Frame damaged

[MrGrumpy]

Well just been out doing a bit cleaning and oiling of the bike when I noticed that the rear chain stay ( drive side ) has a big bloody crack in it! The frame in question is off a Langster 2008 model, not happy as it is my main commuter . So going to investigate repairing however should there not be a life time warranty on this by Specialized?

http://s1147.photobucket.com/albums.../?action=view&current=Fife-20120311-00002.jpg

 

[PatrickPending]

yes - had a cracked head tube on my entry level allez - got a frame from a tri comp allez in return - and new forks - though in the previous years colours.

 

[MrGrumpy]

even after 4 yrs? To complicate matters it was bought via Halfords on C2W, so unsure how this will pan out!

 

[PatrickPending]

well mine was after 6 - had the original reciept tho....

 

[MrGrumpy]

hmm.... I am hoping that the either Halfords have me on record or the C2W team via my work have records?? Nae receipt am afraid

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Without a closeup it is hard to be sure but can you see the metal cracked? From the photo it looks perhaps only the paint has cracked?

On a less grumpy note for tax reasons I think all corporations have to keep records for at least 6 years, by law. I would therefore be VERY surprised if your company doesn't have records of your C2W deal.

Good luck!

 

[MrGrumpy]

Thanks and yes its defo cracked right through, you can bend the chain stay, its approx 4/5 of the way round. The funny thing is its probably been their for a while as the frame is chipped a bit and has been well used however there has been a clicking noise from the drive side of the bike and I have been unable to locate it until now ! I think I may just have found it! Shall see how it goes tomorrow, I think what I will do is phone up the C2W team and see if they can help me out. Going to be annoying with out my usual commuter for the next few weeks at least. If they don`t replace it on warranty then if it cannot be repaired it looks like I may need to buy another :/. On the plus side I have been looking at buying a geared road bike through C2W but really wanted to put it off until next year as money is a wee bit tight just now.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Ok if it has cracked through then the chance is the crack developed from the hole - which is a weak spot as manufactured - it will be difficult for Spesh to argue otherwise. I suspect you will get compensated.

Don't count on repairs - it is generally not economical for alloy frames.

 

[amaferanga]

AIUI with cycle to work schemes you are actually the 2nd owner of the bike - your employer is the 1st owner. Could make it tricky with the Specialized warranty.

 

[biggs682]

oh dear

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

AIUI with cycle to work schemes you are actually the 2nd owner of the bike - your employer is the 1st owner. Could make it tricky with the Specialized warranty.

"This does not impact on any warranties offered by the bicycle or bicycle safety equipment manufacturer(s). Except as required by law, neither your Employer nor Halfords offer any separate warranty, and you are responsible for reading and understanding the manufacturer’s warranty and complying with its terms." seems to be in Halfords' C2W T&Cs?

Based on that I doubt Halfords can escape honouring Spesh's warranty as a result, irrespective of Spesh's stance regarding Halfords as the supplier (which I believe they don't like), but which in fact is not the OP's concern from a contractual standpoint.

 

[MrGrumpy]

Ok C2W team were phoned today and as a result they agreed to swap this out, although I think what they meant to say was we will chase this up with Specialized for you??!! Anyway a bit gutted as its my main commuter Skinny tyres are now going on the MTB which is just plain wrong Looks like those space saver tyres you get on cars, stupid looking!

 

[rockyraccoon]

Good things come to those who wait

 

[MrGrumpy]

Ok UPDATE. Had a phone call from a company dealing with my frame on behalf of Halfords C2W. Spesh have agreed that there is warranty issue. great!! However choices, choices they have offered me a new frame with a brand new set of cranks, cost £65, ( wondered how they would get these off ) or a brand new 2012 langster at cost price, which they said they could possible negotiate down to £275?? Don`t exactly have that kind of money readily available ?? How much is a set of Sugino cranks and BB, maybe they don`t even come with Sugino cranks?? Anyone recommend a set of cranks??

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Great. But what is wrong with the existing chainset? If chainring's worn can't you just change the ring?

If you want to change the chainset do you ride it as a SS or a fixie, rather if ever as a fixed (requiring something more solid)? BB might need to be changed too if changing chainset.