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I think 7005 is a less expensive weldable alloy, as it doesn't need to be heat treated post-weld. 6061 is a better option but needs heat treatment. 7075 is more than just a little stronger than most Al alloys, typically 525 MPa vs 290 for 6061. So less stress per unit force applied and better fatigue life, especially without the complication and inconsistency of welding. Like most here I've had a several Al frame failures, always from fatigue at a weld. Bonding is better and more consistent once you have a design and process that works, but that isn't trivial.

Overall ultimate tensile strength is the benefit of 7075 which in turn makes the fatigue limit higher, meaning it will deal with either higher load severity with the same number of cycles or more cycles at the same load severity.

It is. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatigue_limit Even more so: "The concept of endurance limit was introduced in 1870 by August Wöhler. [15] However, recent research suggests that endurance limits do not exist for metallic materials, that if enough stress cycles are performed, even the smallest stress will eventually produce fatigue failure. [7] [16]" It's the cyclic nature of the loads that mean an aluminium frame will crack sooner or later. It's not a years thing, it's a number of cycles, severity of the loads and the design that dictate when a crack will start forming.

I think the important thing to discover is, especially if those protos were newer... Is if the glue is already failing? Meaning their treatment process is not working at all. If the newer frames still show good bonding on both surfaces then they have to consider if their treatment process works perfectly or only works for a certain time. And then you can also consider the concept of proper epoxy bonding but flexing tubes repeatedly buckling against the lug and destroying the epoxy (or whatever Frameworks said). Sadly the solution seems to be copy Atherton as much as possible. Curved...

Sounds fine to me. They're probably going to destructive test the current batch of frames, and see what knowledge they gain about the failures. Doesn't mean they DIDN'T ALREADY do destructive testing, it simply implies they will do it for this batch. It's like saying I'll drink some milk today. Doesn't mean I didn't drink milk yesterday.

I will reserve all judgement until we get WC level riders on the track cutting it up and digging up roots and rocks. This looks like it has some nice natural sections, steeps, off camber, and will cut up to be an interesting track. People wanted to talk down about Loudonville last year but I think it turned into a pretty good race track that racers were happy with.

Similar to the moto world, the pros ride bigger, even if their weight doesn't match what they're riding. It's been pointed out before that guys like Goldstone, Rude, etc are running spring rates above their recommended weight. Same can be said for brakes. It's likely not a good example to use.

I just watched that and the race,.After qualifying first Bernard seemed way off the pace in his race run.I wonder if the de-bonding had already started and he could feel something was off. Looking at the specializeds I wondered if they had some additional mechanical fixing.

even back when i was a shop mechanic in the mid 00s, dealing with triathletes was the absolute worst. i can't imagine how insufferable they are today.

To be fair "the front fell off" is a pretty popular meme across the internet these days. It's great to see John Clarke (and Brian Dawe) getting so much reach.

Dangerholm approves

2021 bike check on Pinkbike lists Bruni as 75kg. So not close to 200lbs /90kg.

Richie Rude is 92kg How many? I have no idea, there isn't a lot of info on elite athletes and their weight ranges, but it isn't hard for someone muscular over 6ft to break 200lbs or be close. They aren't bumping 220, 230, etc, but approaching or over 200lbs isn't unreasonable for a 6ft tall or taller athlete especially in a discipline requiring as much gym time as DH or enduro.

Gwin and Co. are doing great work there. Moving the MTB center to a separate area from the Off-road area showed serious vision. Windrock was a ton of fun this last weekend, and I imagine this coming week and weekend is going to be even better. Stoked to see what’s to come there. We did the whirlwind trip, driving through the night on Wednesday to get ride Thursday morning then preride for enduro Friday and Saturday. Rough weekend on the tools for my son, but he demonstrated pace with the one stage without bike issues. Drove back home after race...

Tennessee National DH and XC Course previews. DH has some fresh sections and Gwin gives lots of insight into line options.

have heard "bernard is fine," so hopefully that's the case. i'm really surprised brands running protos in a race environment don't have a statement ready for social media before making bikes visible on the race track. "this was a prototype, we're pushing the edge of technology and racing. our athletes are putting them through extreme paces and sometimes the rider out-performs the prototype. we all know the risks involved with such daring endeavors. we're making sure our athlete has all the care they need after this incident. we'll research the cause of the failure and make our next one better."...

He says to an audience of grown men posting rumors about who will ride what brand of kids toy in the upcoming year.

I saw that, crazy if he is fine.. hope he is.