I bought a Five Pro from Sunset Bikes in August 2008, rode it around the Lake District for 2 and a bit years and absolutely loved it. Out of curiosity, last winter the parts were swapped to an On One 456 which was equally brilliant, if a little more interesting on the descents. I swapped back to the Five a few months back and shortly after needed to change the bearings (for the second time). I took it to my LBS but the bolts had seized, so it was sent back to Orange.
Shortly after, I got a call saying that Orange had discovered four cracks in the frame – the join where the top tube meets the downtube, the front of the shock mount (main frame), and on both dropouts!
Stunned, I asked what the options were – Ben from Orange (who has been amazing) offered 50% discount from a new frame, which is nice, but I don’t expect a bike with the reputation of the Five to crack after only 2 1/2 years riding. I contacted Sunset and asked if they could help (sale of goods act 1974 – sellers responsibility, not the manufacturers) and they’re sticking with Orange – essentially saying it’s not a manufacturing fault and therefore it’s classed as wear and tear.
Wear and tear? Seriously? So are we all to expect our bikes to wear out after less than 3 years?
Has anyone got any advice as to what to do next? Do I just roll over and suck it up, or is it worth pursuing?