cracked 10month Att...
 

[Closed] cracked 10month Attack Trail frame - 2 bad cracks!

 chay
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Hi anyone else had such short shelf life out of a supposed to be aggressive bike.

it is 10months old 2010 Marin Attack Trail with two really bad cracks!

Only problem is that ATB will only replace it with a Mount Vision 2012 frame, completely different frame.

Any ideas, have my eye on a nukeproof mega.

Really disappointed with the attack trail's longevity!


 
Posted : 03/02/2012 10:44 pm
 br
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Aren't they both 140mm FS's?


 
Posted : 03/02/2012 11:03 pm
 chay
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no the 2010 attack trail is a 150mm travel bike with a tappered head tube. I have a set of 160mm lyrics on it. the new mount vision is a 140mm more towards xc


 
Posted : 03/02/2012 11:11 pm
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Sell the MV, buy a mega.

EDIT actually kick up a fuss, that's really crap.


 
Posted : 03/02/2012 11:13 pm
 chay
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new mega frame is £900, think I might struggle raising that from selling the frame on.

going to head up to the bike shop tomorrow for a chat to see what alternatives there are, cant ride my bike as I am expecting the top tube to split in two.


 
Posted : 03/02/2012 11:17 pm
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I suspect they have no Attack Trail frames left, my old TARA link Attack Trail ovalised the head tube and they replaced it with an 09 Wolf Ridge as they had no TARA frames left.


 
Posted : 03/02/2012 11:21 pm
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Any legalists in who can recommend on that? Would have thought replacements would need to be like-for-like or equivalent...


 
Posted : 03/02/2012 11:23 pm
 chay
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for some reason marin have stopped making their bigger travel bikes and have gone away from the quad link frame, they are awesome but have now lost faith. I ride it hard but that's what its for.


 
Posted : 03/02/2012 11:24 pm
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They might give you a whyte?


 
Posted : 03/02/2012 11:27 pm
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NW depends on warranty I think, probably lots of small print "we may replace your good frame with something shit" etc...

OP - hassle MD of Marin in US?....or are they just a Brit brand these days?


 
Posted : 03/02/2012 11:29 pm
 chay
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how do you upload pics on here?


 
Posted : 03/02/2012 11:39 pm
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Mmm... No smallprint on their website:

"Standard Limited Frame Warranty
As standard, all Marin 2007 – 2011 frames are supplied with a 3 year Limited Warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. If accepted for a Warranty claim the frame will be repaired or replaced free of charge. Crash damage, damage caused by poor maintenance, fair wear and tear, delivery and labour (i.e. frame swaps) are not covered by this warranty."

There's added bumf about the upgraded warranty but not for the standard one (the upgraded one states "allowing us to supply the original owner with an equivalent, more contemporary product, in the event that an original replacement is not available.") Not directly relevant, but it's the only mention in the warranty doc of replacements.


 
Posted : 03/02/2012 11:40 pm
 chay
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[img] http://www.flickr.com/photos/61787517@N03/6814286409/ [/img]
[img] http://www.flickr.com/photos/61787517@N03/6814285909/in/photostream/ [/img]

These are the cracks


 
Posted : 03/02/2012 11:46 pm
 chay
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/61787517@N03/6814285909/in/photostream/


 
Posted : 03/02/2012 11:47 pm
 chay
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/61787517@N03/6814286409/in/photostream/


 
Posted : 03/02/2012 11:48 pm
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As above they probably have no attack trail frames left. They can't give you something if they don't have it.


 
Posted : 03/02/2012 11:58 pm
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They have some built up on here, maybe if you asked nice they could get one of those frames and sell the bits off themselves?
http://www.atb-sales.co.uk/atbshop/range.php?BikeModels=MTB


 
Posted : 04/02/2012 12:04 am
 chay
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how bad do you think these cracks are, surely not normal!


 
Posted : 04/02/2012 12:07 am
 Ewan
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10 months and it's got to be a sales of goods act surely? Not fit for purpose - refund or replacement....


 
Posted : 04/02/2012 12:13 am
 Ewan
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Tell em you won't accept the MV frame, and give them 14 days then small claim court them.


 
Posted : 04/02/2012 12:13 am
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Or be nice, reasonable and HONEST and you will probably find people are more willing to help....? Just a thought.

The customer is not always king....


 
Posted : 04/02/2012 6:54 am
 Ewan
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I agree - be nice first, but if that fails the law is very much on his side.


 
Posted : 04/02/2012 8:20 am
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I have to say Marin/ATB have always had a great reputation for warrenty work, my experience with them is they can't be helpful enough.
Though it does sound like they've run out of spare Attack Trail frames. Which puts you in a rubbish position, as they are rightly offering you a replacement frame (as per the warranty), just not the same type as you had...
If they don't have a frame to give you, what can they do?
I'm not suggesting you accept the MV frame off-hand, but try and be a little more understanding of their position. It maybe you could get a AT frame when the 2012 bikes come through, but that not going to happen overnight.
I'd be speaking in earnest to them & your LBS rather than moaning about it on here (slackalice +1).

Not sure about the law being on his side, if as per the warranty, they have offered a 'similar' replacement frame. If you tried to go to small claims would the 10mm travel difference & different angles mean anything at all to a "judge"? I'd suggest maybe not...


 
Posted : 04/02/2012 11:24 am
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First up - Marin have been superb sorting out any problems I had with my frames. The shame is that I had problems in the first place. derailleur hangers made of cheese, cracked 06 alpine trail frame and 2 cracked quake frames. the alpine trail was ridden at FoD which is where i think it struggled but a 6" bike shouldn't have problems there. And the quakes probably had trouble in the alps. I'm sub 12 stone without kit and have ridden much bigger terrain on a demo 7 and my last herb FR and they've just shrugged them off. But I say again, marin were great helping out. Even met pat alexander (ians brother?) on the local hill once and he'd explained the problem with the quakes and how drilling a small hole to relieve stress would have helped.
hey-ho, probably wouldn't buy another but would recommend for the right rider.


 
Posted : 04/02/2012 12:03 pm
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z1ppy - Member

If they don't have a frame to give you, what can they do?

Accept that it's their problem not his, and either sort him with a suitable frame or a refund.


 
Posted : 04/02/2012 1:02 pm
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As above, ATB have an excellent reputation with warranty. I know from first hand experience.

Have you had the bike from new?


 
Posted : 04/02/2012 1:08 pm
 XXX
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mine bust at the same spot after ~4 months.....


 
Posted : 04/02/2012 3:11 pm
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did a child throw some Lego at it? (LCD TV thread)


 
Posted : 04/02/2012 3:45 pm
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The crack in the second photo appears to be the most serious as it has the potential to increase in size in a very short period of time.

Sell the replacement frame if they give you one and buy a good quality used frame, get the shock tuned to your weight etc.


 
Posted : 04/02/2012 3:51 pm
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Northwind - Member

Accept that it's their problem not his, and either sort him with a suitable frame or a refund.

As already said they offered him a "similar" frame, in the eye of the law this is all the have to do, is it not? So the warranty has been fulfilled.
Hense my comment about talking to them in earnest to try to resolve the issue, because as per Chay, I wouldn't be happy about this "offer".


 
Posted : 04/02/2012 4:24 pm
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It's not a similar frame: it's not compatible with the Wolf Ridge components - that's not his fault, it's theirs.

If they cannot provide a suitable replacement frame, demand cash.


 
Posted : 04/02/2012 4:29 pm
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"it's not compatible with the Wolf Ridge components"

Why will a 140mm frame not take a 150mm forks?.. that the original components, whether he's put a 160mm fork on it is irrelevant to the manufacturer.
As a say again, it's about talking to them to resolve it, not getting up on a soap box and shouting "this is unjust!", as is a theme on posts within this thread.


 
Posted : 04/02/2012 4:42 pm
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z1ppy - Member

that the original components, whether he's put a 160mm fork on it is irrelevant to the manufacturer.

No, it isn't. He previously had a frame that was compatible with a 160mm fork, so replacing it with one that isn't obviously isn't suitable, and also shows an obvious difference in spec which throws out "similiar".


 
Posted : 04/02/2012 7:32 pm
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Aluminium, not a good material for MTB. Should have gone for carbon. Yes!


 
Posted : 04/02/2012 8:03 pm
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Hi,

Can you send some more pics to my mail please, I have the same bike and will be making some checks. Mine has been stored and not used, as I have been out with an injury since May last year. The last thing I want is to start using it and it cracks after a year and no warranty left. Gutted as I thought these bikes/frames were built for the big stuff?.
Best of luck getting sorted.

Steve


 
Posted : 04/02/2012 9:20 pm
 chay
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Will do steve, how do I get your email address?


 
Posted : 04/02/2012 10:45 pm
 chay
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Pauly, had a 2008 attack trail for 3 years from new and cracked the frame ,then got given a 2010 attack trail 6.7 through warranty . This frame is only 10 months old and registered to me.


 
Posted : 04/02/2012 11:11 pm
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Hi,

My e-mail is swiftmk2(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk.
Thanks, pics will be great.

All the best,

Steve


 
Posted : 05/02/2012 8:36 pm
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You are entitled to a (maybe partial) refund under SOGA ( maybe partial as yo have had some use) You might have to show the frame has a manufacturing fault / is not fit for purpose.

You certainly do not have to accept a frame that your components will not fit on

Your contract is with the shop not the manufacturer / importer - go after them using SOGA


 
Posted : 05/02/2012 8:53 pm
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Sounds like shit to me....keep bugging them. Keep saying politely...NO I want a like for like replacement.

Maybe they've been taking frame construction lessons from Lapierre or Gary Fisher.


 
Posted : 05/02/2012 8:58 pm
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V interested in this thread as I have a 2010 Attack Trail currently uncracked, quick google suggests there are quite a few 2010/2011 attack trails unsold in shops so I'd suggest pointing out to ATB that they could source one that way if they don't have any new ones themselves.


 
Posted : 06/02/2012 9:01 pm
 chay
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Steve pics have been emailed to you.

Going back to ATB for some more negotiating, will keep you posted on the outcome.


 
Posted : 07/02/2012 1:47 pm
 chay
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hey guys,

update re offer from ATB cycles. They have offered £450 or a 2011 Mount Vision Frame.

Can anyone advise on my actual consumer rights and best way to get a better offer. Thanks.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 8:03 pm
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What? Aren't the terms of the warranty they'll replace it?

I'd be arguing that, and it should be like for like.

Tell them this thread is becoming very popular.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 8:12 pm
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I would assume , given they dont have any of the same frame, they are fulfilling the terms of warranty by offering you the nearest replacement or cash tbh.
It sucks but unless there is a frame they do that will take your forks what else can they do bit offer the nearest frame or cash.
Is there a frame that will take 160 forks can you haggle for this?


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 8:16 pm
 chay
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I will be writing a letter to ATB direct and by passing the LBS.

I feel as though I am repeating myself to the bikeshop and onto ATB with no progress.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 8:18 pm
 chay
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the nearest they can offer me is the bike I had (which they dont have anymore) or a whyte frame, which is probably a bit unrealistic.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 8:20 pm
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If they (the shop) can do a Mega at trade for 450 then that would be nice.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 8:20 pm
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But shouldn't a replacement be free?

They presumably have some 2011 bikes/frames they can't shift. Can't they swap that for one like yours for you?

I have to say it sounds mega shoddy to me.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 8:36 pm
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how much does the frame cost?


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 8:40 pm
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Al - I meant use the 450 they've offered to get a Mega at trade.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 8:43 pm
 chay
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a mega frame costs 950, not sure what the resale value of a mount vision, they never sell the frames separately.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 8:47 pm
 gee
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Sounds like they are being very helpful.

Ellsworth once replaced a front end under warranty. The new front end didn't fit the old rear end. Customer had to buy a new rear end to fit....

GB


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 8:48 pm
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Oh soz I missed that! Ignore my posts above then.

Prob best to negotiate with shop, are you on good terms?


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 8:49 pm
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Threaten the shop with small claims under SOGA. basically you need to be put in a place where you have had no loss. a frame that cracks after that short a time is not fit for purpose. You want your money back.

there will be a price for a frame as a spare part or should be or simply return the whole bike


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 8:51 pm
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TandemJeremy - Member
Threaten the shop with small claims under SOGA. basically you need to be put in a place where you have had no loss. a frame that cracks after that short a time is not fit for purpose. You want your money back.

Does this not have any bearing on that though..?

chay - Member
Pauly, had a 2008 attack trail for 3 years from new and cracked the frame ,then got given a 2010 attack trail 6.7 through warranty . This frame is only 10 months old and registered to me


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 8:55 pm
 chay
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yeah I am good terms with the shop have dealt with them for the last 10 years or so and bought 3 bikes from them.

They are aware that I am going to speak to ATB direct, unfortunately they no longer deal with ATB as they dont do Marins anymore.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 8:57 pm
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Pauly, had a 2008 attack trail for 3 years from new and cracked the frame ,then got given a 2010 attack trail 6.7 through warranty . This frame is only 10 months old and registered to me.

Isn't it a 3 year warranty from the purchase date i.e. the replacement frame doesn't have a 3 year warranty, just any left over form the original purchase.

Any other offer is just goodwill, if I've read this right.

EDIT: just realised I've repeated SDBarnes.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 9:03 pm
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Yes I missed that Simon.

complicates the situation and I don't know what it does to the claim. I tink SoGA rights still apply as if the original purchase is only 10 moths but I wouldn't swear to it


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 9:05 pm
 csb
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Chay - Where did your 2008 frame crack? I have one that I need to check.

I think the guarantee period starts from the day of the original transaction and doesn't get renewed with the replacement part. So if something is repaired/replaced a day before the guarantee runs out, the repair/replacement is only guaranteed for a day.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 9:18 pm
 chay
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the 2008 one cracked around the weld where the top tube meets the seat tube.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 9:19 pm
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csb that makes sense - otherwise you could have an infinite guarantee.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 9:21 pm
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450 sounds very generous if you are out of original warranty. certainly more than yr original frame would now be worth secondhand


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 9:51 pm
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Sounds like a very good deal to me, i'd take the 450 and run away as fast as possible.

Its roughly what they can be bought for new
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/09-Marin-Wolf-Ridge-6-9-Frame-140mm-Travel-Fox-Float-RP23-Shox-New-17-5-Medium-/230688627044


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 10:02 pm
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I had my Commencal replaced 18 months into a two year warranty. The (free of charge) replacement came with a three month warranty,[i] [b]or[/b] [/i]the remaining warranty from the original purchase date - whichever is longer. I had an iPhone replaced by Apple with exactly the same terms; I suspect this is a legal requirement. I.e. the warranty on a warranty replacement frame is three months.

If they charged you anything (even a nominal fee) for the warranty replacement frame it should come with a new 1 or 2 year warranty.

So yeah, I'd take the money (or the frame) and run.


 
Posted : 12/02/2012 10:53 pm
 chay
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Update:

After posting on Marin USA facebook page and I them saying they would speak to ATB a 2010 Attack Trail 6.8 with Monarch 4.2 has appeared, I pick it up next week.

Now just need to sell and raise some cash...........anyone interested, its a medium?


 
Posted : 17/02/2012 7:00 pm
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Good result! Though you may find it hard to sell in your thread about how crap Marin are 😉


 
Posted : 17/02/2012 7:10 pm
 chay
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Good point, though I do reckon it was a dodgy frame to start with, my best mate is a mountain bike instructor in the Lake District and has the same bike for longer than me which is well used with no issues.

My main gripe was the lack of like for like replacement.


 
Posted : 17/02/2012 7:15 pm
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Didn't Marin say it was worth 450?


 
Posted : 17/02/2012 7:53 pm
 chay
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No that was what they were willing to give me cause they couldn't locate a frame, I suppose as an offer of good will. The shock alone is worth £260 rrp.


 
Posted : 17/02/2012 8:02 pm
 chay
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[img] http://www.flickr.com/photos/61787517@N03/6893928539/in/photostream [/img]
[img] http://www.flickr.com/photos/61787517@N03/6893925877/in/photostream/ [/img]

New bike think this one will do the trick!


 
Posted : 18/02/2012 12:22 am
 chay
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