Trek Warranty?...
09-11-11, 01:20 PM
#51
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My 400 has seen a lot of rain, salt, snow, and sun and been parked outside most of it's 27 year lifetime. But, the bearings are all working smoothly and the frame has only a little cosmetic rust. (Some of the small parts are more than a little rusty though, as you can see - they still work properly however)
that type of frame and fork damage usually indicates a front end horizontal impact into a vertical obstruction. a vertical impact into a horizontal obstruction would show the failure in the opposite direction. perhaps your bunnyhop didn't quite clear the hole, front wheel impacted the edge of the hole, and that plus the corrosion inside the frame tubing led to the damage. not warrantable in my opinion.
09-11-11, 01:32 PM
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So, doesn't it follow that if I divert the front away from the path of the pothole the rear also would not hit it? I actually don't recall whether or not the rear caught the pothole or avoided it entirely. As far as I know, damage (other than perhaps to the rim, tire, or tube) is much less likely to happen from the rear from potholes
Not if you diverted the front wheel UP, which is what you originally implied. If you pulled the front wheel up to miss a pothole, and still damaged the frame, to me that would suggest there would be even more damage to the rear wheel, which would likely hit the pothole with as much or more force than the front would have.
09-11-11, 02:49 PM
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I am discounting internal corrosion because it was not then. As to if it is now, I would have to open the frame up and take a look...
that type of frame and fork damage usually indicates a front end horizontal impact into a vertical obstruction. a vertical impact into a horizontal obstruction would show the failure in the opposite direction. perhaps your bunnyhop didn't quite clear the hole, front wheel impacted the edge of the hole, and that plus the corrosion inside the frame tubing led to the damage. not warrantable in my opinion.
"Usually" is the key word here. In my case it was absolutely not, it was quite clearly caused simply when the wheel came back into contact with the flat, relatively smooth road near the pothole. Because of the shocking damage that occurred that moment (just the actual hop and then the bending when the wheel came down) are imprinted on my memory.
It was not rusty at the time, if it is rusty now that is irrelevant. I could try opening it up to see if there is corrosion at that part of the frame just as an exercise in curiosity, not that it would have anything to do with the damage because it would have occurred well after the damge.
that type of frame and fork damage usually indicates a front end horizontal impact into a vertical obstruction. a vertical impact into a horizontal obstruction would show the failure in the opposite direction. perhaps your bunnyhop didn't quite clear the hole, front wheel impacted the edge of the hole, and that plus the corrosion inside the frame tubing led to the damage. not warrantable in my opinion.
It was not rusty at the time, if it is rusty now that is irrelevant. I could try opening it up to see if there is corrosion at that part of the frame just as an exercise in curiosity, not that it would have anything to do with the damage because it would have occurred well after the damge.
09-11-11, 02:58 PM
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Not if you diverted the front wheel UP, which is what you originally implied. If you pulled the front wheel up to miss a pothole, and still damaged the frame, to me that would suggest there would be even more damage to the rear wheel, which would likely hit the pothole with as much or more force than the front would have.
Hmm, well, you could intemperate it that way, but I explained further about going to the side in a later post. It doesn't quite make sense to me to simply lift the front wheel up "slightly" and only go up, if one wishes to actually avoid a pothole? One also has to go to the side. At that moment it had seemed to me that I was going too fast to simply STEER around it. I was quite comfortable with that bike at that time as I had been using it as my primary means of transportation for years. I did not even get my drivers license until after I was 20 years old. If I had wanted to go to the shopping mall 20 miles away I rode my bike. I even rode my bike back and forth between North Adams and Amherst routinely [notice, it does not have a "granny" gear which makes that particular ride fairly impressive
]
09-11-11, 02:58 PM
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This too. The fact that the frame lasted 27 years of normal riding is strong evidence that there was no deficiency or manufacturing defect in the frame.
Last edited by njkayaker; 09-11-11 at 05:22 PM.
09-11-11, 03:42 PM
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clearly the OP is living in opposite world and instead should find the nearest kert dealer for warranty coverage. to damage the forks and frame in that manner requires force to be applied in a direction inconsistent with the OP's recollection of events.
09-11-11, 04:07 PM
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09-11-11, 04:10 PM
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I don't care what you're claiming. I'm just saying what it looks like. You're not going to win this one, especially with the wheel damage.
09-11-11, 04:24 PM
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The pictures show that the fork is also severely damaged. You said in your original post that you were going somewhat slower than your 55-mph maximum on that descent when the mishap occurred, but you must have still been going at least 30 mph or so to do that much damage without a direct front-end impact. You're lucky you didn't crash badly.
That said, on the evidence of your pictures, this is one of the most amazing JRA claims (severely bent frame, severely bent fork, wrecked front wheel, but you want it covered under warranty) I've ever come across, although that's mostly down to the bike store employee who suggested that it might be covered under warranty in the first place. Please keep posting your progress so that it can be preserved for posterity in this thread.
(1) How long have you been riding that deathtrap since the accident?
(2) There is no way in the world that damage should be covered under warranty.
(3) If that could be covered under warranty, anyone should be able to walk into any Trek dealer anywhere with an old Trek in any condition whatsoever and get a free new Trek for the asking. However:
(4) There is no way in the world that damage should be covered under warranty.
That said, on the evidence of your pictures, this is one of the most amazing JRA claims (severely bent frame, severely bent fork, wrecked front wheel, but you want it covered under warranty) I've ever come across, although that's mostly down to the bike store employee who suggested that it might be covered under warranty in the first place. Please keep posting your progress so that it can be preserved for posterity in this thread.
(1) How long have you been riding that deathtrap since the accident?
(2) There is no way in the world that damage should be covered under warranty.
(3) If that could be covered under warranty, anyone should be able to walk into any Trek dealer anywhere with an old Trek in any condition whatsoever and get a free new Trek for the asking. However:
(4) There is no way in the world that damage should be covered under warranty.
Last edited by Trakhak; 09-11-11 at 04:30 PM.
09-11-11, 04:28 PM
#60
Throw the stick!!!!
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09-11-11, 05:27 PM
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Keep in mind that it's a lifetime warranty of manufacturing defects.
Last edited by njkayaker; 09-11-11 at 05:35 PM.
09-11-11, 06:03 PM
#63
Throw the stick!!!!
I believe this is one of the few times I have ever seen everyone on here agree on something. It seems like it is unanimous, with the exception of the OP, everyone seems to agree that it is not a warranty issue.
It's official, I've seen it all now.
It's official, I've seen it all now.
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09-11-11, 07:07 PM
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Another load of nonsense.
People. Trek is not in the business of screwing people over. They are quite reasonable about their warranty, and often go beyond its technical limits (despite waterrockets' experience).
The trouble here is that the damage to the OP's bike is not a manufacturer's defect, as roadwarrior has pointed out. It's either from roof-racking it into the garage, crashing, or maybe even as described by the OP. Hitting a pothole enough to bend the wheel, also bending the frame, is not a defect.
People. Trek is not in the business of screwing people over. They are quite reasonable about their warranty, and often go beyond its technical limits (despite waterrockets' experience).
The trouble here is that the damage to the OP's bike is not a manufacturer's defect, as roadwarrior has pointed out. It's either from roof-racking it into the garage, crashing, or maybe even as described by the OP. Hitting a pothole enough to bend the wheel, also bending the frame, is not a defect.
I think that Trek thinks that I'm not telling the truth and that maybe, if they knew I was, they would cover the damage even if it's not technically a "defect" - it's more of a case that the frame is a lot more fragile than I would have expected, I would never have imagined that such a bunny hop/turn type manuever would bend the frame unless it was an early model aluminum because those were NOTORIOUS for breaking (didn't that almost put Cannondale out of business?).
EDIT: If it's so hard to believe that the damage occured the way I am telling you, then, I suppose it must be a defect.
I prefer companies like Victorinox which have no-questions-asked warranties. Doesn't matter WHAT happens to your knife, you run it over with a truck on a gravel road, they are still happy to replace it for you. Maybe Trek doesn't have enough margin to offer that kind of warranty. Is there another bike company that does?
Last edited by critofur; 09-11-11 at 07:12 PM.
09-11-11, 07:12 PM
#65
Throw the stick!!!!
The damage came from: lift front wheel up (like a 1/2 bunny hop), pull front of bike a few inches to the side while the wheel is 1 - 2 inches off the ground, bring wheel back down, slightly turned in. I did not hit the pothole. The frame bent WITHOUT COLLISION. I am a person who is TOO honest, so honest I piss people off saying things I shouldn't have said.
I think that Trek thinks that I'm not telling the truth and that maybe, if they knew I was, they would cover the damage even if it's not technically a "defect" - it's more of a case that the frame is a lot more fragile than I would have expected, I would never have imagined that such a bunny hop/turn type manuever would bend the frame unless it was an early model aluminum because those were NOTORIOUS for breaking.
EDIT: If it's so hard to believe that the damage occured the way I am telling you, then, I suppose it must be a defect.
I think that Trek thinks that I'm not telling the truth and that maybe, if they knew I was, they would cover the damage even if it's not technically a "defect" - it's more of a case that the frame is a lot more fragile than I would have expected, I would never have imagined that such a bunny hop/turn type manuever would bend the frame unless it was an early model aluminum because those were NOTORIOUS for breaking.
EDIT: If it's so hard to believe that the damage occured the way I am telling you, then, I suppose it must be a defect.
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09-11-11, 07:27 PM
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The pictures show that the fork is also severely damaged. You said in your original post that you were going somewhat slower than your 55-mph maximum on that descent when the mishap occurred, but you must have still been going at least 30 mph or so to do that much damage without a direct front-end impact. You're lucky you didn't crash badly.
That said, on the evidence of your pictures, this is one of the most amazing JRA claims (severely bent frame, severely bent fork, wrecked front wheel, but you want it covered under warranty) I've ever come across, although that's mostly down to the bike store employee who suggested that it might be covered under warranty in the first place. Please keep posting your progress so that it can be preserved for posterity in this thread.
(1) How long have you been riding that deathtrap since the accident?
That said, on the evidence of your pictures, this is one of the most amazing JRA claims (severely bent frame, severely bent fork, wrecked front wheel, but you want it covered under warranty) I've ever come across, although that's mostly down to the bike store employee who suggested that it might be covered under warranty in the first place. Please keep posting your progress so that it can be preserved for posterity in this thread.
(1) How long have you been riding that deathtrap since the accident?
(2) There is no way in the world that damage should be covered under warranty.
(3) If that could be covered under warranty, anyone should be able to walk into any Trek dealer anywhere with an old Trek in any condition whatsoever and get a free new Trek for the asking....
It's not like I went to the junk yard and bought a crushed bike frame for $10 and tried to take it to the store and exchange it for a new bike - you're making it out like that IS the case. That's not at all right. I've had this bike since I was 14 years old. The only other good quality new bike I've EVER owned was stolen/sold by an ex-roomate.
Do you think I wanted to ride a bent framed bike for 20 years? I loved my Trek too much to give it up and I guess I am lucky that I finally came accross the 1987 Elance - so - now I have a similar bike and things have worked out ok. But, I'm telling the truth and this thread has convinced me that the bike damage SHOULD be covered under warranty and probably Trek is going to end up saying "ok, we believe you, but here's this other reason why we're not going to help you out" then too bad for me, oh well - just had my hopes up and wasted my time, not such a big deal I'll just have a bad memory instead of a good one every time I hear the name "Trek" from now on after having been a big fan for almost 30 years before this incident...
09-11-11, 07:29 PM
#67
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My 400 has seen a lot of rain, salt, snow, and sun and been parked outside most of it's 27 year lifetime. But, the bearings are all working smoothly and the frame has only a little cosmetic rust. (Some of the small parts are more than a little rusty though, as you can see - they still work properly however)
Pics as requested:
Pics as requested:
09-11-11, 08:25 PM
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Well, ok, the frame is not "fragile" by any means - but perhaps it IS clear that many manufacturers have since learned to make that particular part of the frame stronger - many modern frames I see have done this. Perhaps that point is the "Achilles Heel" of the old great lugged steel frames?
09-11-11, 08:28 PM
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so in 25 years you haven't been able to save enough to buy one new bike. sad.
09-11-11, 08:37 PM
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We threw that wheel away over 20 years ago. (I'm thinking about it more now, and I'm thinking it was ~ 1991)
Here is the point where I would agree that Trek could refuse to cover my bike under warranty, however I don't really think putting new wheels on a bike should void a warranty. The wheel was a POS Nashbar single wall aluminum. If I'd had the original Rigida rims I'm almost certain that nothing would have happened. My frame wouldn't have gotten bent, and I'd still have a nice Trek 400 today that I wouldn't have left outside quite as much because I would have been a little less discouraged about it. I don't know if all Rigida rims from that timeframe were as awesome, but the ones that came on my bike seemed bulletproof - they never really needed to be trued, they were maybe a hair off after a couple years of daily use. To this day, I'm still upset those were stolen.
What really upset me is that Trek corporate accused me of lying without even talking to me - to me, that is simply inexcusable.
Here is the point where I would agree that Trek could refuse to cover my bike under warranty, however I don't really think putting new wheels on a bike should void a warranty. The wheel was a POS Nashbar single wall aluminum. If I'd had the original Rigida rims I'm almost certain that nothing would have happened. My frame wouldn't have gotten bent, and I'd still have a nice Trek 400 today that I wouldn't have left outside quite as much because I would have been a little less discouraged about it. I don't know if all Rigida rims from that timeframe were as awesome, but the ones that came on my bike seemed bulletproof - they never really needed to be trued, they were maybe a hair off after a couple years of daily use. To this day, I'm still upset those were stolen.
What really upset me is that Trek corporate accused me of lying without even talking to me - to me, that is simply inexcusable.
Last edited by critofur; 09-11-11 at 09:03 PM.
09-11-11, 08:41 PM
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LOL.. sure u bunny hopped that hole ? ex race rider, 30 + cyclist 
Is funny but after seeing the pictures is clear that your driving skills are bad man hehehe... U got lucky because u could have turn 360 degrees and snap your neck dude I mean, almost all the guys here see the picture and say.. WTF did he jump?? I mean, clearly if you jumped something the front wheel went straight to the opposite edge of the hole or whatever was hit I have seen suckers jumping like 2 feet in the air to clear pot holes, RR crosses and stuff and this thing was a "plain straight accident". For the record I dont like trek ok but clearly is not Trek's to blame if your handling sucks and the bike could not stand a "crash" straight forward. I dont even know how the LBS kid said it was warrantable. After the picture is clear that something like that doesnt happen by art of magic. For the record I had have nasty accidents in my life in a matter of fact in one of them got 3 stitches in my chin because u were able to see all the way in up to the chin bone, a have go airborne in track racing accidents an even a guy at purpose actually 2 sandwich me and took my front wheel of the fork with their quick releases and RD., and i never ever been able to bend a single of my frames up today.
I give you the bike you had is cool but is more the sentimental value for you that the actual value market, just hang the bike in a wall as art to remember your childhood man, there's nothing else you could do. And be more careful u have a kid now. Maybe bike handling 101 could help you too. Don't take me wrong but what happened was pure lack of handling skills.
Good luck.
ex race rider, 30 + cyclist Is funny but after seeing the pictures is clear that your driving skills are bad man hehehe... U got lucky because u could have turn 360 degrees and snap your neck dude I mean, almost all the guys here see the picture and say.. WTF did he jump?? I mean, clearly if you jumped something the front wheel went straight to the opposite edge of the hole or whatever was hit I have seen suckers jumping like 2 feet in the air to clear pot holes, RR crosses and stuff and this thing was a "plain straight accident". For the record I dont like trek ok but clearly is not Trek's to blame if your handling sucks and the bike could not stand a "crash" straight forward. I dont even know how the LBS kid said it was warrantable. After the picture is clear that something like that doesnt happen by art of magic. For the record I had have nasty accidents in my life in a matter of fact in one of them got 3 stitches in my chin because u were able to see all the way in up to the chin bone, a have go airborne in track racing accidents an even a guy at purpose actually 2 sandwich me and took my front wheel of the fork with their quick releases and RD., and i never ever been able to bend a single of my frames up today. I give you the bike you had is cool but is more the sentimental value for you that the actual value market, just hang the bike in a wall as art to remember your childhood man, there's nothing else you could do. And be more careful u have a kid now. Maybe bike handling 101 could help you too. Don't take me wrong but what happened was pure lack of handling skills.
Good luck.
09-11-11, 08:48 PM
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We bought a house. A $500 bike for my wife because that's the only one we could find that fit her, a > $100 bike for my then ~3 or 4 year old son again, because it was the only one which would fit him (he's small). We bought a new car for my wife because she's small and was afraid to drive my Camry.
I had a good job in Manhattan for a few years, I was making plenty of money to buy a bike then, but then I didn't use my bike as I either walked or took the subway anywhere - in 2011 with the "internet bubble burst" and my company (SGI) nearly going out of business I've never quite recovered financially and after we moved out to Ohio (where I really want/need a bike again on a daily basis) I've had a family and basically been poor since then. I've got two kids and I've gone back to school (I've got about another year left).
I bought the $200 1987 Trek and my wife was yelling at me: "Don't you understand, we're poor, we can't afford to buy things like that now" - I suffered a little from her anger, but, I think it was a good investment. I don't want to ride some beastly heavy poor quality WalMart bike and the ones I'd seen at goodwill lately were overpriced rusty huffys and murrays (ugh).
09-11-11, 08:56 PM
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LOL.. sure u bunny hopped that hole ? ex race rider, 30 + cyclist Is funny but after seeing the pictures is clear that your driving skills are bad man hehehe... U got lucky because u could have turn 360 degrees and snap your neck dude I mean, almost all the guys here see the picture and say.. WTF did he jump?? I mean, clearly if you jumped something the front wheel went straight to the opposite edge of the hole or whatever was hit I have seen suckers jumping like 2 feet in the air to clear pot holes, RR crosses and stuff and this thing was a "plain straight accident". For the record I dont like trek ok but clearly is not Trek's to blame if your handling sucks and the bike could not stand a "crash" straight forward. I dont even know how the LBS kid said it was warrantable. After the picture is clear that something like that doesnt happen by art of magic. For the record I had have nasty accidents in my life in a matter of fact in one of them got 3 stitches in my chin because u were able to see all the way in up to the chin bone, a have go airborne in track racing accidents an even a guy at purpose actually 2 sandwich me and took my front wheel of the fork with their quick releases and RD., and i never ever been able to bend a single of my frames up today.
I give you the bike you had is cool but is more the sentimental value for you that the actual value market, just hang the bike in a wall as art to remember your childhood man, there's nothing else you could do. And be more careful u have a kid now. Maybe bike handling 101 could help you too. Don't take me wrong but what happened was pure lack of handling skills.
Good luck.
ex race rider, 30 + cyclist Is funny but after seeing the pictures is clear that your driving skills are bad man hehehe... U got lucky because u could have turn 360 degrees and snap your neck dude I mean, almost all the guys here see the picture and say.. WTF did he jump?? I mean, clearly if you jumped something the front wheel went straight to the opposite edge of the hole or whatever was hit I have seen suckers jumping like 2 feet in the air to clear pot holes, RR crosses and stuff and this thing was a "plain straight accident". For the record I dont like trek ok but clearly is not Trek's to blame if your handling sucks and the bike could not stand a "crash" straight forward. I dont even know how the LBS kid said it was warrantable. After the picture is clear that something like that doesnt happen by art of magic. For the record I had have nasty accidents in my life in a matter of fact in one of them got 3 stitches in my chin because u were able to see all the way in up to the chin bone, a have go airborne in track racing accidents an even a guy at purpose actually 2 sandwich me and took my front wheel of the fork with their quick releases and RD., and i never ever been able to bend a single of my frames up today. I give you the bike you had is cool but is more the sentimental value for you that the actual value market, just hang the bike in a wall as art to remember your childhood man, there's nothing else you could do. And be more careful u have a kid now. Maybe bike handling 101 could help you too. Don't take me wrong but what happened was pure lack of handling skills.
Good luck.
I rode up Mt Greylock in under 45 minutes, and I went over 55 on the way down. I'm not a pro, I'm not a racer, but I don't think those numbers are too shabby. I've had good luck and bad, there are probably a dozen times in my life that I really should have died and I don't know wtf saved me.
? My first ever mountain bike ride was (unkowingly) with the "gonzo" group. There were two groups, the more casual one, and the crazy one. Apparently they met at the LBS on different nights of the week and I didn't know that. We rode up to the top of one of the smaller mountains near where I lived, then I found myself suddenly going down a steep logging road? that had gotten washed out so bad that most of it was boulders. It wasn't so much like riding down a dirt road or something, it was more like: catch a little bit of ground here and there as you spend most of the time flying. I could not have stopped had I wanted to, I had to move my ass as far back off the seat just to keep from doing an endo and I got so scared my knees nearly gave out (those knobby tires would have ripped my nutsack through the back of the bike).
Sure, you know some folks who can do all kinds of arial stuff I've never even tried to do. But I avoided that pothole (no, I did NOT hit it or catch the edge!!!) and I think many less serious cyclists would not have.
Last edited by critofur; 09-11-11 at 09:00 PM.
09-11-11, 08:58 PM
#74
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This happened 20 years ago???
For what it's worth, the only thing I can accuse the people at the Columbus, Ohio Trek store of is being too nice an helpful. Should I ever find myself in the market for a brand new bike, they will be getting my business. A year or so ago I bought a used Giant bike that had a broken rear axle. I went searching for a replacement, and the people at another bike store kept me waiting without knowing what I wanted, then wanted nothing to do with helping me when they found what I was after. I went to the Trek Store, who only sells Trek, and the service manager dropped what he was doing to help me, found a spare part that matched and GAVE it to me (actually a whole Bontrager hub) and wished me luck. He could have tried to sell me a new bike, but he just wanted to see me back on the road. I told my friend how they treated me and he just purchased a new Trek bike, and is about to get one for his wife. That's potentially three sales from one act of kindness. Not everyone is out to put the shaft to everyone.
For what it's worth, the only thing I can accuse the people at the Columbus, Ohio Trek store of is being too nice an helpful. Should I ever find myself in the market for a brand new bike, they will be getting my business. A year or so ago I bought a used Giant bike that had a broken rear axle. I went searching for a replacement, and the people at another bike store kept me waiting without knowing what I wanted, then wanted nothing to do with helping me when they found what I was after. I went to the Trek Store, who only sells Trek, and the service manager dropped what he was doing to help me, found a spare part that matched and GAVE it to me (actually a whole Bontrager hub) and wished me luck. He could have tried to sell me a new bike, but he just wanted to see me back on the road. I told my friend how they treated me and he just purchased a new Trek bike, and is about to get one for his wife. That's potentially three sales from one act of kindness. Not everyone is out to put the shaft to everyone.
09-11-11, 08:59 PM
#75
Mr. Dopolina
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I used handle warranty claims for a living. In fact, when I worked in retail the last shop I managed was a Trek dealer and we were one of the few shops who were allowed to make our own determinations regarding warranties without consulting our local rep. They had faith that we understood what was and wasn't warranty and could tell the difference.
There are a few facts outstanding: OP, How heavy are you? How much additional weight were you carrying at the time? What does the front wheel look like? When was the last time someone serviced your headset. I'd love to see the races.
From what I have read you used this bike for 27 years as a commuter and grocery getter which means this frame has been stressed, repeatedly for a LONG time.
Do they, or have they ever, over the 27 years you've ridden this bike, salted the roads in winter where you live? You mention that it has been stored outside and you ride in all weather conditions which means, without a doubt, that there is oxidation inside the tubing. Based on the heavy oxidation I see on plated surfaces (like the head set cups) this has been the case for quite some time.
Most people don't understand this but steel frames fail from the inside. Tubes corrode and weaken out of sight and then one day fail for a seemingly innocous reason like a slight bunny hop or pulling away from a stop light. It's happened to me with high-end Italian steel and I know it's happened to others.
OP. This is NOT a warranty. I would not warranty this frame and I would not even bother to pass this on to my local rep unless it became a legal issue.
Here's why:
The damage is a result of NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR and was caused by an IMPACT. Every single element in the photos you posted points to this fact.
You said you were going 50MPH and then somehow slowed to 30MPH to 'bunny hop' an obstacle. That can still be a considerable amount of force whithout even considering rider weight and the weight of whatever you were carrying at the time.
I am also curious to see what the wheel looks like and why you didn't crash. There is no way this bike was stable at that speed and with that damage.
Lastly, the person at the shop who even brought up the idea of a warranty should be ***** slapped and handed a broom for even suggesting the possibility.
You rode the frame for 27 years at a cost of less than $10.00 a year. You have since replaced the bike which seems like it was another pretty good deal. Both of these facts are a sign of good bike karma. Don't ruin it now by chasing this idiotic claim a moment longer.
There are a few facts outstanding: OP, How heavy are you? How much additional weight were you carrying at the time? What does the front wheel look like? When was the last time someone serviced your headset. I'd love to see the races.
From what I have read you used this bike for 27 years as a commuter and grocery getter which means this frame has been stressed, repeatedly for a LONG time.
Do they, or have they ever, over the 27 years you've ridden this bike, salted the roads in winter where you live? You mention that it has been stored outside and you ride in all weather conditions which means, without a doubt, that there is oxidation inside the tubing. Based on the heavy oxidation I see on plated surfaces (like the head set cups) this has been the case for quite some time.
Most people don't understand this but steel frames fail from the inside. Tubes corrode and weaken out of sight and then one day fail for a seemingly innocous reason like a slight bunny hop or pulling away from a stop light. It's happened to me with high-end Italian steel and I know it's happened to others.
OP. This is NOT a warranty. I would not warranty this frame and I would not even bother to pass this on to my local rep unless it became a legal issue.
Here's why:
The damage is a result of NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR and was caused by an IMPACT. Every single element in the photos you posted points to this fact.
You said you were going 50MPH and then somehow slowed to 30MPH to 'bunny hop' an obstacle. That can still be a considerable amount of force whithout even considering rider weight and the weight of whatever you were carrying at the time.
I am also curious to see what the wheel looks like and why you didn't crash. There is no way this bike was stable at that speed and with that damage.
Lastly, the person at the shop who even brought up the idea of a warranty should be ***** slapped and handed a broom for even suggesting the possibility.
You rode the frame for 27 years at a cost of less than $10.00 a year. You have since replaced the bike which seems like it was another pretty good deal. Both of these facts are a sign of good bike karma. Don't ruin it now by chasing this idiotic claim a moment longer.
Last edited by Bob Dopolina; 09-11-11 at 09:03 PM.