WhySwim wrote:
Hi Mitch,
Regarding the discussion elsewhere on using Trek bikes on the trainer:
I read one of your comments to mean that Trek DOES provide warranty if the Trek bike is used CORRECTLY on the trainer.
I ride at gyms with Computrainers 3 times a week during the winter. Personally so far I have used my good old Trek 5200, but I bought a 2019 Trek Emonda SL recently and was planning to replace the 5200 with the Emonda (the 5200 being retired to my vacation place in Europe).
As a design engineer, looking at the dropout on the Emonda I can totally see how, if the design did not specifically address "rocking" stresses from the skewer in a trainer like the Computrainer, how you can overstress the carbon fiber section that we have seen snap for some users. It frankly looks undersized for trainer use (or crash involving the read derailleur).
So, what I would like is some very specific directions from Trek as to what is "CORRECT" computrainer use (rollers not an option)? The way I see it the user can control :
1. The skewer used and the amount of compression from the skewer
2. The compression from the trainer onto the skewer
3. The amount of lateral "rocking" applied from rider (standing etc).
If the above 3 items are within "Trek specifications", then any damage should be covered by warranty, even if Trek does not see any specific frame defects. Otherwise you are really not in a good place as a consumer. It seems like there might be "fix" with a skewer designed specifically for your frames, maybe with a controlled compression across a spring, maybe with a washer that would ensure proper bearing in the dropout area.
I look forward to your advice / directions as to items 1 to 3 above. Is there a specific skewer that you recommend? Cheers
To the 3 items you listed above, those are what riders should be considerate of and monitor. We provide some direction in our owners manual as well about this (visit "Chapter 1 > After every ride"):
http://www.bike-manual.com/...ek/om/road/index.htm
In the event that your bike is damaged on a trainer, regardless if the 3 items above are followed correctly, we will review it under a warranty claim to determine if it was a manufacturer defect. As for the skewer, you will want to use one that is specific for the trainer that is compatible with your bike.
Mitchell Mathews | Community Manager | Trek Bikes | @mitchmathewz