Frame warranties

[compo]

Now, I understand that some people run to the internet and complain to all who will listen when things go wrong in their dealings with bike retailers/makers, whilst the hundreds of satisfied customers just get on with enjoying their lives. This can skew the perceived view of a manufacturer.

I have been looking at warranties tonight, online. I had decided to buy a Marin Larkspur CS4 after a visit to my LBS and a test ride. Looking at reviews about warranty claims it seems that Marin are not too good, with the proviso I mentioned in my opening sentence. So I thought I would look at Trek. The 7.3 FX Disc ticks all my boxes, but once again Trek also seem somewhat hit and miss and honouring their lifetime frame warranty and will wriggle out of it any way they can.

This will be the last chance (without the lottery!) I have to buy a new bike, and it will probably be the last new bike I ever buy so I am taking my time and hoping to get it right. I would be interested in others experiences of different manufacturers and their dealing with warranty claims. I believe Specialised have a good reputation but I can't find a bike with the spec I want.

 

[Dragonwight]

Specialized would get my vote I have an Allez and so far touch wood no issues. Even their shorts are well made.LOL

 

[CopperCyclist]

Stand by on the Trek warranty as I'm about to put it to test!

I've had one minor off on my Trek 6500, which is less than six months old, and it bent a seat stay to a point that my LBS advise against riding it, in case it snaps.

Now I'm aware that yes, it was an 'off' and so there's an argument that I don't get covered under their warranty, however hand on heart I can say this off was such a non event that it would have been a heavier fall if I'd have simply stood the bike up and let it go! I don't believe that 'terminal' damage should have been caused, and have taken it back to argue the same.

I'm hoping the fact that there's not a scratch on the bike, even on the bent part, might go to show I'm not making up how minor the impact was.

The shop I bought it from weren't positive, suggesting 'Maybe you were hit by something soft like a car or bike wheel without noticing'!!!!! The Trek guarantee was signed by the President of Trek (didn't know they were a country!) with his email saying to 'drop him a line if you are ever not satisfied'.

I've been told to expect contact from the shop tomorrow regarding Trek's response. If its not positive, I'll try the president.

 

[fossyant]

I've had one minor off on my Trek 6500, which is less than six months old, and it bent a seat stay to a point that my LBS advise against riding it, in case it snaps.

If it bent during an off, then it's unlikely you'll get a warranty replacement - the tube could have easily hit something. Good luck - and if you do get a replacement, then that's a bonus.

 

[CopperCyclist]

If it bent during an off, then it's unlikely you'll get a warranty replacement - the tube could have easily hit something. Good luck - and if you do get a replacement, then that's a bonus.

That was my initial thought, which is why I won't push it too far. However I stand by the statement that I wouldn't have expected any damage from the fall I had, let alone damage requiring a new frame!

I've come off my CX harder, faster, on a concrete road in the ice, hitting very heavily and damaging my hip, yet the bike stood up to it. A topple onto mud on a MTB and a dead frame doesn't seem congruent to me!

 

[compo]

Stand by on the Trek warranty as I'm about to put it to test!

I've had one minor off on my Trek 6500, which is less than six months old, and it bent a seat stay to a point that my LBS advise against riding it, in case it snaps.

Now I'm aware that yes, it was an 'off' and so there's an argument that I don't get covered under their warranty, however hand on heart I can say this off was such a non event that it would have been a heavier fall if I'd have simply stood the bike up and let it go! I don't believe that 'terminal' damage should have been caused, and have taken it back to argue the same.

I'm hoping the fact that there's not a scratch on the bike, even on the bent part, might go to show I'm not making up how minor the impact was.

The shop I bought it from weren't positive, suggesting 'Maybe you were hit by something soft like a car or bike wheel without noticing'!!!!! The Trek guarantee was signed by the President of Trek (didn't know they were a country!) with his email saying to 'drop him a line if you are ever not satisfied'.

I've been told to expect contact from the shop tomorrow regarding Trek's response. If its not positive, I'll try the president.

Can't you get a few of your mates to pull the shop owner everytime he shows his face in his car.............

Good luck with your claim anyway. I would expect a bike marketed for off road riding to be able to withstand the odd bump or off.

 

[CopperCyclist]

So far, fair play to Trek.

The bike shop sent them photos of the damage, and despite the shops negative take, apparently Trek's reply was that they had never seen anything like it before. The damage the frame has sustained should require a large amount of force that would have damaged other parts of the bike, and especially the paintwork the opposite side of the bend, where there would have been impact - however the frame is 'pristine' (their words) everywhere else. They are wondering if the frame was weakened near the weld for some reason.

No promises yet, but they've asked for the bike to be sent to them for closer inspection before a decision. I'm remaining hopeful now.

 

[fossyant]

Sounds promising indeed, especially if the paintwork is unmarked

 

[CopperCyclist]

Can't sing Treks praises enough... stand by as it deserves a whole new post!

 

[compo]

Sounds like I did the right thing buying a Trek then.

I look forward to reading your account.

 

[CopperCyclist]

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/98367/

 

[Albert]

In the UK your contract is with the shop. The Sale of Goods Act says that things should work correctly for six years. The make of frame is, therefore, irrelevant. If it fails due to a manufacturing fault in the first six years you are covered. Whether the manufacturer looks kindly on the claim is the seller's (bike shop's) problem not your's. If things get "funny" just mention the Act and all your troubles will be over if you make it clear that you know and are prepared to fight for your Statutory Rights.

 

[sean8997]

In the UK your contract is with the shop. The Sale of Goods Act says that things should work correctly for six years. The make of frame is, therefore, irrelevant. If it fails due to a manufacturing fault in the first six years you are covered. Whether the manufacturer looks kindly on the claim is the seller's (bike shop's) problem not your's. If things get "funny" just mention the Act and all your troubles will be over if you make it clear that you know and are prepared to fight for your Statutory Rights.

You actually have 6 years from the fault to claiming, that does not mean you have 6 years of warranty, if a fault occurs within 6 months of purchase, it is up to the retailer to prove that the irem sold was in A1 condition at time of sale http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rig...erstanding-the-sale-of-goods-act/your-rights/