My backup bike, is (was) a 2007 Giant OCR Alliance. The frame was part aluminum, part CF.
3 weeks ago I noted a crack in the seat post, at the site of the CF/Aluminum junction.

I was bummed because I really like the geometry of this frame with an effective top tube of 55.5 cm, which is the sweet spot for me. The newer versions (now called Defy) have different geometry.

Much to my surprise, Giant found a brand new 2007 frame, similar color but full carbon, which I just got yesterday. The first pic is the old frame, the second the new, the 3rd the new with borrowed wheels from the main ride.

I like this frame and fits me better that the newer models. But I am a bit surprised that they have leftover frames from that far back.

It got me thinking; can you buy new, older model frames directly? ( I didn't have the chance to ask the Giant rep, as the warranty claim was handled by the LBS).

AFAIK you cannot buy older frames directly from the manufacturer. At best, you might find an older unsold bike at an LBS, although 5 year old frames aren't that common.

I'd assume Giant set aside some older frames for warranty purposes, though that could only be confirmed by someone at Giant (not likely to happen) or numerous repeated instances of older frames replaced by older frames.

There are lots of new old stock frames on different clearance web stores. GVH Bicycles usually has some and look at this 2008 Pinarello Prince https://www.departmentofgoods.com/pin...arbon-frameset. Older new frames are out there, but you have to search them out.

I cracked the front triangle of my 2009 full suspension Giant mountain bike a few months back in a crash. Giant was also able to come up with a replacement front triangle for me to buy. I was very impressed that they had several years of frames available. I don't know if they sell the NOS frames usually, but mine was definitely not a warranty claim and they sold one to me.