Classic & Vintage - Thanks trek!

When I got my Trek 1420 from the original owner I was a little bummed out that it was missing the head badge. I made the best of it, removed the glue and polished the paint, even started to like the plain head tube. Still, I figured I would see what was available and checked ebay....nothing, checked the Trek dealer....nothing. I figured it was a long shot, but I sent an email to Trek, I offered to buy a badge and let told them that I was not worried about it being period correct. I got an email the very next day letting me know that I could have a modern style one for free. No questions about being the original owner, no hassle, just fast and courteous. I realize that a head badge costs nothing to Trek but I am still impressed with the level of service I got from them over a relatively silly matter. It works out to, I like the modern badge way more than the period correct one anyway. So again thank you Trek!

Some before and after shots:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3307/3221266509_aaa003c00e_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3428/3222119672_38ff5e8dab_o.jpg

Very nice machine indeed. With or without a head badge. But I'm a prankster. I'd probably put on one from SEARS. On my own bicycle, of course.

Very nice machine indeed. With or without a head badge. But I'm a prankster. I'd probably put on one from SEARS. On my own bicycle, of course.

I have an old, old Huffy badge I'm saving for just such an occasion.

I have an old, old Huffy badge I'm saving for just such an occasion.

Good! The next Cinelli you find in mint condition, no doubt. :D

Good! The next Cinelli you find in mint condition, no doubt. :D

NO, my Cinelli is remaining unadulterated! lol

It is funny the variety of responses companies give with requests like this. We had some computer equipment at work where the AC power adapters got lost/misplaced. One was for an external hard drive and when we called the company wanting to buy a replacement, they asked for our address and shipped one out free. Some other equipment (from a company that rhymes with Frisco, but starting with a 'K' sound) directed us to buy a generic replacement at Radio Shack!

It even varies at the same store. I was installing a garbage disposal that I purchased from a giant retailer based in Arkansas, when I overtightened a screw and snapped it of. I have a neighbor that used to work at the store and he told me to take it back. I thought that was an incredible waste of time, but did it anyway. I told them exactly what happened and they exchanged it without question. A few months later I was looking for a cheap printer for my kids. I bought the cheapest one they had. When I got home, I realized it didn't include an ink cartridge. That would add $40 to the price and make it more expensive than 10 other printers at the store. When I took it back, they wouldn't exchange it. The clerk kept showing me where it said in incredibly tiny print, on the side of the box that the ink cartridge was not included. I demanded to speak to someone over 45. He couldn't read it either and gave me my money back. I then went to another store. I went in just wanting to exchange it.

I like that headbadge mkeller. How does it stick on?

Now that is a strange policy. I would guess if they had exchanged it easily you probably would have bought the other printer from them. That is exactly why I was so surprised, I expected Trek to say "buy a new bike" I have read great things about Sram also.

-Matt

The headbadge came with an adhesive back, just peel and stick. It even had a clear film on the front, made it feel ceremonious.

-Matt

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/3222167931_0672dcda5d_o.jpg

That is cool. I did not even think to do that before I did this to my 750:

Marinoni did the same for me with decals. It makes sense for them to want you do have the decals on their bikes so that when people ask about it, they see what it is. Advertising.

That is cool. I did not even think to do that before I did this to my 750:

Hee-hee! I like that headbadge.

Giro did the same with pads for my 'Hex' helmet. I even offered to pay for them!!

One was for an external hard drive and when we called the company wanting to buy a replacement, they asked for our address and shipped one out free. Some other equipment (from a company that rhymes with Frisco, but starting with a 'K' sound) directed us to buy a generic replacement at Radio Shack!

At least Cisco crap is reasonably cheap on eBay. I like their wireless cards.

-Kurt

P.S.: I like the new Trek badges for an application such as this - fits the older frame quite well, and it has a nod of heritage to the original palm-tree "T" badges from back in the day.