Welding Bashguard Mounts Onto Zoo Python

[pogonation]

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone has tried welding bashguard mounts onto a 2005 zoo python and if it would be possible without making the frame weak?? :bunny:

[Mark W]

Here's the deal:

When frame designers put a sub-frame for a bashguard on a frame, it needs to be gusseted to f**k.

When you use a bash, it is typically (or should be :deej:\) because you have just fudged something up, and you are basically falling onto it. This means muchos force.

This force is going through the plate and into the mounts. Some will be absorbed by the elastomer, but most will still rape your frame. Look at the T-Mags. No gusset; no strength. Trialsboy560's punched through his frame. Look at the T-Pros. Gussets; strength.

The Python has presumably got a slightly thinner/lighter downtube because of the fact it doesn't have a bashplate mount on it. This is because, simply, they don't need as much reinforcement in the tube, and therefore, then take it away to save weight. This means, if you plan to put a plate on and the mounts, you WILL need to make some kinda heinous gussetry.

The same is true for the chainstay mount points. You WILL need to gusset these. Otherwise, it'll just f**k your chainstays.

To put the gussets and mounts on, you will need to weld them on. Aluminium isn't shit hot for welding, in fairness. It's possible, but typically engineers will go "Hmm" in an expensive sounding way. Also, if you don't heat-treat the frame after, the gussets will still rip through the downtube/chainstays because they're theoretically harder than the tubing, and the materials haven't joined together fully as their grains will be different (dumbed down, or I'm just wrong).

To summarise - to put a bashguard on a ZOO! Python, you will need:

A f**king good welder/engineer.

Heat-treatment for the frame after.

Some properly shit-hot designs.

Gussets.

Some more gussets.

Two more.

A plate, elastomer and bolts. Oh, and the mounts themselves. Typically, they have M6 bolt holes, I believe. Same as V-brake pivots bolts, 'cos that's what's holding mine on :bunny:

Either way, it's really not such a great idea. You're likely to f**k the downtube up pretty badly if you don't really, really design, fabricate and then attach the mounts well, and either way, the distributors response to the warranty claim you'll have to make when your downtube caves in will probably be along the lines of:

...AHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHAHAHAHAHAHA... AAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

etc.

It's just not worthwhile. I 10x prefered a bashring on my mod to a plate, but there we go :deej:

But nah, don't do it :(

[Lawnmowerman]

Hahahahahhahha :bunny: That told him!

[cookie456_the2nd]

How did you manage too write that much at that time, i could barely keep my eyes open then... :bunny:

[joe b]

I'd just stick to your bash ring mate! If you dont i dont see why you bought a python in the first place.

Cheers,

Joe.

Edited July 31, 2005 by joe b

[Lee_Buchanan]

You dont need bashplate :bunny: You have a bashring :deej:

Now go buy a python from selectbikes......

Lee