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[Closed] Have we done a Cannondale Frame Warranty Thread Recently ?

Thrustyjust · 2020-11-29T20:02:39Z

Well a few years ago, i bought a Cannonale Flash F29 alloy framed bike. Always fancied a lefty fork. Was a nice bike to ride and upgraded from Sram to XT groupset , as didnt get on with it. Well I had 2 years out from a leg injury, so the bike ( and the fleet of bikes) stayed getting dusty. So, this year, Boris says ride your bikes during the furlough period I had off work. I had to get out again. Poundage was increasing and fitness , all but gone. Mojo was rekindled, Hurrah !! So, out on the F29 and thoroughly enjoying the rides XC across the local byways, bridleways,Ridgeway and Greenham Common, as thats what I do. When after a summers ride, I look down and notice a crack on the top tube to seat tube area. [imgA few choice words were said and I contacted the original supplier and they said to send some photos of the frame, serial number, seat post and complete bike. Which was duly done. There was 'discussions' from the UK distributor regarding the Thomson layback seatpost fitted, which I advised on being longer in the arms than legs and only making 20mm difference. Stems arent that common being 1 1/2 diameter to change and happy with the steering and didnt need it slower. So,eventually , after arguing this and seatpost length in the frame ( a good 6 inches) they sent a replacement frame. Awesome and was very happy to build this back up. Covid meant all local bike shops were closed and the point of purchase is 140 miles of 'non essential journey' away. I am very confident with the spanners , so not an issue. So, new frame tape done, bike rebuilt and off we go again. Enjoying the freedom of no gnar and learning about local history as I ride has been very educational. So, 8 weeks later , I decided ( not the the first time) to give the bike a clean. Low and behold, I find a crack again in the same area, but now on the side of the top tube. This time round, I have been using the original Cannondale seatpost, which made it a little short but I accepted this. [imgSo, with this failure , I then contacted the bike supplier,who then contacted the importer regarding this frame. By looking into the seat tube, Cannnondale had drilled a great big hole in the seat tube, in line with the top tube. Both holes are very roughly finished and seem to be the start of the cracks to then travel around the seat tube. This is visible in the first frame, as I had to show it was destroyed for release of the replacement. I still have this section here. The second frame, I took the forks out and slid a mini camera in there to confirm and you can feel the crack with your finger nail down the seat tube. So, importer now wont replace the frame. They will offer me a replacement frame for a not particularly cheap price. This frame wont fit the components of the original frame. So, not only a cost to buy the frame, but converting to 1 x whatever and rear hub change. I have re-biked now as knew this was going to be along drawn out situation. So, the second frame is coming back to me this week, as I have requested that they replace the frame or return. So do I ? 1/ Accept Cannondale frames are tosh and move on and never cross their palms again ? 2/ Put forward a claim for not being fit for purpose and go legal ? 3/ Just go ride the Ibis I now have and know its a better frame ? 4/ Stroke my cat ( no kittens here) and just hang the frame up and use as fishing weights as when needed. Just putting this out there to ask to be honest. I think that 8 weeks on a frame is not particularly amazing in longevity . I am 6 stone inside weight limits , frame is correct in sizing, More than the minimum seat post is in the frame as marked on the post. So was expecting better. Why the hell they drilled a sodding big hole ( approx 18mm) in a 27.2mm seat tube I have no idea. Seems to have been gnawed out as well. Any thoughts amongst the collective ?

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Dickyboy

Posts: 6462

Full Member

Good news & great result, well done for persevering 👍

Posted : 13/01/2021 9:23 pm

scotroutes

Posts: 43999

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Whoopeee!!!

That makes me happy.

Posted : 13/01/2021 9:25 pm

boombang

Posts: 0

Free Member

Good resolution! When Cannondale replaced my failed frame (design or build flaw on their part) I sold it too, said also I would never buy another.

Posted : 13/01/2021 9:42 pm

granny_ring

Posts: 4795

Full Member

Good result OP even if it was a ball ache for you.

Posted : 13/01/2021 11:33 pm

Gribs

Posts: 1741

Full Member

Good result. It's a shame it took court action to get it though.

Posted : 14/01/2021 12:25 am

cynic-al

Posts: 41395

Free Member

Well done.

Consumer always has to push including threats of court and even court!

Thank you, corporate capitalism.

Posted : 14/01/2021 5:44 am

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