Bought a new gravel bike! (Possibly faulty)

[kingspirit]

Hi All,

I have finally bought a gravel bike (Fuji Jari 1.1), it was on a deal and the bike is really really nice.

But, I have noticed some strange welding inconsistency on one side where the top tube connects with a seat tube. I just not sure if its usually something normal or I should consider it as a defect and return it for a refund.

I will attach the pictures so you can see what I mean.

On the left side its fine, nice and smooth but on a right side its a bit rough where the top tube connects with seat tube. What do you think?

Cheers

 

[Roseland triker]

Left handed welder

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Take a look at other pictures of same model to see if it’s normal for that bike.

 

[JhnBssll]

Yeah the top tube isn't quite butting up to the seatpost evenly is it. There's nothing wrong with the weld itself by the looks, just the alignment of the tubes is slightly awry. This is present to some degree in all frames and won't affect the strength, so long as the dropouts align properly it will ride fine. You would probably have a case for a warranty claim, but whether it's worth the time and hassle only you can decide.

 

[Roseland triker]

Yeah the top tube isn't quite butting up to the seatpost evenly is it. There's nothing wrong with the weld itself by the looks, just the alignment of the tubes is slightly awry. This is present to some degree in all frames and won't affect the strength, so long as the dropouts align properly it will ride fine. You would probably have a case for a warranty claim, but whether it's worth the time and hassle only you can decide.

Put it in a frame gig see if it is true.
Probably not but not much is these days.

 

[vickster]

Ask the bike shop? Can you actually get a replacement which may/may not be better?

 

[T4tomo]

Yeah the top tube isn't quite butting up to the seatpost evenly is it. There's nothing wrong with the weld itself by the looks, just the alignment of the tubes is slightly awry. This is present to some degree in all frames and won't affect the strength, so long as the dropouts align properly it will ride fine. You would probably have a case for a warranty claim, but whether it's worth the time and hassle only you can decide.

agree looks about 1mm off centre. Wont have any effect on the ride as the rear triangle and dropouts will all line up correctly, but if it effect your OCD I'd be onto retailer / Fuji to see what they say.

its a shame as the actual welds are better than a lot of manufacturers finishes.

 

[Roseland triker]

Frame construction is shoddy these days they just don't care

 

[kingspirit]

Ask the bike shop? Can you actually get a replacement which may/may not be better?

That is actually good point to explain situation and ask them for a replacement to compare. But not sure it they will agree Will either say send that one back for a refund and place new order.
I was thinking to buy the same bike and compare them together, but if both bikes has the same issue that would look absurd if I would like to refund two bikes

 

[Cycleops]

It's fractionally out. Won't affect the bike or your enjoyment of it. Welding actually looks above average. Have a beer and chill.

 

[cougie uk]

I'd not have noticed.

 

[Brandane]

I'd not have noticed.

Me neither. I would have been too busy getting the seat post clamp centred!

 

[bonzobanana]

Which country was the frame made, if I was guessing I'd think it was Bangladesh or Cambodia as I've seen a few of those frames that look a little rough but still fit for purpose. I saw A Cube frame I think in a dealer and it was clear the inner seat tube wasn't machined smoothly as the seat post was quite scratched with very light scratches. That was Bangladesh I think. I feel like Bangladesh and Cambodia are perhaps at the lower end of frame quality for current frames sold. Admittedly any factory can produce a rough frame occasionally.

 

[vickster]

That is actually good point to explain situation and ask them for a replacement to compare. But not sure it they will agree Will either say send that one back for a refund and place new order.
I was thinking to buy the same bike and compare them together, but if both bikes has the same issue that would look absurd if I would like to refund two bikes

That’s not what I was suggesting, but return one and ask for a replacement if there‘s a replacement available. Did you buy from a physical shop or mail order?

 

[kingspirit]

That’s not what I was suggesting, but return one and ask for a replacement if there‘s a replacement available. Did you buy from a physical shop or mail order?

That was a mail order. I think I will email (attach pictures) and explain the situation, will see what they will say. They do have this bikes in stock. Hopefully they will send the replacement.