Cannondale R700 RIP
03-09-07, 12:09 AM
#1
Have bike will travel.
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Cannondale R700 RIP
Took the bike in to get overhauled and everything cleaned. Instead of getting ready for the riding season, I got bad news from my mechanic. Somehow, I managed to tear holes in the driveside chain stay and mar part of bottom bracket. He's not sure what caused it but said chainsuck could be a contributing factor. The bike, he said, is unsafe to ride. That's really sad because it was way to young to go this soon. I will get a second opinion. The type of damage would not be covered under the warranty.
My "opportunity" now is to decide if I want to replace the frame. I currently have a hardtail mountain bike that I use for mtn bike riding/touring. My R700 was for supported touring and group rides, kind of a go-fast bike - at least go fast for me. I wanted to do triathlons, but never got good enough in the other sports. I've looked at some replacement frames that the bike shop could get discounted, but can't justify the $1,400 to $1,700 for carbon fiber they want to sell me. Also, the $750 to replace the frame from Cannondale is pushing what I want to afford.
My options: do nothing and save money (which is not fun, but probably the more responsible way to go); consider a Surly frame like a lht or X check or go with the Cannondale frame. While sweet and discounted about $400 from msrp, the carbon fiber frames are just too pricey.
What would you do? I have 105 sti components except for the front derailer which is a tiagra. The chainring is a road triple. If I went with the Surly frames, the bike probably would become my grocery getter/group ride/go-fast/tour bike.
My "opportunity" now is to decide if I want to replace the frame. I currently have a hardtail mountain bike that I use for mtn bike riding/touring. My R700 was for supported touring and group rides, kind of a go-fast bike - at least go fast for me. I wanted to do triathlons, but never got good enough in the other sports. I've looked at some replacement frames that the bike shop could get discounted, but can't justify the $1,400 to $1,700 for carbon fiber they want to sell me. Also, the $750 to replace the frame from Cannondale is pushing what I want to afford.
My options: do nothing and save money (which is not fun, but probably the more responsible way to go); consider a Surly frame like a lht or X check or go with the Cannondale frame. While sweet and discounted about $400 from msrp, the carbon fiber frames are just too pricey.
What would you do? I have 105 sti components except for the front derailer which is a tiagra. The chainring is a road triple. If I went with the Surly frames, the bike probably would become my grocery getter/group ride/go-fast/tour bike.
03-09-07, 12:11 AM
#2
totally louche
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steel is real!
03-09-07, 02:16 AM
#4
Shoot Your Car
03-09-07, 09:07 AM
#5
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I can not imagine how chainsuck could contribute to damage on the chain stay and bottom bracket.
03-09-07, 09:40 AM
#6
cyclopath
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6 Posts
Check with a Cannondale dealer I recall they had some sort of upgrade deal where you turn in your old Cannondale frame and get a discount on a new one. I may be totally wrong, but it would be worth checking out.
03-09-07, 12:08 PM
#7
Macro Geek
Regardless of whether the bike is under warranty, consider writing a letter -- not an email -- to Cannondale, and describe the problem. Include a photograph of the damage.
If you believe the damage was caused by a design flaw rather than abuse and normal wear-and-tear, say so in your letter, and ask them to replace the frame.
If I were a bike manufacturer, I would want people who discover design problems to let me know. A conscientious company will replace or make good on defective goods with or without a warranty.
If you believe the damage was caused by a design flaw rather than abuse and normal wear-and-tear, say so in your letter, and ask them to replace the frame.
If I were a bike manufacturer, I would want people who discover design problems to let me know. A conscientious company will replace or make good on defective goods with or without a warranty.
03-09-07, 08:41 PM
#10
Macro Geek
The chain sawed through the stay, that happens.
What would cause the chain and stay to meet?
