Who still warranties frames?

Sitting down this evening icing my bad knee after the ride home from
work, I started thinking it may be time for a new "real" road bike, as
opposed to the singlespeed I currently use for the road. Mashing up
the hills without the ability to downshift and improve my cadence
isn't making this knee problem any easier to deal with.

I am thinking I'll keep the SS for rain and snow, and buy something
fairly nice for fair weather. I'm thinking in the 1000-1250 price
range, something with ok components and a decent frame I so I can
continue to upgrade as time goes on. This is a substantial investment
for me currently, especially with fuel costs being what they are ($7/
gal for heating oil this winter - ouch!), so I want something that the
manufacturer will stand behind in the event of a premature failure.
Back in the day a bunch of companies had lifetime warranties on their
frames, but that seems to be less common as time passes. I live in
New England, so rough roads are the norm. I'm currently 175lbs, but
was 205 a few months ago and can't rule out the possibility of gaining
some of those pounds back. So basically, frame failure is not out of
the question. Anyone who knows what companies still warranty frames
(and stand behind it) as well as specific suggestions are welcome.

Also, I don't see much in the way of bike weights or rider weight
limits on the mfg. web sites. The only bike I can afford that's
crossed my mind so far is the Surly Cross Check, but with no local
Surly dealers I can't test ride one, and am not sure about the lower-
end components and the weight of the bike overall anyway.

If at all possible I'm partial to smaller companies and made in the
USA, but in my price range I might be stuck with big name and
imported. Trek is out of the question.

I know the shop makes a huge difference, but want to do some homework
before I start bugging the shop guys.

Thanks,

Dan

wrote:

I am thinking I'll keep the SS for rain and snow, and buy something
fairly nice for fair weather. I'm thinking in the 1000-1250 price
range, something with ok components and a decent frame I so I can
continue to upgrade as time goes on. This is a substantial investment
for me currently, especially with fuel costs being what they are ($7/
gal for heating oil this winter - ouch!), so I want something that the
manufacturer will stand behind in the event of a premature failure.
Back in the day a bunch of companies had lifetime warranties on their
frames, but that seems to be less common as time passes. I live in
New England, so rough roads are the norm. I'm currently 175lbs, but
was 205 a few months ago and can't rule out the possibility of gaining
some of those pounds back. So basically, frame failure is not out of
the question. Anyone who knows what companies still warranty frames
(and stand behind it) as well as specific suggestions are welcome.

I think a lot of good frames come with extensive warrantees. My Habanero
came with 5 years -- and it has been six now. I thought Trek warrantees
were lifetime.

Also, I don't see much in the way of bike weights or rider weight
limits on the mfg. web sites.

You're not heavy enough for that to be an issue. Some high-zoot pedals
have weight limits you might bump into if you go off the wagon, but you
should have no trouble, even standing and mashing.

If at all possible I'm partial to smaller companies and made in the
USA, but in my price range I might be stuck with big name and
imported. Trek is out of the question.

Why?

--

David L. Johnson

And what if you track down these men and kill them, what if you killed
all of us? From every corner of Europe, hundreds, thousands would
rise up to take our places. Even Nazis can't kill that fast.
-- Paul Henreid (Casablanca).

wrote:
Sitting down this evening icing my bad knee after the ride home from
work, I started thinking it may be time for a new "real" road bike, as
opposed to the singlespeed I currently use for the road. Mashing up
the hills without the ability to downshift and improve my cadence
isn't making this knee problem any easier to deal with.

I am thinking I'll keep the SS for rain and snow, and buy something
fairly nice for fair weather. I'm thinking in the 1000-1250 price
range, something with ok components and a decent frame I so I can
continue to upgrade as time goes on. This is a substantial investment
for me currently, especially with fuel costs being what they are ($7/
gal for heating oil this winter - ouch!), so I want something that the
manufacturer will stand behind in the event of a premature failure.
Back in the day a bunch of companies had lifetime warranties on their
frames, but that seems to be less common as time passes. I live in
New England, so rough roads are the norm. I'm currently 175lbs, but
was 205 a few months ago and can't rule out the possibility of gaining
some of those pounds back. So basically, frame failure is not out of
the question. Anyone who knows what companies still warranty frames
(and stand behind it) as well as specific suggestions are welcome.

Also, I don't see much in the way of bike weights or rider weight
limits on the mfg. web sites. The only bike I can afford that's
crossed my mind so far is the Surly Cross Check, but with no local
Surly dealers I can't test ride one, and am not sure about the lower-
end components and the weight of the bike overall anyway.

If at all possible I'm partial to smaller companies and made in the
USA, but in my price range I might be stuck with big name and
imported. Trek is out of the question.

I know the shop makes a huge difference, but want to do some homework
before I start bugging the shop guys.

Thanks,

Dan

giant. cheap, well made, 5 year guarantee.

DanKMTB wrote:

Back in the day a bunch of companies had lifetime warranties on their
frames, but that seems to be less common as time passes. *I live in
New England, so rough roads are the norm. *I'm currently 175lbs, but
was 205 a few months ago and can't rule out the possibility of gaining
some of those pounds back. *So basically, frame failure is not out of
the question. *Anyone who knows what companies still warranty frames
(and stand behind it) as well as specific suggestions are welcome.

Cannondale has been very good to me. I've bought two new frames-- one
MTB, one touring-- since 1987. I have owned seven new frames total.
Two of them were replaced at reduced cost under their crash
replacement program, and three replaced under the lifetime warranty.
I own another Cannondale frame that I bought used, which is therefore
not covered under warranty.

I don't know whether their warranty is as good as it used to be, but I
can say this much: They honor their warranty. Keep the receipt and
serial number in a safe place!

Chalo

On 2008-07-11, wrote:

Back in the day a bunch of companies had lifetime warranties on their
frames, but that seems to be less common as time passes. I live in
New England, so rough roads are the norm. I'm currently 175lbs, but
was 205 a few months ago and can't rule out the possibility of gaining
some of those pounds back. So basically, frame failure is not out of
the question.

I wouldn't be too worried about it. Get something with reasonable wheels
and not too skinny tires, and you should be fine.

Anyone who knows what companies still warranty frames
(and stand behind it) as well as specific suggestions are welcome.

Offhand: Trek, Specialized, and REI do lifetime warranties. I'd expect
that anything you can buy in a bike shop (except maybe downhill mountain
bikes and such) would come with at least a few years frame warranty.

Also, I don't see much in the way of bike weights or rider weight
limits on the mfg. web sites. The only bike I can afford that's
crossed my mind so far is the Surly Cross Check, but with no local
Surly dealers I can't test ride one, and am not sure about the lower-
end components and the weight of the bike overall anyway.

If you're talking about the components listed on
http://www.surlybikes.com/crosscheck_comp.html, I don't see any real
trouble spots. I've used some of that stuff, and lots cheaper, with good
results. The 135mm rear hub is a nice touch.

On Jul 10, 6:35*pm, " wrote:
Sitting down this evening icing my bad knee after the ride home from
work, I started thinking it may be time for a new "real" road bike, as
opposed to the singlespeed I currently use for the road. *Mashing up
the hills without the ability to downshift and improve my cadence
isn't making this knee problem any easier to deal with.

I am thinking I'll keep the SS for rain and snow, and buy something
fairly nice for fair weather. *I'm thinking in the 1000-1250 price
range, something with ok components and a decent frame I so I can
continue to upgrade as time goes on. *This is a substantial investment
for me currently, especially with fuel costs being what they are ($7/
gal for heating oil this winter - ouch!), so I want something that the
manufacturer will stand behind in the event of a premature failure.
Back in the day a bunch of companies had lifetime warranties on their
frames, but that seems to be less common as time passes. *I live in
New England, so rough roads are the norm. *I'm currently 175lbs, but
was 205 a few months ago and can't rule out the possibility of gaining
some of those pounds back. *So basically, frame failure is not out of
the question. *Anyone who knows what companies still warranty frames
(and stand behind it) as well as specific suggestions are welcome.

Also, I don't see much in the way of bike weights or rider weight
limits on the mfg. web sites. *The only bike I can afford that's
crossed my mind so far is the Surly Cross Check, but with no local
Surly dealers I can't test ride one, and am not sure about the lower-
end components and the weight of the bike overall anyway.

Surley comes from Quality Bike Parts, the largest bike part
distributor in the US..I am sure somebody locally does biz with
QBP..and can get ya a Surley. As for the ride, make sure it fits and
it will 'ride' fine. OBTW-Surley is a house brand of QBP, a US company
but the frame is made in Asia like just about all frames in this price
range. Gunnar, made in Waterford, WI, also a nice, made in US frame
but twice the price for frame and fork.

If at all possible I'm partial to smaller companies and made in the
USA, but in my price range I might be stuck with big name and
imported. *Trek is out of the question.

I know the shop makes a huge difference, but want to do some homework
before I start bugging the shop guys.

Thanks,

Dan

On Jul 10, 10:29 pm, "David L. Johnson"
wrote:
wrote:
I am thinking I'll keep the SS for rain and snow, and buy something
fairly nice for fair weather. I'm thinking in the 1000-1250 price
range, something with ok components and a decent frame I so I can
continue to upgrade as time goes on. This is a substantial investment
for me currently, especially with fuel costs being what they are ($7/
gal for heating oil this winter - ouch!), so I want something that the
manufacturer will stand behind in the event of a premature failure.
Back in the day a bunch of companies had lifetime warranties on their
frames, but that seems to be less common as time passes. I live in
New England, so rough roads are the norm. I'm currently 175lbs, but
was 205 a few months ago and can't rule out the possibility of gaining
some of those pounds back. So basically, frame failure is not out of
the question. Anyone who knows what companies still warranty frames
(and stand behind it) as well as specific suggestions are welcome.

I think a lot of good frames come with extensive warrantees. My Habanero
came with 5 years -- and it has been six now. I thought Trek warrantees
were lifetime.



Also, I don't see much in the way of bike weights or rider weight
limits on the mfg. web sites.

You're not heavy enough for that to be an issue. Some high-zoot pedals
have weight limits you might bump into if you go off the wagon, but you
should have no trouble, even standing and mashing.

Good to hear. Even considering the harsh New England roads? Aside
from pedals, I can't imagine any of the low-spoke wheels many new
bikes have holding up. I'm normally a 36H guy, but figure since this
will be a road-only fair weather bike I can cut back a few spokes.
Still don't plan to go to anything insanely low like 16 or 20 spoke,
but figure I can probably get by with 28 or 32. I might even be able
to get by with 20, at least up front, but it'd make me nervous.


If at all possible I'm partial to smaller companies and made in the
USA, but in my price range I might be stuck with big name and
imported. Trek is out of the question.

Why?

Why am I partial to smaller companies and made in the USA? There are
a bunch of reasons. I like to support the independent businessman. I
like to keep my fellow citizens working. I like the novelty of having
something that isn't the same as what every other Tom, Dick and Harry
has. I like the idea of my money staying local. The list goes on,
but it’s pretty much the usual reasons.

Why is Trek out of the question? I don’t like how they have taken
over so many of the small shops in my area, buying them out or forcing
them to sell only Trek bikes. I don’t like how 90% of the time I’ve
taken my old well equipped Ventana into one of those Trek stores,
they’ve proceeded to tell me how my bike is “old, outdated and
frankly, not any good compared to modern equipment” and how what I
really need to fly past all my riding buddies is this $1000 Trek,
which I can have today only for the bargain price of $950. I tell
them I like my bike and don’t particularly like Trek and often hear
“Oh, well if you want to stay away from Trek we have this Klein
here…” I guess it just comes down to a bad taste in my mouth.

On Jul 11, 2:13 am, Chalo wrote:
DanKMTB wrote:

Back in the day a bunch of companies had lifetime warranties on their
frames, but that seems to be less common as time passes. I live in
New England, so rough roads are the norm. I'm currently 175lbs, but
was 205 a few months ago and can't rule out the possibility of gaining
some of those pounds back. So basically, frame failure is not out of
the question. Anyone who knows what companies still warranty frames
(and stand behind it) as well as specific suggestions are welcome.

Cannondale has been very good to me. I've bought two new frames-- one
MTB, one touring-- since 1987. I have owned seven new frames total.
Two of them were replaced at reduced cost under their crash
replacement program, and three replaced under the lifetime warranty.
I own another Cannondale frame that I bought used, which is therefore
not covered under warranty.

I don't know whether their warranty is as good as it used to be, but I
can say this much: They honor their warranty. Keep the receipt and
serial number in a safe place!

Chalo

I thought about C'dale. I had a friend years back who was on their
engineering team, and he inspired quite a bit of confidence in their
bikes. He said it wasn’t uncommon for the boss to break the crew out
of work at lunchtime to go “field test” (read: go riding) the newest
designs. I never liked the Lefty, but I think that’s just my brain
playing tricks on me. I’d be curious to hear any recent stories of
their warranties.

wrote:

Good to hear. Even considering the harsh New England roads?

Harsh New England roads (and I did live there, once upon a time) are no
worse than harsh Pennsylvania roads.

Aside
from pedals, I can't imagine any of the low-spoke wheels many new
bikes have holding up. I'm normally a 36H guy, but figure since this
will be a road-only fair weather bike I can cut back a few spokes.
Still don't plan to go to anything insanely low like 16 or 20 spoke,
but figure I can probably get by with 28 or 32. I might even be able
to get by with 20, at least up front, but it'd make me nervous.

I see no advantage of low spoke-count wheels, but some of those wheels
do seem to hold up -- at least they do well considering the low spoke
counts. Those deep-section rims compensate for the missing spokes. But
I would stick with handbuild wheels, independent of rider weight.


If at all possible I'm partial to smaller companies and made in the
USA, but in my price range I might be stuck with big name and
imported. Trek is out of the question.
Why?

Why am I partial to smaller companies and made in the USA?

No, why is Trek out of the question if you are willing to deal with
other big-name brands?

Why is Trek out of the question? I don’t like how they have taken
over so many of the small shops in my area, buying them out or forcing
them to sell only Trek bikes. I don’t like how 90% of the time I’ve
taken my old well equipped Ventana into one of those Trek stores,
they’ve proceeded to tell me how my bike is “old, outdated and
frankly, not any good compared to modern equipment” and how what I
really need to fly past all my riding buddies is this $1000 Trek,
which I can have today only for the bargain price of $950. I tell
them I like my bike and don’t particularly like Trek and often hear
“Oh, well if you want to stay away from Trek we have this Klein
here…” I guess it just comes down to a bad taste in my mouth.

Fair enough. But I've never bothered with shops who treat me like that,
anyway.

--

David L. Johnson

Deserves death! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death.
And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not
be too eager to deal out death in judgement.
-- J. R. R. Tolkein

On Jul 11, 2:58*am, Steve Gravrock wrote:
On 2008-07-11, wrote:

Back in the day a bunch of companies had lifetime warranties on their
frames, but that seems to be less common as time passes. *I live in
New England, so rough roads are the norm. *I'm currently 175lbs, but
was 205 a few months ago and can't rule out the possibility of gaining
some of those pounds back. *So basically, frame failure is not out of
the question. *

I wouldn't be too worried about it. Get something with reasonable wheels
and not too skinny tires, and you should be fine.

At what point are tires "too skinny"? I expect wtih the sub-par roads
around here extra-narrow tires wouldn't be any faster anyway.


Anyone who knows what companies still warranty frames
(and stand behind it) as well as specific suggestions are welcome.

Offhand: Trek, Specialized, and REI do lifetime warranties. I'd expect
that anything you can buy in a bike shop (except maybe downhill mountain
bikes and such) would come with at least a few years frame warranty.

Thanks for the list. I forgot about Specialized. Anyone have any
warranty stories about them?


Also, I don't see much in the way of bike weights or rider weight
limits on the mfg. web sites. *The only bike I can afford that's
crossed my mind so far is the Surly Cross Check, but with no local
Surly dealers I can't test ride one, and am not sure about the lower-
end components and the weight of the bike overall anyway.

If you're talking about the components listed on
http://www.surlybikes.com/crosscheck_comp.html, I don't see any real
trouble spots. I've used some of that stuff, and lots cheaper, with good
results. The 135mm rear hub is a nice touch.

That's exactly what I was talking about. I guess the real concern is
not being able to test ride and buy one locally. There's Harris
Cyclery, but even if they do stock them and allow me to test ride,
neither of which I know for sure, they're 1 1/2 hours away, which
isn't exactly convenient. Also, 24lbs seems a touch heavy for a road
bike, though I understand that's what happens when you buy a steel sub
$1K cross bike.