I just took my Speed Concept 7.0 in for a tune up into the local bike store. It is the same store where I bought the bike. After inspection, the shop told me that there is a crack in the carbon fiber and that it is “unsafe to ride.” Tomorrow, they are going to work with their team and send info into Trek. According to the shop, it may or may not be covered by trek and even if it is, it will be a 3-4 week repair/replacement. That said, I am racing IMOO in Madison in 2 months and have no ride.
1-has anyone had any cracks in their carbon fiber? If yes, what did you do to fix? Was it a Trek bike? Any experience with Trek warranty/repairs??
2-any suggestions for training options while I dont have my bike?
Find a 2nd bike to train and race. Start looking now. Whether 2-month rental or picking up a used bike.
I hope the Trek situation works out well, but I sense that itl will be unlikely you get that resolved quickly enough to avoid a serious disruption in training/racing.
Not Trek- but my Yeti mountain bike fell and got dinged pretty bad.
They had a reasonable frame replacement policy and I was riding again with new frame by the next weekend.
Granted we live right by them and are pretty good LBS customers- which is a big Yeti dealer. I’m not sure all of the details as my husband was responsible when my ridden three times carbon frame was broken and thus took care of the replacement details - mostly before telling me
But I know there was a new frame at a big discount under their crash replacement policy and it was rebuilt so honestly I can’t tell a difference other than the fact there’s a cracked bike frame on our formal dining room table.
My guess it there “unsafe to ride” statement was a CYA in case something happens while you’re riding it. I’ve never dealt with a Trek warranty replacement, but have experienced it with Specialized and Cannondale and neither one required me to send them my frame before then sent me the replacement. I sent them my old frame only after the new one arrived. If Trek is the same way, keep riding yours (if you feel safe doing so) and then you’ll only be without a bike for the few days it takes the bike shop to swap components over. Worst case, if you’re worried about the crack, only ride it inside on the trainer until the replacement comes in.
Of course, none of this helps if Trek makes you send them the frame before they send you a replacement.
Where did the crack appear? Fwiw I recently had to warranty my Speed Concept for a crack that developed near the seat post binder. Trek covered it (the LBS asked me if I used their torque wrench to tighten the bolts, I said “nope but I’ll be right back”. Went to my car and got my beam wrench. Showed it to them at which point they warrantied the frame for $0). Process took three weeks.
How did they determine the carbon is cracked? If it’s somewhere where the frame flexes, it’s probably a paint crack.
I agree. A crack can simply be a “crack” in the painting or clear coat. I’ve had a few “cracks” in my Evo that I took to different Cannondale dealers. They all said it was likely cosmetic and just keep my eye on it. I did have one crack on my Slice RS under the head tube that was definitely structural. I had a new frame within a week. The shop just had to send photos to Cannondale and they replaced it under warranty. Good luck!
Initially the crack was determined to be in the paint. We took pictures, and looking to get documentation followed up with Trek. LBS called back trek warranty department and then a different warranty person decided that since the crack is curved, to replace the frame. Unfortunately (read fortunately) they did not have any SC 7.0 in stock, so they upgraded me to a 9. Dropped off the bike yesterday and hope to get back Wednesday with full 9 frame set (frame, bars, seat post, brake set, etc). Pretty impressive response from Trek. Now the only questions is if I have to get re-fit…
