Specialized frame G...
 

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[Closed] Specialized frame Guarantee Fiasco, SHAME on you Specialized

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5 year old stumpy worth £900 ???? I dont think so?

How do you know? unless I'm missing something it could be a carbon one, with a full XTR groupset and Enve wheels...?

OP - suck it up, good offer. If you like the bike id buy the chainset - £40/year to keep your bike going. As someone said earlier, we spend loads on tyres and things, but begrudge spending it on frame parts.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 7:02 am
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From the first post

Ah yes but we are now selling 2015 bikes so to us it is sort of six years old.

Did this actually happen?


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 7:14 am
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Did this actually happen?

It didn't have to happen as his bike was already in it's 6th year.

Personally it astounds me any MTB last 6 years without breaking or being sold... I've not had one for more than a year yet LOL


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 7:19 am
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Sounds a prett good offer to me.

It's outside of warranty, Spesh are well within their rights to shrug their shoulders and say tough. It doesn't matter whether iras a day over five years or a year, it's outside if the warranty. Had it been within the warranty period, I could see the issue but it's not. They're still trying to help you out.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 7:37 am
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It didn't have to happen as his bike was already in it's 6th year.

Precisely.

But was it Spesh being pissy, or was someone not being quite as open and honest as they maybe should have been when laying out their case.

Spesh come out of this with their integrity intact; the OP not so much.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 8:20 am
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I am not a massive fan of Spesh but the OP has done the typical punter thing and spat his dummy whilst massaging the facts to suit his rant.
I love the fact that all his timings are suitably vague enough to fit his version of events.
£200 for a rear triangle, that he has already proven will last 5 years, seems a good deal to me.
I'll keep an eye on the classified for a "late" actually mid 2009 Spesh with a brand new rear triangle priced at £1100. That being the OP's valuation plus the £200 for the the "rip off" replacement.
Good luck with that.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 8:41 am
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Njee I've had a few stumpjumpers in my time. Some a lot newer than the op. I've sold them and struggled to get over 900 for them.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 9:14 am
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You'll save more than that 20%, and get to keep your bike AND get a better bike if you go and buy a Canyon.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 9:38 am
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amplebrew - Member

You were right when you said some were less than 5 years. Trek only warranty the swing arms on aluminium Session, Scratch, Slash and Ticket model frames and swing arms for 3 years and 2 years on the carbon Session frames and swing arms.

There was a point where Remedy swingarms were one year only - after a spate of broken ones too - I was interested in one myself, but having seen a few broken ones, and discovering that the warranty had been changed, it put me right off Trek. (I bought a Lapierre... who had been through a similar spate of breakages, but had repsonded by upping their warranty to 5 years)

What's there now isn't perfect, but it;s a lot better.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 9:57 am
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To be fair to the OP - to publicise a 'lifetime' warranty on the frame then say that chain and seat stays are essentially suspension components does seem a bit unreasonable - if it was a hardtail or road frame and they said the lifetime frame warranty only covered the front triangle you would be incredulous.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 10:00 am
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Sorry, only skimmed the thread, what colour is your bike? My white 09 Stumpy cracked at the chainstay after 3 years, but even back then (with no prior comms) I ended up with matt black chainstays. At least this included pivot bearings at no extra cost


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 10:03 am
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wrecker - Member

You'll save more than that 20%, and get to keep your bike AND get a better bike if you go and buy a Canyon.


I can see the warranty thread now - "Canyon said I have to send it back to Germany! They'll replace the whole bike, but the return shipping quotes are £70 and they wont pay it!"

To be honest, I think this thread is a bit harsh on the OP. It all started when he thought he was riding on a bike with a lifetime warranty without realising the limitations.

His expectations were too high. The LBS should have known this and managed his expectations before contacting Specialized. I'm guessing the model year thing came about because at that point they didn't have an exact date of purchase, so were going on the fact it was a 2009 bike and it's now 2014. Just a guess.

He's still going to have to pick one of the 2 options though 🙂


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 10:03 am
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If its just a crack I'd look at getting it welded up (assuming it is aluminium).


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 10:07 am
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....if it was a hardtail or road frame and they said the lifetime frame warranty only covered the front triangle you would be incredulous.

Obviously, but that's because you can replace the rear triangle with a few hand tools on a hard tail.

It's a different product, with a different warranty.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 10:21 am
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yeah, but would you honestly call chainstays part of the frame or not?

I certianly wouldn't bracket them under 'SUSPENSION ATTACHMENTS AND SUSPENSION RELATED EQUIPMENT'

its like saying that the lever isn't part of the brake!


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 10:23 am
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yeah, but would you honestly call chainstays part of the frame or not?

Not in terms of a warranty no 😉

And to be fair, people do refer to it as "the swing arm" or whatever, not "the frame"

It's all irrelevant anyway, it's a pretty generous warranty in the first place, but it's expired.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 10:28 am
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On a motorbike nobody ever consider's the swinging arm to be part of the "frame" can't see why it should be different on a MTB.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 10:31 am
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Except at time of purchase, it's pretty much always described as a 'Frame'.

For example if you were buying 'Frame-only' what would you expect to receive? How about 'Frame and shock'?
You never see it described as Frame, Shock and Swingarm. Except that they've decided they can get away with at warranty.

Personally, I don't think should be able to say that it has a lifetime warranty without saying in the same sentence what it covers and what it doesn't.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 10:52 am
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As others have said, I really don't think you will get 900quid on a 5 year old Specalized bike even if it was in good condition (which it isn't).
Secondhand mountain bikes are not work huge amounts of value.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 11:13 am
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If you want to get a genuine lifetime warranty, I'd recommend reading the bloody document before putting your money down. Just over 5 years after the fact is too late.

From this thread, Spec come out as people I'd buy from, the economical with the truth and with a limited grasp of reality OP, somewhat less impressed by.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 11:17 am
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Personally, I don't think should be able to say that it has a lifetime warranty without saying in the same sentence what it covers and what it doesn't.

Back in 04 when I got mine it listed Lifetime as 5 Years, fairly standard. In this case the OP had a bike that was over 5 years old so it didn't matter if the warranty was shorter on any part as it had all expired. It's listed fairly well in the owners handbook.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 11:21 am
 murf
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*Off to check for cracks on my '08 Stumpjumper chain stays...*


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 11:29 am
 murf
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Out of interest, where are they prone to cracking?


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 11:30 am
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Compared to a company like Ellsworth even the warranty you have is amazing. Still a bit shitty claiming stays aren't frame parts though but what can you do.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 11:53 am
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Still a bit shitty claiming stays aren't frame parts though

That's the thing though, they aren't [b]"claiming" [/b]that the stays aren't frame parts.

They are [b]"telling[/b] you that they aren't. It's not something that's up for debate.
And they tell you this in the warranty they give you right at the start.

Or you can read the details before you buy if you like obviously.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 11:58 am
 grum
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Personally, I don't think should be able to say that it has a lifetime warranty without saying in the same sentence what it covers and what it doesn't.

Er.... they do tell you this very clearly in the docs you get with the bike. If 'the internet' calls it a lifetime warranty without any caveats I don't think that's really their fault.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 12:05 pm
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Njee I've had a few stumpjumpers in my time. Some a lot newer than the op. I've sold them and struggled to get over 900 for them.

and presumably haven't had a broken swingarm either when you've sold them? 😛


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 12:05 pm
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Yup it's all in the booklet which we all read when we buy a new bike I'm sure. 🙄


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 12:08 pm
 grum
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I must be weird - I did read mine.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 12:10 pm
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[i]Specialized warrants to the original owner of this bicycle that this Specialized bicycle’s frame or frameset when new is free of defective materials and workmanship. The lifetime limited warranty is conditioned upon the bicycle being operated under normal conditions and use, and properly maintained. This limited warranty does not apply to paint/finish or components attached to the bicycle frame/frameset such as front forks (unless Specialized branded non-suspension forks forming part of the frameset), wheels, drivetrain, brakes, seatpost, handlebar and stem or any suspension related parts or components. [/i]


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 12:21 pm
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Yup it's all in the booklet which we all read when we buy a new bike I'm sure.

Thats a brilliant argument, and also a great way to get someone to give you a free bike when yours breaks outside the warranty.

"You obviously owe me a free bike because you cunningly hid the terms of the warranty in a booklet called "Warranty Terms" which I couldn't be bothered to read"


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 12:25 pm
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See you could put forward that the headtube is a suspension part as it holds the forks, seems like the warranty wording basically says we'll honour if we want, what are normal conditions for example? I see your point but still think it's a cop out on their part.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 12:26 pm
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ninfan, which year and model are you quoting?


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 12:38 pm
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Njee I've had a few stumpjumpers in my time. Some a lot newer than the op. I've sold them and struggled to get over 900 for them.

Are you denying then that you'd likely get £900 for an immaculate 5 year old one, with full XTR and Enve wheels?

[url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specialized-Stumpjumper-Pro-FSR-/181487604983?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item2a418114f7 ]This[/url] one is a year older, alu frame (do we know what the OP's is?) but sold for £850, with a very modest spec.

Not saying the OPs [i]is [/i]necessarily worth £900 (crack notwithstanding!), but you can't say with any conviction that it definitively isn't when you don't know anything about it...


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 12:38 pm
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See you could put forward that the headtube is a suspension part as it holds the forks

You [i]could[/i] yes.

But then you would read the warranty, and realise that you were wrong 😉


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 12:44 pm
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On the 20% thing what if you had a bottom of the range £300-400 hard tail that broke and they offered you 20% off a new bike and you were thinking of a £3500 full susser? You'd be laughing then!

They have to set out a structure to account for all scenarios. They don't have to but they sell of a lot of >£2k bikes to people who just want to a buy a bike that works and go out and ride it. Giving 20% discount helps retain those kinds of customers and is a pretty good policy imo.

The £200 swing arm offer is also a good one. Lucky they actually have some in stock.

The text above is odd though as they describe it as a 'frameset' which to me would be main triangle, shock and swing arm as that is normally a frame set. For definition I guess you would have to see what they sell as a 'frame set'. But you should also check the book/warranty that came with your exact bike as not all will be the same.

PS headtube is obviously not part of the suspension. It is a static mounting point for the suspension. The headset is part of the steering system. The fork is the suspension. Bars, stem etc are attached parts and so on.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 12:48 pm
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Semantics and pedantics notwithstanding, Specialized have given you a deal that, by the letter of their warranty, they actually don't have to at all.

You broke a bit of your bike, it's outside of warranty but they're still going to sort you out a deal. That's not a fiasco, that's good customer service!


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 1:04 pm
 leth
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I'd take the 20% discount on a new bike.

I'd also speak to Specialized first and ask very nicely if I could just send the frame back not the complete bike.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 1:23 pm
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I'd also speak to Specialized first and ask very nicely if I could just send the frame back not the complete bike.

That does seem odd, you could argue that as everythign else was out of warrenty that it had all broken and been replaced/upgraded.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 1:50 pm
 leth
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That would be my argument.

They may ask for the rear shock to be returned with the frame but they may not.
It's worth asking them.

I can't see them arguing with regards to forks, wheels etc.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 2:09 pm
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The text above is odd though as they describe it as a 'frameset' which to me would be main triangle, shock and swing arm as that is normally a frame set. For definition I guess you would have to see what they sell as a 'frame set'. But you should also check the book/warranty that came with your exact bike as not all will be the same.

They specifically list the stays as not included in the lifetime frame warranty.

Your definition of what a "frameset" comprises of doesn't really matter when the warranty is specific regarding what their definition is.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 2:17 pm
 rone
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5 years is a good run irrespective of warranty.

I'd move on and attribute the cost of £200 to keep your riding for the next 5 years - good value.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 2:28 pm
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My Raleigh Strata I bought when I was 15, broke on the seat tube above the bottom bracket when I tried to jump a drainage ditch on dartmoor. it was 10 years old and raleigh replaced the frame, forks and headset + stem moved everything over to the new frame and charged me all of £6.

Now that was a warranty


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 2:44 pm
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nealglover - Member

Your definition of what a "frameset" comprises of doesn't really matter when the warranty is specific regarding what their definition is.

It is a bit unintuitive to be fair, I don't think it'd ever cross my mind that the frame warranty isn't for the entire frame. Thank god it's not like that for hemlocks!


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 2:45 pm
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It is a bit unintuitive to be fair, I don't think it'd ever cross my mind that the frame warranty isn't for the entire frame.

Pretty standard though.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 4:23 pm
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I paid £200 for a replacement chainstay on a 2 year old camber in March. Took them 8 weeks to sort it as well. I tried to argue the price down but in the end just wanted my bike back so paid it.

I doubt they will budge. The warranty only covers front triangle for sure.

I also wrote a nice letter to head office and never got a reply...top service


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 5:20 pm
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This limited warranty does not apply to paint/finish or components attached to the bicycle frame/frameset such as front forks (unless Specialized branded non-suspension forks forming part of the frameset), wheels, drivetrain, brakes, seatpost, handlebar and stem or any suspension related parts or components.

I don't think on reading that I'd have thought seat stays and chain stays aren't covered. Particularly as Specialized forks are covered

I think it could be clearer if they said

"On a suspension bike on the front triangle is covered by the life time frame warranty"


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 5:33 pm
 grum
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LIMITED ONE (1) YEAR WARRANTY ON SUSPENSION ATTACHMENTS & SUSPENSION RELATED EQUIPMENT

Also subject to the following limitations, terms and conditions, Specialized warrants to the original owner of each new Specialized bicycle or frameset that the suspension attachment points, and suspension related equipment (including pivot points, bushings, shock units, front suspension forks, [b]stays[/b], plates, fasteners) when new are free of defective materials or workmanship.

From the manual for my Pitch. My bold.

So that's one year not five on mine. There is another paragraph where it explains the lifetime warranty.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 6:20 pm
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This limited warranty does not apply to paint/finish or components attached to the bicycle

Blimey - dunno if this thing about paint is a recent thing, as they replaced my alloy FSR when the paint lacquer started peeling after about 6 months. I think it was a big problem with the FSR elite frames that year. They had no more replacements in stock so offered me the 2011 frame once it was out (a few months wait) or have the carbon upgrade (with Brain shock) for £50. I went for the carbon option.

I can see why the OP is peeved, but I don't think he's going to get anywhere.
The bike industry warranty thing of 'swingarm not included' is a bit cak; bushes and bearings in the swingarm, yes, but to not include effectively half the frame is not great.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 7:53 pm
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Ask them if that 20% has to be for a specialized.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 8:54 pm
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Ask them if that 20% has to be for a specialized.

Of course it does.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 9:11 pm
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I can see why the OP is peeved, but I don't think he's going to get anywhere.
The bike industry warranty thing of 'swingarm not included' is a bit cak; bushes and bearings in the swingarm, yes, but to not include effectively half the frame is not great.

Really his bike is over 5 years old. Even the bits covered by the generous 5 year warranty are out of warranty.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 9:16 pm
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Even the bits covered by the generous 5 year warranty are out of warranty.

Add in the aggressive attitude of the OP, and you have no real reason to wonder why!


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 9:18 pm
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mikewsmith - Member

Really his bike is over 5 years old. Even the bits covered by the generous 5 year warranty are out of warranty.

Yeah, I know that. So his bike's not in warranty as it's past the 5 years.
But, in my opinion it should be the whole frame that has the warranty. As was said above somewhere you don't buy the frame, shock and swingarm; you buy the frame and shock. At that point it's considered a complete unit, so why not for warranty?

I know they can call the shots on it. But, to me it doesn't seem right to have a 5yr warranty but only cover half the frame.


 
Posted : 18/09/2014 9:22 pm
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Are you sure Wiffles?


 
Posted : 20/09/2014 1:40 pm
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