Hi
I was trying to assemble a department store kids bike. I unfortunately tightened a nut too hard which snapped part of a bolt. It's the bolt that attaches the front brakes to the steering beam.
Where can I source a suitable replacement bolt? Not sure if a Bunnings alternative will be fit for purpose.
Bunnings will have something suitable. Holding the brake calipers isn't something that requires any exotic material.
bunnings - make sure you get one with a nylock nut (with the plastic threading inside) - you don't want the bolt/nut coming un-done.
what length is the bolt? (I have a little kids bike that's junk and I'm taking to the dump shortly - if the bolt fits then I'll send it to you)
Thanks. I will check tonight.
What sort of brakes? V-brakes or calliper. Caliber brakes have specialist bolts form a bike shop - but then caliber brakes are useless, just leave them off the front.
Bike shop will probably have plenty available, and might even give you one for free, but buy a patch kit to say thanks.
good advice. leave off one set of brakes from your kids bike.
Seriously, most cheap kids bikes with calliper brakes on the front (not v-brakes) the brakes are so poor they wont stop a kid even if they had the hand strength of an adult, especially on steel rims. V-brakes and alloy rims make a huge difference, they actually work effectively and I 'don't recommend taking them off.
I have taken off the front brakes on my kids cheapo bikes (up to 16" or about 5yo), they just don't work and end up rubbing on the rim slowing down riding.
OP hasn't described what sort of brake it is, but has described a dept store bike which are often cheap and the front brakes ineffective.
Yeah, the bike has the cheap brakes, callipers.
I pick up my bikes from the local tip recycling shop. For $5 you can get a whole 'new' bike. Then you have the choice to replace the screw or replace the bike!!
Drive around until you find your nearest suburb with hard rubbish day. There's always old bikes out on the nature strip. Remove the bolt you require, or else take the whole bike for spare parts.
How much time did it take to assemble the bike? I would just go to the department store and get a different bike.
They might even have a display model, that they can give you a bolt from.
THIS! Tell them the bolt snapped when you were assembling, they will give you another bolt.
One of the criticisms of department store bikes is the cheapo, low quality and non standard size parts they use. I doubt it if there will be any specialist 2nd party supplier carrying the parts for cheapo bikes. Most of the more expensive bike brands use standard sized parts from the bikepart manufacturers like Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo. The bolt you buy in a 20 pack from Bunnings will probably be the highest quality part on the bike!
THIS! Tell them the bolt snapped when you were assembling, they will give you another bolt.
The risk is they give you another bike, which you spend another 90mins assembling only to find another broken bolt…
This is the risk you run with cheap department store bikes! Better to fix it now than the bolt snaps when your kids are out riding around on the roads and need to use their brakes.
Thanks. We called and they said to take the bike back for a refund.
Good choice, now go and buy a proper bike second hand.
Dept store bikes are known in cycling circles as Bicycle Shaped Objects. Might look like a bike, but won't perform like a real one.
What department store? I bought my daughter a bike from Kmart, I could get it in a box or pay $10 extra for it fully assembled. They even get someone in to put them together.
Big W. Apparently Target no longer sell bikes.
a photo would be helpful
Coventry's or another branded fastener business
http://www.coventryfasteners.com.au/
.