mconlonx

How many failures vs how many frames, and how does that compare to others?

Otherwise, what similar Trek frame would you otherwise accept as a warranty settlement?

Ride it; if it fails, get another warranty frame.

MikesChevelle

sure. Ill just wait for a catastrophic failure and hope I don't break my next when the wheel falls off

RoadTire 

I doubt it's that personal (hopefully not) anyone in the shop is mad, just their time and expenses need to be covered to some degree, though the messed up communication is unfortunate.

Since being on BF I have read quite a few similar threads of lifetime warranties on frames being more-or-less worthless once that frame model is superseded by a new one. If I ever do buy a new (new) bicycle, my expectations of the warranty will be low, that way I'm not disappointed...

RoadTire 

I don't see why not, the whole frame is welded, and from the description, it's not the weld but the tube that cracked. So the welds are strong. If a weld/repair is done, I would have a piece added for reinforcement. Might be cost-prohibitive by the time welding and paint is done though.

RoadTire 

There may be hope for the dropouts on the new frame - here is something I just ran into from a Google search:

"The trek rep told me to order the replacement dropout with the derailler hanger. It is threaded and bolts on more securely. I purchased the part and it worked. I also replaced all the rear dropout hardware, bolts etc. with grade 8 hardware. The stronger bolts will not bend or break. These solutions worked. The wheel does not move at all anymore." (reference: sandmangts - Date Reviewed: June 21, 2013, https://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/29er-hardtail/trek/rig/prd_479008_1548crx.aspx)

The important thing is understanding the failure, which seems to be spelled out in the whole review. So if it's cost effective (in your opinion) to keep the new frame, with the adapters and new dropout hangers, you should be good to go. But how much $$ difference between all of this and just getting a new bike, selling off your existing bike for the components?

mconlonx

What Trek frame would you rather have? Be willing to bet they'd send you an equivalent quality replacement warranty frame or credit you the difference on an upgrqde...

MikesChevelle

As luck would have it, I received this email today, responding to my concern on the frame.







[h=2]RE: Warranty claim number W180171[/h]




I would leave it up to you, I have confidence that you will enjoy this frame replacement. If there is another hardtail frame that you would be interested in we can offer an X-cal frame or Superfly AL( aluminum) frame. Let me know if you have any further questions.

Don’t hesitate to call.

mconlonx

Well there you go.

Was your original bike a Rig or singlespeed?

While the Superfly is a better frame, it has upgraded tech like a tapered head tube and pressfit BB. The X-Cal might be best for swapping parts over -- non-tapered headtube and traditional threaded bb shell.

MikesChevelle

I have the Rig that was converted to SS. Didnt know that about the press fit BB though........hmm wonder if I can get that done at my local CoOp

mconlonx

...then you will still have issues. The Rig is the SS bike, the other models are geared bikes. Which means they have vertical dropouts, and neither will take the BB eccentric adjuster off your original bike, and also no means to tension the chain correctly. You may be able to source and aftermarket eccentric BB for the Superfly frame with the pressfit BB shell, but then you'll also need the same adapter you would have needed for the Rig replacement with the tapered head tube.

But this would be your chance to go back to a geared bike...

bananafruitcake

[QUOTE=MikesChevelle;17195731]As luck would have it, I received this email today, responding to my concern on the frame.


RE: Warranty claim number W180171
Mike,
I would leave it up to you, I have confidence that you will enjoy this frame replacement. If there is another hardtail frame that you would be interested in we can offer an X-cal frame or Superfly AL( aluminum) frame. Let me know if you have any further questions.

Don’t hesitate to call. [QUOTE]

PLEASE note the rep states "do not hesitiate to CALL". This rep is empowered to work with you and present options (not all are). CALL them, discuss the options and put this to bed.
Congrats and hope to get back to riding soon!

MikesChevelle

I was actually in the process of converting back to a geared bike so that is not a concern. I just dont want to spend a boat on parts. It seems the Superfly was a "better frame" to the X-Cal, though both review FAR better than the 2013 Rig........

mconlonx

OK, cool:
X-Cal: decent but not top notch frame, less parts incompatibility.
Superfly: top notch Al frame, but you'll need at least a new pressfit BB, headset, and the fork crown race adapter to make your old fork work with the tapered head tube.

Cyclist01012

And the Superfly used to be the Gary Fisher Paragon. And I can not count the number of I have seen fail. In fact there is one in my basement hanging on the wall of shame.

MikesChevelle

dang I dont know which to go with..................

MikesChevelle

I opted for the SuperFly, read some really good reviews on the frame, is a '13 model.

Only issue I have now is that the rear dropout is a through axle, going to have to find a new rear wheel.

Never ends...................

MikesChevelle

Well, took long enough to slowly source everything for the re-build at my local Co-Op, but Im happy for now, found a way to shim a 3x3 set up from the single speed hub. Plan on upgrading the fork obviously.

spdntrxi

your crazy

MikesChevelle

It is what it is

spdracr39

Bike warranties are a joke from every manufacturer. I know of no other industry with this level of financial investment that could survive such a piss poor warranty policy on their products but because we are addicts and put up with it this financial model seems to work for them.

ColnagoC40

I use to get two seasons out of a steel frame, from just about every manufacturer back in the early 80's, racing and training on a personal budget. They would all crack somewhere, use to throw them away.

The frames I ride today, never had an issue on any.

Trek supplying a new frame after 6 years, IMHO is really great, something most other manufacturers probably won't do. Sadly I do not own a Trek product, but this thread may just make me buy one some time in the future.

spdracr39

I had a three month old bike and it cost me 500.00 to get it replaced and rideable. I asked around the other LBS's that carry different brands and they all concurred that is just the way it works. If it had been a motorcycle, car, lawnmower, tv... it would have cost me Zero.

roccobike

Nope, Trek is the same as Giant and Specialized, probably true for Felt, Fuji, Cannondale, Raleigh and other major players. If you are the original owner, then all the major manufacturers of LBS quality bikes will replace the frame. However, there is no guarantee the new frame will work with the six (or ten) year old components. I used to be pretty tight with some mechanics a couple years ago. At that time they said Giant was the easiest to work with on warrantee work. Don't know if that's still true. The whole frame guarantee used to be a big deal with carbon frames, not sure if it's still in the sales pitch as I haven't purchased a new bike in a several years, still going with late model used.