A bit of history: Schwinn introduced the lifetime frame warranty as a marketing ploy to help them compete with the lower-quality bikes sold in department stores, Western Auto, etc. Other bike companies selling in the U.S. eventually and reluctantly followed suit.

As late at the early '80s, at least some European companies offered no warranty on frames. A Bianchi sales rep told me back then that Bianchi USA took care of frame warranty claims without compensation from Bianchi of Italy. According to him, the management of Bianchi of Italy thought that the idea of offering a warranty on race frames was hilarious. They said, "We can sell race frames with a warranty if you like, but they'll be a kilo heavier."