I have never been one to complain on social media, but after the experience I have had with a high end Trek triathlon bike I am hoping for either some form of resolution or at least a warning to other consumers.

I dropped my Trek Speed Concept 7.5 off at the Trek store in Boca Raton, FL to have the headset bearings replaced before Ironman Chattanooga. During the race, I noticed the front end becoming very loose. I realized post-race that the reason was one of the bolts attaching the stem to the fork had broken. I contacted the manager of the shop who started a warranty claim, but even though this is less than a year old, Trek refused to replace the frame because the damage was only cosmetic (even though this was damaged because of either faulty parts or workmanship) and as I was told "There was still a chance I could have damaged it while riding". I was given a replacement fork which was offered to me as either all white or all black (loosing the paint scheme on the bike). I was ok with this, even though this will ruin the resale value.

I paid the Trek store several hundred dollars for re-cabling, a new chain, and some other parts. On my first ride, I had the brake lever EJECT from the bars (it appears these were never tightened and popped loose when i hit a bump). It was quite an experience trying to grab a free-floating brake lever while riding at 22mph. I am shocked that I wasn't injured.

I have Ironman Florida in less than two weeks and zero confidence that this bike will carry me the distance safely. This has been my 6th consecutive Trek bike and if anyone has any brand recommendations for a replacement I am ready for a switch and would love to hear them.