This 2002 SL Lite Alloy was a "lifetime" warranty replacement for a Columbus SBX frame. Appears to have torn right at the TIG weld with the seat tube and the bottom bracket. Now I have apparently lost my "lifetime" warranty as Bianchi USA is being unresponsive. They actually offered me an Impulso for $1200, pretty much what the market is asking for it.

Guess when I bought a steel framed, Columbus Bianchi with a lifetime warranty, I didn't expect to be left without a bike.

What do people think about this being a failed TIG weld? Searches showed quite a few problems with this triple-butted aluminum and TIG welding.