agold2009

So on my Trek carbon frame, I have a long line running down the top tube. Do you guys feel this is acceptable for a $4000 bike? Can this cause any structural weakness or just cosmetic? I'm really unhappy about this as I'd expect more from quality control from Trek. It seems to be a fold during the forming of the carbon.

Full size direct link: https://img163.imageshack.us/img163/1...1122130401.jpg

lostarchitect 

I don't know anything about carbon fiber. That said, even if it's only cosmetic, I would not accept such a defect on a new bike.

calamarichris

I'd email that pic and a few more angles, with your scanned receipt to Trek's customer service directly, before you go into the dealership. And write down the name of the person with whom you spoke, and RMA # and phone # + extension, and have these handy when you walk into the dealership, with the receipt where you bought it.
No that is not acceptable.
By getting Corporate-Trek's papal dispensation before visiting the dealership, you're not leaving them any wiggle room to get out of replacing it. The dealership doesn't want to look bad in the eyes of Trek and they'll be more likely to replace it cheerfully.
If either Trek or the dealership don't replace this, be sure to mention it in here, in Yelp, and anywhere else on the internet that will listen.

[Edit: Just noticed the knobby tire underneath. You might be screwed, sorry dude. Cover that up with Red Bull stickers if they don't replace it.]

ScottieDog

Totally and utterly unacceptable !

hueyhoolihan

i'm surprised that got through quality assurance. unless this is a "second" (and i'm not sure trek even permits "seconds" to leave the assembly site) trek, i am sure, doesn't want that kind of thing out there in public. you should have no trouble getting it replaced assuming it was bought within the last few months and you can prove you were the original owner. and even if you can't prove it or was purchased a while back, trek, or the lbs, may want to replace it.

trevor_ash

+1

agold2009

The bike was purchased about two weeks ago. I brought it up with the local store and they said it's normal. I tried to look the other way but felt it was unacceptable after thinking about it and for the amount of money I spent. So I posted it up on here and also wrote them an e-mail. I haven't heard back as of yet.

agold2009

Kinda confused, what does the knobby tire have to do with the warranty?

demoncyclist

Last time I checked, MTBs usually have knobby tires. I agree that Trek should make it right, no matter what the MSRP of the bike was.

FBinNY 

In all honesty, you made a mistake accepting delivery. Until you accept delivery, you don't need a reason to say no, afterward you do. IMHO I think this is sub par and trek should replace it, even if it's only cosmetic.

For future reference to other readers of this thread, if you're delivered a bike that you don't feel comfortable with, don't accept staff reassurance that it's OK and walk out the door. It's better to leave it with them as undelivered while you think about it. Afterward with no pressure you can decide if it's OK, ie cosmetic and minor, or if you really want a replacement or refund.

goatalope

I'd take it back to the shop. Although I do suspect that its only cosmetic, its clearly a flaw on an expensive frame. On the positive side, if they don't take it back, at least you'll know which frame is yours in the future.

agold2009

You're right about the taking delivery part. With all the excitement, waiting a week for delivery, and seeing the defect halfway through the bike being assembled I brought it up but didn't want to be like ok actually this is unacceptable give me my deposit back etc.

calamarichris

I'm not sure if manufacturers warranty their mountain frames the same as they usually do their road frames.
They should, but who knows. Also, it doesn't matter what the internet peanut gallery says (no offense guys); what matters is what Trek says. Even if you get 100 of us all nodding in unison, that and $7.00 will buy you a cup of coffee.
Good luck though.

ScottieDog

He said that with a straight face!

At the end of the day you accepted it, but IMO you did so naively. You have taken further advice and it's not "normal" at all, and no-one at Trek will agree it is, not on any bike, regardless of the price tag. The LBS is a **** for saying it, plain and simple, wrong too.

Camilo

I'm not sure if you're talking about the straight line that runs lengthwise down the middle of the tube (probably a mold seam?) or the curved line?

smurfy

I wouldn't be surprised if Trek somehow managed to weasel their way out of it.

Around six or seven years ago a member of my bike club had a Trek 1200(?) aluminum road bike and the paint started peeling off. Took it back to the dealer where it sat for well over a week. Dealer said that a Trek rep looked at it but we think they were lying because it still had the dust on it from being undisturbed for a week or two in the shop bike rack. Dealer finally said they couldn't warranty it. I repainted their frame myself and I did a lot better job than their poor prepping and finishing (looks like the frame wasn't even primed!).

agold2009

The curved line. The one that is straight is normal

JiveTurkey

Then quit adding to the purely-speculative peanut gallery comments.

ultraman6970

Since I dont care about trek never thought they were using nude carbon now, since when???

If the carbon square (piece) was not 100% ok in shape and they laid it anyways, nothing it will happen with the bike if that's what's bothering you. Clearly u can see is under the clear also, all bikes with nude carbon looks like that (not that bad tho), or have details that make them look like marbleized, in this case kind'a look bad I give you that, why dont cut it or something.

Hope they warranty it, but since there is nothing broken probably they will walk the way out IMO. What u can do is to ask for stuff to keep you happy or something. A pair of shoes, helmet?? water bottles???

As for fixing it, black vinyl will do it and would protect the TT from sweat??

Good luck on this one.

Bill in Houston

seems cosmetic, but wow, that's hideous. agree with going directly to trek before talking to lbs. if they won't warranty it, make a blog and a youtube video and shame them into it.

reptilezs

HAHHAHAHAH keep dreaming

rydabent

For $4000 the damned thing should bring you coffe and donuts in the morning. At that price you should NOT have to over look that imperfection. Give Trek a chance to make it right.

Again

+1!!!

electrik

Why did you accept it? Seriously... when you pay $4000 you should at least know what you should be looking for in terms of quality and finish.

Write an email to Trek, now you must swim upstream!

agold2009

I am in contact with Trek currently we will see what happens