I hope I'm not jumping the *** on this, because I don't want to spread negative publicity if the company is going to make good on an issue I'm having with one of their products. However, it's been six days since "Pacific Cycle," presumably the distributor of Schwinn accessories, sent me a form e-mail advising that they had received my communication and were reviewing it. That's a pretty long time to be completely out of touch with a 40-year Schwinn devotee who just poured his heart into a letter expressing disappointment in a particular product.

Essentially, I purchased a Schwinn basic rack trunk/pannier set from Walmart a few months back for $24.99. I've used it to commute back and forth to work about 30 times and have taken it on one overnight trip for which I did not have to pack it very tight. Overall, I have treated it very gently, knowing that a $25 bag is not a $250 bag, and it has performed very well...

Until the other day, when I noticed that the inner lining of the extension section had torn at the seam and has rendered the bag useless in its extended form. I know I didn't overstuff this section and I am certain there was no sharp object that might have torn this piece of material.

When I wrote to Schwinn, I made sure to let them know that I have been touting their very reasonably-priced accessories for many years. I did not accuse them of selling inferior merchandise, misrepresenting their products, or conducting business in any manner less than what I've come to expect from Schwinn over the years. I even advised that I would likely buy the product again (it's now $16.99) because I was so fond of it. Still, I asked if there was "anything they can do" to replace my bag so that I could put the $16.99 toward other Schwinn accessories.

I can't imagine that they wouldn't, at least, follow up after a few days to let me know that they are still discussing possible solutions to this problem. Any company that includes a "contact" form on its website these days knows that follow-up is critical in retaining customers, so I can't understand why they have not gotten back to me in a week's time.

Three questions for all of you:

1. Did any of you take my advice a while back and purchase one of these bags for commuting?
2. Have any of you had the same problem?
3. Have you contacted Schwinn, and have they been responsive?