I guess it depends on who you ask. I called Trek about this last week, and the guy who answered the phone said that it was not a problem since it was considered normal riding. I called 3 shops here in town and got wildly different answers. Two shops said no problem, but the last shop said no. He read me the warranty and said that he considered a trainer as an “attachment” that would void the warranty. I couldn’t hardly believe what I was hearing since his store sells Trek-badged Cyclops trainers for use, presumably, with Trek bikes. Hmmm…
So I will ask the experts here at ST: Does anyone know whether you can use the OCLV frame bikes on a trainer without voiding the warranty?
(I did email Trek for an “official” answer today and will update when I receive a response)
I guess it depends on who you ask. I called Trek about this last week, and the guy who answered the phone said that it was not a problem since it was considered normal riding. I called 3 shops here in town and got wildly different answers. Two shops said no problem, but the last shop said no. He read me the warranty and said that he considered a trainer as an “attachment” that would void the warranty. I couldn’t hardly believe what I was hearing since his store sells Trek-badged Cyclops trainers for use, presumably, with Trek bikes. Hmmm…
So I will ask the experts here at ST: Does anyone know whether you can use the OCLV frame bikes on a trainer without voiding the warranty?
(I did email Trek for an “official” answer today and will update when I receive a response)
Trek said “it was not a problem since it was considered normal riding” so why not take that as “whether you can use the OCLV frame bikes on a trainer without voiding the warranty”… would Slowtwitchers know better than Trek
normal riding" so why not take that as “whether you can use the OCLV frame bikes on a trainer without voiding the warranty”… would Slowtwitchers know better than Trek
OF Course and how dare you even to suggest otherwise.
Kitty-
Didn’t go. I am waiting to see if the Trek is “officially” covered for trainer use before I make my decision. If so, I may wait for the SLC or whatever Bob and the boys recommend.
For others that have responded-
Thanks for the info. I am hopeful that the warranty covers trainer use, just weird to hear the conflicting versions from the Trek dealers. I should also point out that the guy from Trek was not supremely confident in saying that trainer use=normal riding=no problem.
I don’t how a trainer could void a frame warranty. Riding a trainer is about the safest thing you can do to a bike (apart from leaving it on display). I understand riding a stationary trainer puts static forces on the frame vs the dynamic produced on the road, but come one, how many times are you going to crash while watching A Sunday in Hell? Most warranties I have seen only have exclusions for crashes or “unusual riding”. I would take that as deciding to use your bike in the next Jackass movie.
Ok, I got my answer back from Trek (very fast response from customer service BTW). The short answer is that trainer use is considered “normal riding” and any damage resulting from such normal use is covered by the warranty. Things like the frame falling over, scratching from attachment, etc. are not covered as they are not defects.
The above answer came as a result of my follow-up question to the first response I received from Trek. The first reply indicated that I should be careful when using an OCLV frame because of the stress to the frame. I think the guy actually mentioned that I could/should not do much out of the saddle sprinting or riding as hard as on the road.
I think that this is a fair answer and that Trek would probably honor anything that went wrong with the frame. However, I have bad luck and won’t risk it since the answer I received wasn’t, “Hell yes you can use our bikes in trainers.” I got a gerat deal on a beater bike and that is what is hooked up to the trainer now…
I think you should now email the the three shops and see what there response is, maybe one will still say no.
The thing I think everyone is miss understanding here is what the warranty covers, and what the bike manufactures are saying.
Warranty covers defects due to manufacturing problems. They are also claiming with no data, that riding on a trainer will add stress to the chainstays. If you break the bike while on the trainer, and it was a matter of fatigue, not a manufacturers defect the warranty will not apply, not because you voided it but because it does not cover the bike wearing out.
From all the stories I have heard on ST. I have heard of lots of people riding lots on their Computrainers or other indoor trainers, and can’t say of any stories I have heard where someone personally broke their bike on the trainer.
Personally, I would NEVER ride a carbon bike on a trainer… ANY carbon bike. When I worked in a shop, we ‘tested’ some carbon bikes on trainers… when you are standing behind the trainer, you can see the WHOLE frame flex. Once you see this, trust me, you will NEVER put your carbon bike on a trainer…
Instead, I ride rollers in the off season… not as great of a work out, but way better for your frame and you learn how to ride in a straight line… something most triathletes lack… if I may say…
