the discoloration).
Ti seat frame crack
Title
Ti seat frame crack
Exposure
800, ¹⁄₉₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on April 13, 2015 at 14:51:57.
DT Alpine III spoke broken at the first thread (nipple end), break surface detail The striations on the surface of the break suggest a fatigue break.
DT Alpine III spoke broken at the first thread (nipple end), break surface detail
Title
DT Alpine III spoke broken at the first thread (nipple end), break surface detail
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₁₆₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on April 3, 2015 at 15:13:49.
DT Alpine III spoke broken at the nipple Technically the spoke broke at the first thread on the end of the spoke.
DT Alpine III spoke broken at the nipple
Title
DT Alpine III spoke broken at the nipple
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₁₅₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on April 3, 2015 at 15:11:30.
Worn 11-tooth ANSI 25 sprocket The wear pattern on this sprocket, sharply-pointed teeth, occurred very quickly after I replaced a worn chain with a new chain. The worn sprocket continued to engage the new chain without skipping until I removed it during a drivetrain overhaul.
Worn 11-tooth ANSI 25 sprocket
Title
Worn 11-tooth ANSI 25 sprocket
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₂₂₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on April 3, 2015 at 15:09:40.
Broken VAR tire lever (front) This lever broke while I was trying to remove a Primo Comet tire bead from a Velocity A23 rim.
Broken VAR tire lever (front)
Title
Broken VAR tire lever (front)
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/2.2
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on March 15, 2015 at 09:10:26.
Ti fork steerer tube crack detail The front of the fork is tot he left, and the break is shown in roughly mirror image.
Photo courtesy of Tom Lawrence
Ti fork steerer tube crack detail
Title
Ti fork steerer tube crack detail
Exposure
, ¹⁄₂₅₀ sec at f/5.6
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 Sony 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on March 12, 2015 at 16:05:03.
Ti fork broken at base of steerer tube Photo courtesy of Tom Lawrence
Ti fork broken at base of steerer tube
Title
Ti fork broken at base of steerer tube
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/3.2
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 10.4-37.1 mm f/1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on March 12, 2015 at 15:59:20.
Crack on Gold Rush "Spinner" fork (chrome-plated steel), showing left crack tip The crack is on the weld bead between the left leg and the steerer tube. The left end of the crack rises into the weld bead at the crown race. The right end of the crack is near the fender screw hole. The crack is approximately 15mm long. The fork is chrome-plated steel, was manufactured in 1998 and has approximately 26000 miles on it.
Crack on Gold Rush "Spinner" fork (chrome-plated steel), showing left crack tip
Title
Crack on Gold Rush "Spinner" fork (chrome-plated steel), showing left crack tip
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₅₅₀ sec at f/5.6
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on February 18, 2015 at 09:10:13.
Crack on Gold Rush "Spinner" fork (chrome-plated steel), showing right crack tip The crack is on the weld bead between the left leg and the steerer tube. The left end of the crack rises into the weld bead at the crown race. The right end of the crack is near the fender screw hole. The crack is approximately 15mm long. The fork is chrome-plated steel, was manufactured in 1998 and has approximately 26000 miles on it. One can see in this photo multiple lesser cracks on either side of the main crack.
Crack on Gold Rush "Spinner" fork (chrome-plated steel), showing right crack tip
Title
Crack on Gold Rush "Spinner" fork (chrome-plated steel), showing right crack tip
Exposure
80, ¹⁄₄₅₀ sec at f/5.0
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on February 18, 2015 at 09:09:02.
Crack on Gold Rush "Spinner" fork (chrome-plated steel) The crack is on the weld bead between the left leg and the steerer tube. The left end of the crack rises into the weld bead at the crown race. The right end of the crack is near the fender screw hole. See the following photos for crack details. The crack is approximately 15mm long. The fork is chrome-plated steel, was manufactured in 1998 and has approximately 26000 miles on it.
Crack on Gold Rush "Spinner" fork (chrome-plated steel)
Title
Crack on Gold Rush "Spinner" fork (chrome-plated steel)
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₆₄₀ sec at f/2.8
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on February 15, 2015 at 20:03:20.
Avid BB7 disk brake pads, worn These pads are also damaged from being used with a cracked rotor.
Avid BB7 disk brake pads, worn
Title
Avid BB7 disk brake pads, worn
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/5.0
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on January 17, 2015 at 15:29:47.
Shimano RT-64L 203mm disk rotor with crack This rotor has about 4400 miles on it and measures 1.7mm thick on the wear track. In addition to the visible wear, the rivets that attach the disk to the inner spider are all lose, introducing backlash into the system.
Shimano RT-64L 203mm disk rotor with crack
Title
Shimano RT-64L 203mm disk rotor with crack
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/3.2
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on January 17, 2015 at 15:24:10.
Crack detail in Shimano RT-64L 203mm disk brake rotor
Crack detail in Shimano RT-64L 203mm disk brake rotor
Title
Crack detail in Shimano RT-64L 203mm disk brake rotor
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/5.0
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on January 17, 2015 at 15:23:44.
Spoke broken at elbow from fatigue This was a DT Alpine III spoke (2.3mm diameter at the elbow), laced into a disk-braked wheel as an inbound spoke on the non-drive side. Hard disk braking cause spoke to go slack cyclically with brake vibration and screeching, leading to fatigue. The crack started at the upper left of the photo on the inside of the elbow, then propagated normal to the banding seen in the crack surface. The spoke failed when only about 1/6 of the original material remained attached, leaving a 45-degree shear failure that can be seen at the lower right.
Spoke broken at elbow from fatigue
Title
Spoke broken at elbow from fatigue
Exposure
500, ¹⁄₁₂₅₀ sec at f/1.8
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on January 4, 2015 at 16:27:04.
Avid BB7 inboard adjustment dial, melted off from brake heat
Avid BB7 inboard adjustment dial, melted off from brake heat
Title
Avid BB7 inboard adjustment dial, melted off from brake heat
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₃₀ sec at f/2.0
Focal Length
29 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on October 4, 2014 at 16:09:51.
Spoke showing signs of stress at the elbow, but not yet broken. This spoke was an inbound spoke on the non-drive side of a disk-braked wheel. The disk brake vibrated and screeched when applied hard. I believe this caused the inbound NDS spokes to momentarily go slack when the brake was vibrating. The pattern embossed on the inside of the elbow is from the spoke hole in the hub. The edge of this hole would be the location of a crack initiation, leading to spoke breakage.
Spoke showing signs of stress at the elbow, but not yet broken.
Title
Spoke showing signs of stress at the elbow, but not yet broken.
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/3.2
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on October 2, 2014 at 18:15:15.
Broken spoke crack surface detail This spoke, a Sapim Laser (1.7mm diameter at the elbow), mounted as an "inbound" spoke on the non-drive side of a rear wheel, broke at the elbow. The crack appears to have started on the inside of the elbow. The crack propagated to the left, normal to the banding seen in the crack surface. The spoke failed when only about 1/6 of the original material remained attached, leaving a 45-degree shear failure that can be seen at the left.
Broken spoke crack surface detail
Title
Broken spoke crack surface detail
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₅₀ sec at f/1.8
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on September 21, 2014 at 17:48:32.
Melted inboard pad adjustment dial, Avid BB7-Road. Dial melted while descending Tioga Pass with a tailwind.
Melted inboard pad adjustment dial, Avid BB7-Road.
Title
Melted inboard pad adjustment dial, Avid BB7-Road.
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/2.0
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on September 17, 2014 at 15:50:22.
Bulging tire My Kwests last about 3000 miles before they start to develop lumps and bulges. I suspect these are from the cord layers separating. This tire had about 3000 miles on it.
Bulging tire
Title
Bulging tire
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/2.5
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on August 29, 2014 at 14:28:36.
Lumpy Kenda Kwest My Kwests last about 3000 miles before they start to develop lumps and bulges. I suspect these are from the cord layers separating. This tire had about 3000 miles on it.
Lumpy Kenda Kwest
Title
Lumpy Kenda Kwest
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/3.5
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on August 29, 2014 at 14:27:52.
Cord damage beneath the divots
Cord damage beneath the divots
Title
Cord damage beneath the divots
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/2.2
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on August 29, 2014 at 14:08:33.
Two large rubber divots in the tread These occurred when I rode into an asphalt crack in the road, and the wheel rode out of the crack before I could crash.
Two large rubber divots in the tread
Title
Two large rubber divots in the tread
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/2.2
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on August 29, 2014 at 14:07:37.
Pinch flat puncture The puncture is a tiny hole near the mid-point of the line embosssed on the tube. I've prepared the tube to accept a patch.
Pinch flat puncture
Title
Pinch flat puncture
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/1.8
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on August 29, 2014 at 11:03:12.
New and worn chainring, 48T On the left is a new chainring, on the right is a worn chainring. The chainring was determined to be worn after a new chain started occasionally to skip over the teeth when the load on the chain was high. The difference is subtle, but the worn chainring has slightly scalloped teeth.
New and worn chainring, 48T
Title
New and worn chainring, 48T
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₂₅₀ sec at f/1.8
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on May 21, 2014 at 16:32:27.
Broken strand on derailleur cable This cable survived about 10k miles in my SRAM GripShifter. The broken strand occurred where the cable exits the housing and passes through a ferrule at the derailleur.
Broken strand on derailleur cable
Title
Broken strand on derailleur cable
Exposure
160, ¹⁄₆₄₀ sec at f/1.8
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on May 21, 2014 at 15:22:29.
Evidence of cord displacement on Kenda Kwest, interior view This tire bulged under pressure, but it wasn't easy to find evidence of the cause. The circled area shows where cords became displaced inside the tire casing. These displaced cords allowed the tire to bulge under pressure.
Evidence of cord displacement on Kenda Kwest, interior view
Title
Evidence of cord displacement on Kenda Kwest, interior view
Exposure
1000, ¹⁄₃₂₀ sec at f/1.8
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on May 12, 2014 at 16:55:40.
Cause of bulging Kenda Kwest After cutting into the tire and peeling back the layers of cords, I discovered that a bunch of these cords had "slipped" or become unglued, allowing a section of the tire casing to "go slack", causing the tire to bulge under pressure. You can see the bare spot against the outer rubber, where the cords slipped, causing them to bunch up, slack on the right. It almost looks like the glue used to hold the cords is not strong enough or that it breaks down after time and/or use. I was able to peel back this tire casing with only moderate effort. The glue was still sticky but was not holding fast. This tire had 4200 miles on it.
Cause of bulging Kenda Kwest
Title
Cause of bulging Kenda Kwest
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/2.2
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on May 12, 2014 at 16:54:00.
Flat tire from metal shard
Flat tire from metal shard
Title
Flat tire from metal shard
Exposure
250, ¹⁄₈₀₀ sec at f/2.0
Focal Length
29 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 28-100mm F1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on April 13, 2014 at 15:37:35.
Kenda Kwest showing the tread pulling apart.
Kenda Kwest showing the tread pulling apart.
Title
Kenda Kwest showing the tread pulling apart.
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₆₀ sec at f/1.8
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100
Datetime
Image captured on September 7, 2013 at 15:32:43.
Kenda Kwest missing a sizeable chunk of rubber.
Kenda Kwest missing a sizeable chunk of rubber.
Title
Kenda Kwest missing a sizeable chunk of rubber.
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/1.8
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100
Datetime
Image captured on September 7, 2013 at 15:31:08.
Worn-out disk brake pads, Avid BB7 Worn to the metal.
These pads came off the rear of my Pursuit after 1100 miles of use. On my last ride I was descending a hill while dragging the rear brake. I heard a "Clunk!" sound along with feeling something catching in the wheel or mechanism. In hindsight I think this was the end of the spring clip that got caught between the pad and rotor, and possibly the inner pad (right) shearing apart.
Notice that the installation tab of the outer pad scrapes the rotor when the pad wears thin.
Worn-out disk brake pads, Avid BB7
Title
Worn-out disk brake pads, Avid BB7
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₂₈₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on September 3, 2013 at 18:04:34.
Exterior view of seat mount crack, side 1
Exterior view of seat mount crack, side 1
Title
Exterior view of seat mount crack, side 1
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₈₀ sec at f/1.8
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 10.4-37.1 mm f/1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on August 3, 2013 at 17:56:20.
Seat mount crack, exterior view, side 2
Seat mount crack, exterior view, side 2
Title
Seat mount crack, exterior view, side 2
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/2.0
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 10.4-37.1 mm f/1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on August 3, 2013 at 17:56:19.
Cracks in Ti seat mount, interior view
Cracks in Ti seat mount, interior view
Title
Cracks in Ti seat mount, interior view
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/2.8
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 10.4-37.1 mm f/1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on August 3, 2013 at 17:55:55.
Hole worn in Ti tubing where seat mesh wire rubs the tube
Hole worn in Ti tubing where seat mesh wire rubs the tube
Title
Hole worn in Ti tubing where seat mesh wire rubs the tube
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/3.2
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 10.4-37.1 mm f/1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on August 3, 2013 at 17:53:52.
Ti bottom bracket crack detail at weld
Ti bottom bracket crack detail at weld
Title
Ti bottom bracket crack detail at weld
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/3.5
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 10.4-37.1 mm f/1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on August 3, 2013 at 17:50:00.
Ti bottom bracket crack propagating into main tube
Ti bottom bracket crack propagating into main tube
Title
Ti bottom bracket crack propagating into main tube
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/4.5
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 10.4-37.1 mm f/1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on August 3, 2013 at 17:48:34.
Seat bolt detail
Seat bolt detail
Title
Seat bolt detail
Exposure
125, ¹⁄₈₀₀ sec at f/5.6
Focal Length
28 mm
Camera and Lens
SONY DSC-RX100 10.4-37.1 mm f/1.8-4.9
Datetime
Image captured on July 21, 2013 at 15:16:49.
Schwalbe Stelvio (406x28) starting to split along seam in tread I noticed this split on the tread after a ride on which I can recall having hit a few hard bumps. The tire is old (ca. 2003), but had not been ridden until last year when I decided to "use it or lose it". Tire was a bit narrow for the front of my bike, given the weight, but it ran well at 100psi for about 2400 miles until I noticed this split.
I suspect the old tire cords are not as strong as they once were, and a hard bump that might normally have been handled without damage was too much for this old tire.
One can also see a few non-fatal sidewall nicks in the lower left of the photo. The tire has been replaced.
Schwalbe Stelvio (406x28) starting to split along seam in tread
Title
Schwalbe Stelvio (406x28) starting to split along seam in tread
Exposure
800, ¹⁄₁₆₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on May 8, 2013 at 18:27:46.
Split casing close-up One can see that the outer layer of cords are broken.
Split casing close-up
Title
Split casing close-up
Exposure
200, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/2.8
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on May 8, 2013 at 18:27:45.
Cut in tire tread Tire is a Kenda Kwest 559x35, 85psi. The cut sliced through a few outer cords, but the inner cord layer is intact. There is no visible bulging at the cut.
Cut in tire tread
Title
Cut in tire tread
Exposure
800, ¹⁄₁₀₀ sec at f/3.7
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on April 11, 2013 at 16:02:23.
Sugino XD left crank, 170mm, cracks at spindle corners This crank had been on my bike for about two years, or 5000 miles. Already one can see cracks radiating from the corners at 6 o'clock and 3 o'clock.
Since this crank has always been on a recumbent I am still riding it until I receive a replacement. Sudden failure does not usually result in a crash as it might on an upright bike, although should it fail while riding, continuing to ride with no place to support my left foot would be difficult.
It's possible that a contributing factor was that the crank had been originally installed with too much torque.
Sugino XD left crank, 170mm, cracks at spindle corners
Title
Sugino XD left crank, 170mm, cracks at spindle corners
Exposure
100, ¹⁄₃₂₀ sec at f/3.6
Camera and Lens
FUJIFILM FinePix F10
Datetime
Image captured on February 18, 2013 at 16:10:32.
Bontrager left crank, break at pedal eye The dark-colored part of the break was the initial break, exposed to weathering. The light-colored break was the last part to break, suddenly throwing the rider onto the ground.
Notice that most of the dark-colored break was on the outside of the crank, the inside being channeled. One exception is at the lower right of the photo where an inside crack had started. The innermost pedal thread is also cracked.
Crank courtesy of Bill Sherwin
