Originally Posted by
Pugsly
Agreed. But the reason that bike companies go the extra mile with frame programs is because
1. it generates huge goodwill
2. it addresses the lingering concern that people have about the strength/longevity of carbon frames compared to steel/alu/etc.
I would certainly be more likely to buy cf from a company that I knew would stand beside me in the case of an unfortunate event, and I think the bike companies recognize this.
So... no obligation at all on their part but still some good reasons for them to help you out.
Its slightly more tangible then #2 you reference. It isn't as much about perception but reality that CF does not have the impact resistance of steel or aluminum or titanium that "yield" and don't fracture as readily. Translation? Hard to ride a pretzeled frame, easy to ride one with a crack or a hole in it.
Giant does it to mitigate liability and negate the reputation of people getting badly hurt on carbon fiber frames that they shouldn't be riding after they have been crashed...a common occurrence. Corporate policy generally isn't about altruism but both liability and reputation which promotes selling bikes and making money...the former being cost avoidance. All said, kudos to Giant for not only their excellent product but crash exchange program.