fmcd92 wrote:
How comfortable are we with using Ti bolts made in China?
I asked this question to a bunch of builder types and none of those guys thought the cost savings were justified.
These questions matter when rider safety is possibly compromised by component hardware choices.
Fran
I think that there are products from China produced to specification (Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V)) and products of dubious quality. The sad truth is that if you push the issue or read the fine print, you'll find that most of the mainstream suppliers in the US, Canada and UK, etc are buying their product from China or manufacturing in their own facility in that country. Do we really know where Pro-Bolts get their stuff? Will the supplier produce a certificate of compliance to the Grade 5 spec? I found two who would.
Bottom line: More of what we ingest, wear, use and play with is coming from China - either at the material, component or finished product levels. Your MacBook could explode without warning at any moment!