Hey all, so looking forward to my second IM (CDA again), which I understand is still very much newbie status here, but in my first IM I threw some aero bars on my Trek 2.3 but now want to move forward to a TT bike. Fit aside, what companies offer the best warrenty/support on their bikes? I’m on a budget but will not throw my money at a bike if I dont think I’ll get support from the company who made it.
Anyhow, I understand this is a pretty broad question to throw out, but I do also have to believe that there has to be a reason that I’ve seen so many Cervelo’s out there. Let me know your thoughts if you dont mind.
Really what kind of “support” are you looking for? Do not quite get what you mean. …all warrenty and the need for a warrenty already puts you ina very small percentile
Honestly, a bike companies warranty is only as good as the bike shop you work through both to diagnose problems, and to work with the bike company.
You can ask 10 people about any of the big companies like Felt, Trek or Specialized and you’ll always get people who rave about them, and those who complain.
Cervelo - Had the normal crack in the p4 that was on pretty much every bike in their 2009 run. Took it to my bike shop after the season, they had a new one to me in less than a week. They sent a 650 fork on accident but I think that was more of the packers fault in china’s fault not cervelo’s. They had a new fork to me to replace that one in another couple days.
Powertap- ordered a wheel from a reputable seller on here, but couldn’t get it to upgrade to ant+, sent it to powertap, they put a brand new hub on the wheel, new version, and sent it back for free.
Thanks all, really good point regarding focus being more on my local shop vs the manufacturer. That also puts additional perspective on buying a used bike from a private seller…suppose that is where the warrenty etc would come more into play.
Thanks all, really good point regarding focus being more on my local shop vs the manufacturer. That also puts additional perspective on buying a used bike from a private seller…suppose that is where the warranty etc would come more into play.
Sounds like a different question. Are you asking if any bike companies will warranty a bike for the second owner? By the way I agree with the other posters. The bike shop is who has to go to bat for you on the warranty claim and they can make all the difference in the world in follow up and getting approval for the claim.
Rotor products are expensive but they stand behind them!
+1
worst warranty: time and scott
best: rotor, look
Sounds like a different question. Are you asking if any bike companies will warranty a bike for the second owner? By the way I agree with the other posters. The bike shop is who has to go to bat for you on the warranty claim and they can make all the difference in the world in follow up and getting approval for the claim.
Thanks all, really good point regarding focus being more on my local shop vs the manufacturer. That also puts additional perspective on buying a used bike from a private seller…suppose that is where the warrenty etc would come more into play.
Bike warranties are most often tied to the original purchaser. So if you buy a used bike most companies are under no obligation to warranty it.
Again, you are looking at this all wrong. Outside of cracking the frame or made a derailleur hanger issue, what why would you deal with manufacturer. Probably 90-95% of bike issues are with components and parts. Those are a local bike shop issue.
Between wife and I we have owned 11 different bikes over the past decade. Only once have I dealt with a bike manufacturer.
I don’t know the answer, but find a company that has a good crash replacement warranty. Most companies will honor defects for 1-2 years which is when any defect will likely turn up. But having the ability to replace a frame at a lower cost when you mess up is a nice thing.
Hey all, so looking forward to my second IM (CDA again), which I understand is still very much newbie status here, but in my first IM I threw some aero bars on my Trek 2.3 but now want to move forward to a TT bike. Fit aside, what companies offer the best warrenty/support on their bikes? I’m on a budget but will not throw my money at a bike if I dont think I’ll get support from the company who made it.
Anyhow, I understand this is a pretty broad question to throw out, but I do also have to believe that there has to be a reason that I’ve seen so many Cervelo’s out there. Let me know your thoughts if you dont mind.
Cheers,
Most of the big companies are pretty good about warranty. Standouts include Cervelo, Felt and Quarq.
Trek warrantied a 29 year old bike for me that originally belonged to my aunt before she went pro. The bike had a crack through the head tube. LBS said it probably got too hot near the lug in the brazing process, but I’m not sure about those metallurgy credentials.
I will give a shout out for two companies I have had experience with.
Parlee: I own a 2009 TT, last year my shop noticed that the carbon fiber was deteriorating where the front derailer bolts on. They sent the bike sent back and repaired, while it was back at the shop Parlee called and asked if I wanted a new paint job, so I had it repainted (This I did pay for). Bike came back like brand new.
Quarq: I had a S975 and it started to act funky this year, sent it back and they put a new Rikken on there. It was just under a month until the warranty was going to expire. Only fee I paid was for overnight shipping.
Honestly, a bike companies warranty is only as good as the bike shop you work through both to diagnose problems, and to work with the bike company.
+1 - you can have the best warranty on the planet but if your shop/dealer won’t represent your issue(s) accurately and fairly you are pretty much hosed.
Honestly, a bike companies warranty is only as good as the bike shop you work through both to diagnose problems, and to work with the bike company.
+1 - you can have the best warranty on the planet but if your shop/dealer won’t represent your issue(s) accurately and fairly you are pretty much hosed.
That’s the basic crux of it.
Also - second hand warranties (i.e. you buy a bike that was warrantied to a private seller) is hit and miss. Some companies will honor it, some won’t. Sometimes it varies depending on who you talk to in the company.
As someone who works for a manufacturer (not in the bike industry), a warranties are very one sided and should not be the deciding factor in any purchase. When you get down to the fine print, their are plenty of holes for the company to not warranty the product if they so desire. In reality, warranty just makes the consumer feel better about the purchase (enter scene from Tommy Boy here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEB7WbTTlu4. “it’s got to be on the box…”.
My neighbor had a brand new Cannondale TT bike and only a few hundred miles on it when he noticed a crack in the frame while he was cleaning it. No falls so it was flawed. Shop he bought it from said Cannondale would get him a new frame, but they were charging him $250 to move all the components from the old frame to the new. That didn’t seem right to me.
ah…yes…the Tommy Boy quote should have occurred to me when I was typing this up. Easily seen the movie 20 times but it’s been years…
Good points all, thanks for the feedback. Trying to be thrifty but also safe in my purchase, seems the best route to go will be to buy a lower end bike (1.5-2k range) from my shop here (which is awesome) and upgrade over the years if needed.