Zark

I want to maintain a good relationship with my LBS as they seem to be a pretty stand up place, so I thought I'd get some advice as to whether my request sounds reasonable to you based upon the circumstances.

I purchased my bike about a week and a half ago and for the most part enjoy it. My bike is a 2010 Sirrus Sport. The shifting seems a little rough but I didn't pay for a high end machine so that's fine. However, a few days ago I noticed that the frame just under the chain on the drive side has gotten several nicks and scrapes to my dismay. I'm guessing the chain is striking this part of the frame when I ride/shift. This is a hybrid road bike that I take only on pavement btw. I've seen several used hybrid road bikes on the street without any marks in this area. I emailed the shop and they asked me to bring it in for a look to see what they can do.

I'm sure the bike shop could fix it so that the chain doesn't come into contact with the frame anymore. . .but I would still have marks on the frame. Would I be unreasonable to ask for an exchange? It's one thing to have wear on a 6 month old bike but a week and half old one? They do have a 30 day return/exchange policy that I am still within -- but I'm not sure whether or not I'm being to picky. Perhaps I should just let them adjust it, and maybe get a chain stay protector and call it a day.

Seriously, if I'm being too nutty let me know. I guess I was just very impressed with my shiny new bike and was aghast at it being marred. lol

Wanderer

Take it in for adjustment to your shifty bits, as it should shift smoother. Those are decent derailleurs. Lubricate moving parts frequently, and wipe dry with a rag.

Mention the nicks to the LBS - it is "possible" that there is a mechanical problem causing it, but it's not very probable.

As to the other "wear and tear" - get used to it, it's normal. (A chainstay protector will help)

Wear marks, indicate that it is being used......

njkayaker

This might be due to your shifting technique. When you shift, reduce the pressure on your pedals while you are shifting (keep pedalling, though). Apply pressure after the shift completes.

The rough shifting could be your technique too.

A chain stay protector is a good idea.

stapfam

I hate new bikes with no paint chips or scratches on them. You have to take too much care to make sure the paintwork doesn't get damaged. As soon as that first scratch gets on it- I stop worrying about the bike and start riding it properly.

And those chain digs on the chainstay are normally down to Rider "Misuse". Small ring on the front and small ring on the back means not a lot of tension going on the chain when it is closest to the stay. Just a few little dips in the road and they will touch. On my MTB's I even get this in Big ring on the front and small on the cassette once I start hitting the lumps on fast downhills. My cure is to fit a chain stay protector on the stay. Doesn't stop it being hit- but does hide the scratches I have already got.

Baboo

Lucky you got the first chip or mark out of the way early. Now you don't have to worry about it anymore. Enjoy your new ride.

*Scuba 

If you worry about the chain hitting the stay, get a piece of protector for it. Personally, I wouldn't worry about it too much. The paint on a bicycle will get damaged as you used it. A lot of it will depend on how much you use your bike and the type of riding you do. All my bikes have chips and scrapes in the paint job just due to the amount I ride. Plus I commute everywhere and just locking up the bike next to other bikes at a rack will add new scratches. Just enjoy riding and don't worry about it too much.

DX-MAN

Not trying to start a flame war, but OP sounds a lot like the people I deal with, who buy big-box bikes. I've tried for YEARS to convince them that spending $100-150 on a bike IS NOT a guarantee of ANY quality. I've had some try to demand a bike fresh-built out of the box because there was DUST on the TIRES!

A bike is meant to be used, and will receive scratches as you do so. Also, as you use a NEW bike, shifting and braking will degrade a small amount; it's called "break-in", and IS normal. It's WHY shops offer adjustments as part of the deal -- I do it too, at "my" W-M, just because it gives the hint that returning the bike is NOT the answer to everything.

I will tell you, straight up -- take the bike back to the shop, let them do their voodoo on it, and you'll be happier; a new exchange will simply result in the same problems a few weeks in the future. Chainstay protectors can be use-specific, from the LBS, or an adapted use, such as reflective tape/strips from W-M.

I think most people would appalled to discover how much actual damage is done to their cars' paint just in normal driving; but they still wouldn't expect to exchange the car for it.

Bottom line -- a bike is all about the do-it-yourself, pioneer spirit; that's how you make the bike go! So why be a prima donna about the cosmetics of it?

rwp

It may be possible that something is not quite right with your drivetrain. Give the LBS a chance to make it right and they will most likely do the best they can for you. If you ask nicely, you'll also get a free chainstay protector to cover the scratches and prevent new ones.

CB HI

Ask for a free bottle of touch up paint for the nicks (if it was in fact caused by improper adjustments). Otherwise pay for the paint yourself.

Nachoman

I bought a new bike once and put a small chip in the paint while I was still in the bike shop! It was a bit annoying, but in a way very liberating.

Zark

I didn't pay $100 for the bike but $620--which I know doesn't really make it high end but still a decent amount. At any rate, I didn't take the bike back but got a chainstay protector as suggested on this thread and that seems to do the job. The LBS I got it at suggested bringing all new bikes after 30 days to be tightened up and adjusted so I'll just do that.

As for being a Prima Donna, I certainly don't expect the bike to remain completely scratch free--that's impossible. It's just I didn't realize that the chain striking the frame and chipping the paint was a normal condition a week after purchase--which is why I asked here. I got a solution and I'm happy with it.

Siu Blue Wind

I know it's hard when you get your first few dings. And getting them this way sucks. At least crash the bike or something, huh? But almost every bike gets some kind of mark there, especially mountain bikes. Your bike just needs to be adjusted and yes, take advantage of them doing it for you. You will notice a world of difference and you will fall in love with it all over again. And those marks will eventually disappear because with the bikes better performance, they will be overshadowed.

Now go enjoy your new bike. Take some cool pics of it and post them here to share with us.