Hybrid Bicycles - Options to replace/repair Gary Fisher Kaitai

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damieng
10-07-11, 04:47 PM
I picked up one of these in June 09 (17.5") and didn't really use it as much as I'd hoped (about 5 miles of road use before packing it away). Was moving house and noticed the frame has split lengthwise along the chainstay. Trek won't honor replacement as they claim it must have been caused by ice expanding inside (despite no obvious way to get water in and the fact it spent most of it's life in my apartment bar the first couple of summer months on my patio).

Anyway, given that situation I'm now trying to figure out what my options are and wanted some experienced advice. I think it comes down to:

1. Get frame repaired - it's quite a big split but I don't intend on doing anything too rough with the bike. Worried about how solid a aluminum repair would be given this is a big split and not a small crack.

2. Replace frame with a non-Trek frame - my preferred choice given the components are like new and good quality. Also minimizes waste and I quite like the idea of learning a rebuild (last time was in the 80's with a BMX...) Need some advice as to the difficulty and which frames would fit.

3. Replace frame with same - would likely be easier than option 2 although you can't appear to buy these lower-end Trek frames individually and I'm not keen giving Trek more money as this bike has so far cost be about $100 a mile.

Advice?

[)amien

bjjoondo
10-07-11, 07:56 PM
If your not wanting to keep the "TREK", I'd go with a new frame, say one of the models from SURLEY or others. There's a forum for "builders" here on BF, you might want to post your questions on the "build" to those folks or get a frame and find a LBS (non-Trek) and have them build it up with your componets. Hope you find a workable solution! :)
giantcfr1
10-08-11, 01:23 AM
... Trek won't honor replacement as they claim it must have been caused by ice expanding inside (despite no obvious way to get water in and the fact it spent most of it's life in my apartment bar the first couple of summer months on my patio)....I'm not keen giving Trek more money as this bike has so far cost be about $100 a mile.


Now Treks excuse is a f*#%ing boomer. Isn't that a design fault (if at all true). One would imagine the drain holes at the bottom of the stays would allow the water out.

Don't give them another cent, buy another frame from elsewhere. Post some pics please of this ice cracked frame. lololololololol.....

damieng
10-08-11, 10:36 AM
Now Treks excuse is a f*#%ing boomer. Isn't that a design fault (if at all true). One would imagine the drain holes at the bottom of the stays would allow the water out.

Don't give them another cent, buy another frame from elsewhere. Post some pics please of this ice cracked frame. lololololololol.....

The damage...
222018

Showing general neglect
222019

Had a look at the Surley frames - couldn't see one with front-suspension so would need to check measurements on the forks. I guess the measurements I'm going to be worried about are forks, seatpost and crank?

[)amien
ColinL
10-10-11, 11:53 AM
Typical Trek warranty dodge.

I think your Kaitai probably has 55-67mm forks. Check that the length is the same as a 80mm fork. If it is, you're good to go with a huge variety of frames.


That said, the stock fork on the Kaitai is nothing overly awesome, so maybe a completely new frame & fork would be a good idea.