Hi guys.. (and girls)..

So the story is: I have a 2016 Merida Reacto Team-E frameset (Lampre-Merida frameset). It was a warranty replacement from the Reacto 5000, 1.5 years ago (which had a defected bottom bracket shell… wider diameter, so BB cups was rattling).
It was mainly used for TTs, and shorter rides, so I only had an aero bottle cage, and bottle at the down tube. After this winter, I sold my cheaper endurance bike, so the Reacto will be my only bike. I have changed some components, and installed 2 brand new Elite Custom Plus bottle cages.

But when I put 2 bottles into them, I have seen some strange thing. The setup (water bottles) seemed a little bit wierd. It took me some time, to realize, that the edge of the bottle on the seat tube was around 1.5cm off to the left. I put the bike on the trainer, and yes, while I was pedaling, quite often it even hit my left leg.
Then a have replaced the cages, bottles, screws many times, but same result… so the problem is with the rivnuts, or the frame. After some inspection, I have discovered, the seat tube rivnuts are misaligned in the frame, especially the top one. But they do not rattle, or have any play. I have never used those nuts, or had any crash with the frame.

But I do not think that it would be a good idea, to get them out, and instalI new ones, especially because the frame has lifetime warranty. So I took some photos, about the tube, from angles, where the problem can be clearly seen, with, and without bottles, and sent them to the Merida distributor of my country (Hungary). The guy asked for some more photos (serial number, whole frameset… ), and have said, that the employes at Merida (in Taiwan) have some international meetings this week, but he will get back to me with a solution next week.

I really hope, that it is just a manufacturing defect, and they can replace the frame. If it would be only a cosmetic thing, I would not bother, but 1.5cm, from a "bike fit" point of view, is not so good. Of course, if I would discover this, when they replaced the old one, it would have been solved instantly (I guess), but I have never seen any buyer check the bottle cage rivnuts after purchase.

Just wanted to ask, that is there anybody, who had some similar problems, or met somebody, who had?
Thanks.

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Warranty time

You may be able to loosen the cage bolts and push the cage slightly to the right and re-tighten.

I thought some cages had horizontal slots, but perhaps not. However, I was able to move the King Cage Stainless cages around a bit before tightening them down, and it does affect the angles slightly too.

Of course, the aluminum and steel cages can also be bent, although the alloys and hardening/tempering is much better now than was being done 30 years ago.

The riveter dude had a few too many Kaoliang for lunch I reckon...

If they can’t get a few bolts mounted in the right locations, I’d wonder what else they got wrong.

Its definitely crooked, but it wouldn't be a huge problem if you were using metal bottle cages. Metal cages can be bent, so the bottle is centered in the frame, even if the mounts are not.

And if room, you could slot the holes in the bottle cage to rotate it a bit.

Or, Merida is a major manufacturer (just not in the states) and should be able to get bottle cage holes right. No idea what kind of consumer protection laws apply for OP but hopefully Merida makes this right.

Depends of how difficult they are to work with for repair. Me, I think I'd use metal (aluminum) cages and bend the mounting tabs as others have mentioned. If you go this route do not bend on the bike as the rivnuts could break free. I'd put tape on pliers jaws and bend the mounting tabs.

Dave

Exactly my thoughts.

Oh, they're major in the U.S., but not under their own name. Merida manufactures frames for a number of other brands, most notably Specialized -- since Merida owns a significant percentage of the company.

Oh yeah I think I knew that at one point but I got it in my head it was a different name for some reason. Cheers.

This is an OCD expression forum, often.. Take it up with the dealer, I cannot help you.

You may find a place to drill out the rivnuts and carefully set new ones, at a relaxed pace, where to meet the production schedule, in the factory

they were under speed up demands.. it is a factor of life working on an assembly line ,, faster is more profitable to the company.







....

You got a crooked deal.