On Sat, 01 Aug 2009 23:44:45 GMT, Jordan
wrote:

I made a rear axle for my rigid-framed motorcycle out of 4140 steel, and
the thing bent in use. I was advised that heat-treatment was optional,
but not really necessary, so I didn't do that. Was this advice wrong?
The axle diameter is 9/16", and bike weight = 375 lbs. I do sometimes
hit the odd pothole, but nothing major.

Jordan

A 375lb rigid frame bike, gee loaded, is going to require a heat
treated axel..particularly when its only 9/16.

Rigid frames dont have any spring to them..so they SLAM the components
hard.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4691309_heat-treat-steel.html

http://tidewaterblacksmiths.net/2.html

http://www.finishing.com/324/56.shtml

As is noted in the above link...4340 may be a better choice..as would be
a Grade 8 bolt

Gunner

'In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith
becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact
equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man
because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the
person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...
There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American,
but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag,
the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the
English language.. and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a
loyalty to the American people.'
Theodore Ro osevelt 1907