Lalato
07-22-08, 02:07 PM
At first I thought the hinge issue was simply a case of screws coming loose. However, the problem appears to be worn parts... not loosening screws (though that was part of the problem).
I've had the hinge come loose on me a few times. Only once have I fallen (mostly bruised my ego). Generally it comes loose as I'm about to take off not once I'm riding. Unfortunately, the hinge design on the Giant Halfway, while innovative, is impossible to fix without replacing the front half of the frame. Basically, the bit that juts out from the frame has worn down... as has the bit on the clasp that "grabs" the frame.
My LBS can source the clasp bits from Giant, but they aren't sure if they can source the front half. I bought the bike used so I'm not sure how the warranty will work on it... and I don't want to spend an arm and a leg to fix it when I could just invest in another bike.
Honestly, I think part of the problem is that I'm not using the bike as it was intended to be used. My multi-mode commute with multiple folds/unfolds may just be a little much for this bike. It's better suited for pootling (love that word) where you fold/unfold it once per day instead of the 3+ times I do.
It's been my daily commuter this spring/summer. I'm still riding it despite the "danger". It's my only option right now. I hope I hear some good news from the LBS. If not, it's the perfect excuse for another bike. Looks like I need to sell some of my collectibles on ebay. Should be able to net around $2K from those... and with that kind of money, my options are pretty big.
--sam
I've had the hinge come loose on me a few times. Only once have I fallen (mostly bruised my ego). Generally it comes loose as I'm about to take off not once I'm riding. Unfortunately, the hinge design on the Giant Halfway, while innovative, is impossible to fix without replacing the front half of the frame. Basically, the bit that juts out from the frame has worn down... as has the bit on the clasp that "grabs" the frame.
My LBS can source the clasp bits from Giant, but they aren't sure if they can source the front half. I bought the bike used so I'm not sure how the warranty will work on it... and I don't want to spend an arm and a leg to fix it when I could just invest in another bike.
Honestly, I think part of the problem is that I'm not using the bike as it was intended to be used. My multi-mode commute with multiple folds/unfolds may just be a little much for this bike. It's better suited for pootling (love that word) where you fold/unfold it once per day instead of the 3+ times I do.
It's been my daily commuter this spring/summer. I'm still riding it despite the "danger". It's my only option right now. I hope I hear some good news from the LBS. If not, it's the perfect excuse for another bike. Looks like I need to sell some of my collectibles on ebay. Should be able to net around $2K from those... and with that kind of money, my options are pretty big.
--sam