Well....
The only replies I can think of are rude, so I'll keep quiet - but I bet I'll not be the only one to be sorely tempted!
Rog.
I'm no jockey but certainly under 90kg.
I'm not tempted and i'll try a sensible question and answer. :0)
Are the broken bits aluminium? if so, can you replace them with steel?
Normally I'd agree but the steel seat post on my wife's bike weighs a lot, it feels almost like lifting a dumbell bar.
There's your problem.
Cheap bikes break.
Cheap steel will break more often than good quality aluminium.
You get what you pay for.
Golden rule:-
Build something fast and to a high standard, but then it will not be cheap.
Build something fast and cheaply, but it will not be of high quality.
Build something with high quality and cheaply, but it will not be fast.
I don't buy everything cheap but certainly cost is important when I'm buying parts, I break expensive bits as well.
Mussels started off in 2008 as a long distance commuter on poorly maintained roads. His first machine was a 26" wheeled 'one-size-fits-all' Wisper 905se. This machine was a bit too small for him, as he prefers an almost straight leg at the bottom of the pedal stroke. As a result, he had to extend his seat-post to it's absolute limit....and the seat-tube succumbed. Mussels then upgraded to the 700c wheeled Alpino which better suited his 'high' riding style.
As a matter of interest, just the other day I had to remove the battery from a 906 Alpino. I have to say I was surprised how massive the top of the seat-tube is on this machine. I haven't the foggiest idea how that seat-tube is manufactured, it has a 2mm wall thickness at the pinch-bolt point, which appears to extend well below the top-tube/seat-stay weld point.
It appears that Mussels now needs to find a seat-post that compliments the increased strength of the Wisper 906 Alpino seat-tube.
Regarding the "handlebars fell off". All current Wisper adjustible ahead stems are fitted with a safety lock to prevent this occuring.
In all fairness, as one would expect with a regular long distance commuter like Mussels, any machine he rides is going to be subjected to stresses that us fair-weather leisure riders will never inflict on any machine. Little wonder that Wisper Bikes chose Mussels as their 'Beta-tester' of the Alpino version.
Note to Mussels: Please don't read this the wrong way, you have quite likely been instrumental in many of the improvements to Wisper machines over the past three years.
I deliberately left off my mileage because I didn't want people to assume that was the reason and not comment, I also left it off because I don't think it's excessive and there are a fair few cyclists who ride further. The roads are poorly maintained but only like any city roads, I'm not riding through woodland or down farm tracks.
I also deliberately didn't mention Wisper as it would give the wrong impression that their parts are below standard, they aren't (now) and I've broken plenty of non-Wisper bits.
After the seat tube broke on the 905 I got a 400mm seat post so I wasn't using it at the maximum mark, IMO the short seat tube coupled with a 300mm seat post is a problem waiting to happen for anyone with a 32" inside leg or more. Unfortunately I guess they are all prone to work hardening and will go at some point, on that point would steel be any better? I ask as I want to get a seat post with more set back and this will put more strain on that area.
The handlebar problem was the clamp on the stem that grips the fork in the head tube, it needed doing up a bit tighter. I was going slowly but still got some interesting emotions when I realised I had no steering input.
I think Wisper is 27.2mm seat posts, can anyone confirm that?
