vega2614

I have been riding a 2010 DBR Podium 3 for the last 4 years, which has a 105 groupset and an aluminum frame with carbon fork and seatstays. I took it out of the garage for a ride last week and right after getting on the road, the rear derailleur swung to the smallest sprocket and the frame felt wobbly. I look down and notice the right chainstay snapped at the weld near the bottom bracket!

I took the bike to my LBS (authorized DBR dealer) and they have consulted with DBR about a replacement as it's a lifetime frame warranty. The low-down is I can get a replacement for free (labor not included to swap the components at $200), but they are swapping it for a 2007 DBR Podium 5 frame, which is full carbon, covered under another lifetime warranty, and stock they are trying to unload. Either that, or I need to go with a low-end aluminum frame (sans carbon seatstays and possibly needing a new BB and fork). The decision seems pretty easy with those options.

Is swapping for the 2007 a good deal? It's full carbon, so that's pretty sweet, but it's also much older than my previous frame and DBR, which had really just jumped into the road bike market at that point. I don't know whether I should be happy about this swap, or if I should feel slighted. What do you guys think?

goenrdoug

I'd locate the warranty language and read it. I would be very surprised if it stipulated that Diamondback may, at their whim, replace your failed component with an older model. Sounds, to me, like the LBS may be trying to get rid of the 2007, make some $$ on the component swap and, later, receive the replacement from Diamondback and sell it on the floor while you happily ride around on your older bike, $200 lighter in the wallet.

Have you talked directly with Diamondback directly?

All that being said, it doesn't sound like an awful deal. Still, find out what you're actually entitled to under the warranty and proceed from there.

vega2614

Thanks for the reply. The warranty reads as follows:
"Diamondback Bicycles sole obligation during the acceptable duration of this warranty is, at Diamondback Bicycles option, to repair or replace the product with a current item that is equivalent in construction, design, or value."

That vague statement could include replacement with a carbon frame, which in their mind is superior even though it's older.

I don't think the LBS is trying to be sneaky, but who knows. I spoke to the mechanic a bunch of times and he actually called DBR back when I expressed my concerns about getting an old carbon frame rather than a new aluminum one. He says Raleigh doesn't seem to be budging on this. He's been helpful so far, assuming no trickiness. I will see if I can give DBR or Raleigh a call, but the warranty implies they only really deal with the authorized dealers and not the customer.

I guess what I was really wondering: is a 2007 full carbon frame better than or at least equal to a post-2010 mid-to-high end aluminum frame?

rpenmanparker 

The key word is "current". What they are offering isn't current, and the aluminum alternative isn't equivalent in value. If you want new aluminum that is equivalent to what you had instead of old carbon, demand it. Otherwise don't.

himespau 

It sounds like neither of the options offered really match what the warranty says.

vega2614

Very good point. Unless their definition of current is since the development of the safety bicycle. I'm going to call them.

I honestly don't know much about carbon since I've never ridden one. I know they can be high end, but I am not sure about the quality of lower-level carbon frames (Eg not the ones on $4k+ bikes).

dtrain

IDK - I'd be pretty tempted to take the carbon. Many people have trouble getting any warranty support. Labor should be closer to $100.

I'd say yes.

vega2614

Just talked to them. The guy was pretty helpful and his options made sense. Basically, since my old bike had carbon seatstays, it is slightly better than a full aluminum bike. Granted, a newer full aluminum could be better, but basically all the newer models would require me purchasing some new components since my old stuff wouldn't be compatible (ie BB, crank, headset, etc.). So it would be well over $200.

It's not what I was expecting, but I am getting a carbon frame, a free warranty replacement, and all my components will work on this frame. You're right, some people aren't so lucky.

vega2614

Yep, I am definitely in agreement. Thanks for the insight. It makes me feel better for sure.

In terms of labor though, you're right, it's on the high end for what I've seen when researching. But, they are swapping everything, cleaning, and tuning. And I don't mind supporting this shop. I almost got disqualified for a triathlon because I didn't have plugs on my bar ends, and this shop was there and gave them to me for free. Cheap part, but I've felt indebted to them for their kind act. Even ignoring that, for warranty repair, it's either them (a legit multi-location bike shop with good reputation) or Dick's Sporting Goods.

cderalow

I am amazed that they're not giving you an option to upgrade/update to a newer model frame.

seriously? It's the first I've ever heard of a MFG opting to give you something older than what you've got as a warranty replacement.

Gjc985

I agree... Remind me never to buy a diamondback.

vega2614

The Diamondback rep is saying that if I upgrade to a newer model aluminum frame, I will have to purchase some new components that are compatible with the new frame. That's not even considering the fact that they don't do carbon seatstays like my old bike had. With the 2007 carbon, I don't have to buy any new components, but I get a full carbon bike, which seems like it's at least equal in quality to the aluminum frame the bike originally came with. It would be ridiculous if they were offering a 2007 aluminum frame, but the frame they are offering is from a much higher end bike, just an older model. I really pushed to expand the options, both through the LBS mechanic and on a call with Diamondback, but this seems like a decent option.

himespau 

what new parts would you need?

Elvo

It's likely that you would need a new fork, headset, and bottom bracket since just about all new frames come with bb30 and tapered forks.

buffalowings

Unless they have a 2012 podium 2 (or maybe 3) laying around (english threaded 68mm bottom bracket and a standard headtube.
Just a quick note..Diamondback warranty leaves something to be seriously desired, from my most recent dealings with them, they try and inch out of every warranty claim. Who cares if paint and finish is mentioned in our warranty, who cares if our forks have a one year warranty, who cares if our frames have a lifetime warranty. IMO, they are great as introductory bikes, learn handling skills, get fit(ter) on them, train on them, and when you're ready to move on to a better bike, just use it as a beater.

vega2614

Just an update. I stopped by the LBS to drop off a spare chain I had lying around for installation and got to look at the frame. It looks pretty nice and is insanely light. However, based on the colors (B&W, no red) I am fairly certain it's a 2006 podium 5, not a 2007. I never expected to be getting an 8 year old frame, 4 years my old frame's senior. I really get the vibe it was a frame just lying around that they wanted to eliminate from stock. I wonder what they'd do if I had a 2010 carbon frame? Haha, probably a 2004 titanium if it existed.

However, I'd say given the insanely good price I paid for a 105-equipped bike ($850) justifies the weird warranty replacement. Honestly, when I noticed my old frame was snapped, I thought I would have to buy a new frame/bike myself. And then after finding out about the lifetime frame warranty, I thought they might weasel their way out by saying wear & tear or neglect (neither of which are true of course). They are giving me a pseudo-upgrade (better frame but older), and the LBS received the frame within like 3 days of me deciding to go for the carbon frame. I'll be getting it tomorrow if everything works out well. A friend's warranty replacement with a different company took over a month.

So TL;DR, In my opinion, Diamondback is acceptable at warranty replacements. Not great, but not bad, all things considered.

himespau 

Well, as long as you're happy, I guess.

Ray Dockrey

I had this happen about two years ago on a 2005 Specialized Allez Sport where the headtube cracked. What Specialized sent to replace it was a brand new 2003 S-Works E5 frame with full carbon fork and seatpost. I was given no further options and was never consulted on what was sent. But that frame and fork was freaking awesome so it worked out fine for me. The shop charged me $100 to switch it all over.

vega2614

Just wanted to update everyone on this warranty replacement.

The bike is actually very nice-looking and rides really well. I don't notice much of a difference in weight given the two water bottles, giant frame pump, big saddlebag, and my 220 lbs build; the big difference is definitely a smoother ride. The carbon absorbs a lot of the road where my aluminum wouldn't.

Even though it's a 2006 frame, I'm happy with it as it is a better frame than I purchased. I would recommend people buy DBR for entry to possibly mid-level bikes. You get what you pay for, and what I got was a steal before and still had a decent warranty.

goenrdoug

whut, no pix?

fstshrk

I am impressed with DBR. The fact that you even got to the factory rep is amazing. I can't get even a customer service phone number for Cannondale. I don't get it.
I was going to buy a Cannondale Synapse 3 Disc as a commuter replacement, but it looks like I am going with a Diamondback Steilacoom RCX Pro V instead if I can't get to talk a CSR to answer some simple questions about a 2000USD bike.