Thread: Soma = crap
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Old 06-11-05 | 08:46 PM
  #4  
OneTinSloth
(Grouchy)
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Joined: Mar 2003
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Originally Posted by checkthat
So, if anyone out there is thinking about getting a Soma Rush frame or a Soma track cog, be warned: You Get What You Pay For.

I've been using Soma cogs for the last year or so, with no problems, but the last three I bought were garbage. The first wore out very fast, in about three months. The replacement I bought for it seemed to be poorly made, like the teeth were too far apart, so the chain would slide back and forth on the cog. I was running this on a Surly hub, and when I tried to put it on my Phil hub, it wouldn't even thread on. I went and bought yet another cog, and the teeth were okay but after I installed it, there were tiny slivers of metal behind it, from the hub threads. I'm kinda stuck with it for now, it's the only thing I can get in 17t right now. Seems everyone and their dog is buying up the track parts. I'm still waiting for the new Surly or Phil cogs...

The main reason I bought a Soma Rush was because you can run a rear brake. I figured this would be handy for long road rides or if for some crazy reason I decided to go single speed. Well, the rear brake bridge was brazed on so crooked, that the brake pads only make contact at one corner, rendering the rear brake completely useless - I guess until the pads wore down enough to make total contact. And the fork is also brazed crooked, so the brake doesn't line up and pulls the rim to one side, which over time has caused the spokes on one side of the wheel to de-tension.

I've seen a few Soma frames from previous years, and they looked great, well made, etc. Whoever they source their stuff from now must be cutting corners. Ah, it feels good to rant. I'm going to go ride my sloppily constructed bike now, I guess...
the issues with the cogs could be because maybe you're trying to use it with a worn chain? and the issue with your brakes, from how you described it sounds more like sloppy brake installation. have you taken it to a shop to have it looked at, or are you just spouting off?

especially with the front, did you ever consider loosening the brake bolt and turning the caliper by hand so both pads contact the rim at the same time? because that's usually how that problem is solved. and in the rear, are you using the correct type of brake bolt? i think the brake bridge on the somas use a recessed bolt, and if you're trying to use a regular through-bolt and nut, it could cause that issue. it could also be that you're using a crappy brake that wasn't manufactured correctly.

if you have already taken it to a shop and had it confirmed that you did, indeed get a lemon, why don't you just call up soma and work something out with them. i'm sure their warranty covers manufacturing defects.
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