Hi All,

I have a bicycle frame made from AZ61 magnesium. One of the rear drop-
outs (the part where the rear wheel attaches) broke. It appears that
this part is made from cast magnesium (the rest of the bike is TIG
welded tubing). Right where it broke, there is a hole for a bolt which
is used to align the wheel. This bolt is not strictly necessary, and
it undoubtely weakens the area.

Here are some photos:

http://arbitrary.org/dogma/IMG_5308.jpg
http://arbitrary.org/dogma/IMG_5306.jpg
http://arbitrary.org/dogma/IMG_5310.jpg

How difficult would it be to repair this? Would a repair be
significantly weaker than the original? I figure that if the bolt hole
is eliminated, a weld might even be stronger than the original.

Any suggestions on how to find a welder capable (and willing) to fix
this?

Joseph