I just bought one of these bikes and I am very pleased. The picture that she has posted of the defect must have been of the worst one she has because mine just has a slightly wider weld in that area and no hole. I just got the bike today so my experience is limited (about 20 miles so far) but it feels very solid so far. My only complaint is that the dawes logo on the head tube is painted on so I can't just peel it off.