Originally Posted by Kaiser
Yes, there was rust on the BB cartridge itself.
I'm not sure how it is a Shimano problem. I would guess Shimano doesn't make their BB cartridges to sit in a puddle of water that has nowhere to go. Or perhaps Trek should put out a warning with their bikes indicating that you should ride in any kind of moisture at your own risk and riding in the rain will void the warranty.
If I am making a federal case out of it, it is because having BB problems on a bike that retails for close to $3,000 within a month of buying it is not what I would expect. I know that when, in the past, I've owned Performance branded private-label bikes, Performance has stood behind them 100%. I have seen the guys at that shop replace things on people's bikes that were definitely user-caused. Trek is a manufacturer with a much more well-known brand. I can replace my BB for under $50 with a top notch Dura-Ace model...but that doesn't diminish the fact the I will have had to do so at my own cost on a bike that is 3 months old and was ridden in the rain a total of 4 times.
It's the LBS's problem not Trek's YOU should have brought the bike back to the shop whenever the problem started to occur (month #1) You have two seperate issues here- Your bottom bracket is defective take it in demand that it be replaced.
- The OCLV frame retains water which caused surface rust on your BB, a remedy was issued (the Hollow screw) problem solved unless you want to dill a hole in your frame which (while amazingly foolish) is still you call. (Warranty? what warranty?)
Guess what surface rust on a BB has NOTHING to do with it's actual function! That's why it's called SURFACE rust. In fact the water that enters the shell would have to eat through the shell of the bottom bracket to actually do any damage what-so-ever which obviously is NOT the case. IF and I mean if there is any bearing damage caused by water it came from the EXTERIOR of the frame, not from water entering the seat tube. It works this way on $300 bikes as well as the snob specials. The problem is NOT Trek's it's your's. Get it fixed.
Last edited by Raiyn; 07-21-04 at 03:48 PM.