Originally Posted by
africanomad
I love all the posts telling me this is my fault. That's why I generally avoid forums. The signal to noise ratio is far too low. Please note that had Topeak used a proper sleeve on the tool, there would have been no damage and I would not have started this thread.
There is nothing in the product instructions saying that it cannot be deployed for long-term use. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with assuming that a Flashstand can be used long-term, and I cannot be held responsible for the damage.
Staggerwing, you make a sensible comment (one of the few here). I intend to purchase some Meguiar's Scratch-X to try out. It's possible that the mild abrasives in this product will lift the bonded layer off the clearcoat without penetrating through the clearcoat.
I'm with you, Africa. It seems like the bottom line is that Topeak used a coating that is not safe for bike paint. Granted, Topeak doesn't bill the Flashstand as a storage rack per se, but nonetheless, it seems reasonable to presume two things: 1) that consumers would use a product designed to stabilize a bike as such for some period of time, and 2) given all of the non-reactive bike products out there, including those from Topeak such as their frame mount pumps, that the bits that contact the bike frame would not damage it.
No matter how I slice it, it seems that Topeak should have done something differently; either a disclaimer for period of time of use, built it with appropriate materials, or have taken the time to hear and understand your concern about the damage.
Thanks for the heads-up on this product, although I admit I'm not surprised to hear of Topeak's indifference to the issue. Like you, I'd be upset to have my bike marred like that, but I don't have any tips on how to proceed except to continue pressing Topeak until they acknowledge there is, potentially, a problem with their product.