RichoBrisbane

Bought this 2016 Emonda in mid 2017. There were no marks, scuffs, anything (it looked brand new), when I bought it 2nd hand. In late March 2019 I noticed cracks in frame (pictured) under seat pole, on both sides of frame. I'm perplexed how this has happened. No drops, no accidents, treated well etc. Has anyone else seen similar cracks on other Trek bikes? I found out later that the lifetime frame warranty only applies to 1st owner. Trek Australia have said they're not willing to do anything under warranty. They also refuse to assist in any other way such as providing store credit of any amount on purchase of new bike.

Is this acceptable that a 3 year old frame has cracked when there are no signs of damage to bike (apart from cracks)?

I have had this bike serviced several times at Trek previously. I've been told on each occasion that the bike is in good condition.

Finally, if the original owner did something that has now caused the cracks, would it take 2 years to be noticeable?

Sy Reene

Sounds like a run o'the mill asplosion.. FYI, you can't post pics until you have another 10 or so posts on BF

GlennR

I have a 2015 Emonda SLR with 22,000 miles. Zero problems not caused by me.

Which frameset is yours?

datlas 

znomit

Can you contact the original owner? He might want that bike you "borrowed" from him back for a few weeks.

popeye

Mechanic error or did you adjust the clamp? Send it to Calfee and don't look back.

WhyFi

Are the cracks just cosmetic/in the paint? Wouldn't be surprised if that were the case.

Regardless, no, you're not entitled to any type of warranty support/coverage; it's one of the primary benefits of buying new and shouldn't be expected when buying used.

GlennR

" Trek Australia have said they're not willing to do anything under warranty "

Shipping both ways will not be cheap.

jrobe

I also wouldn't be surprised if it was just a crack in the paint or clear coat (or whatever finish they use).

If it is a true carbon crack, it could be repaired. I snapped off a seat stay on a Cervelo carbon frame about 5 years ago in a crash. The seat stay was broken all the way through. I sent it to a carbon frame repair place (can't recall who I used) and they repaired the frame. As I recall it cost about $300. I have since used it outside for the last 5 years and it has been perfect. They just rewrap the area with carbon fiber and epoxy. It would probably be stronger than the original carbon.

ToiletSiphon

Search "luescher teknik" on Google. They are located in Australia.

CliffordK

@RichoBrisbane's Album/Gallery:

https://www.bikeforums.net/g/user/497267
https://www.bikeforums.net/g/album/13425169

RichoBrisbane

RichoBrisbane

Yeah. I don't adjust anything. I last had a bike fit 2 years ago when seat height adjusted

RichoBrisbane

I was quoted around $1000. I'll move on and buy a NEW bike. Once bitten..

RichoBrisbane

Tried that. He reckons he can' find receipt. He gave me name of bike shop. It was no longer in business

u235

That will buff out

motosonic

I didn't read all of the comments, but, did you do the tap test? The squeeze test?
Looking at this... doesn't look good.. But I've had some ugly cracks that wound up just in the paint.
Although, I should state for the record that I, personally am super paranoid, especially after my latest crash.. so, I see a crack I'm not taking ANY chances. It's unfortunate this happened to you.

CliffordK

Trek Decoupled Frame?

It is hard to say what I'd do. I agree with @motosonic, that perhaps a little more testing.

Then, I can't say what I'd do.

How aggressive of a rider are you? If super aggressive/racing, then likely replace.

I'd be tempted to mark the ends of the cracks to monitor for progressing, then keep riding. Perhaps use the bike on a trainer, or for more mundane rides, at least until you determine your comfort level.

Wrap with Hemp?

noodle soup

That's $710USD, which is a little high for that repair, but how much of that estimate is shipping and mechanical work?

berner

In that particular area it would be difficult to get complete compaction of the plies causing air pockets that would result in the tendency to get some movement in the frame. I suspect it is not likely to get a catastrophic failure judging from what is visible but I would monitor the area regularly. The other course of action would be for a repair shop to grind down into the carbon to reach the solid laminate and build up with proper plies.

There is a video of a well known carbon frame where the investigator cut the frame open which revealed such air pockets. I did not bookmark the video and don't wish to search for it now. It only takes a little lack of care to get very poor result.

fietsbob

frame warranty not transferable to 2nd buyer so sales receipt in hand, Original owner can get it replaced..

not 2nd..

Steve B.

Others have stated to ride and watch.

Personally I would just lay out $400 for a Chinese carbon and walk the parts over. You'd likely need a new -bracket if that Emoda is press-fit. I'd go BSA and new crank.

RichoBrisbane

Thanks for everyone's input with this. Has been very helpful. I bought a 2019 Giant TCR Advanced Pro 1 today. I'm going to strip components off Trek bike and buy a frame to suit my 13 yo son.

cthenn

Meh, I'd keep riding it if it were me. If you're not a super heavy guy, and aren't riding on cobbles, or off road, I'd just keep riding it and monitor it for crack propagation. My 2010 Trek developed a few of these hairline "cracks" and it didn't bother me. I kept an eye on it, and it never became a problem. I wasn't even convinced they went all the way through the frame. Your photos look a little bit worse, but not by much...they may just be surface cracks and not all the way through...

cthenn

LOL the majority of the "very helpful" comments are either "keep riding/keep an eye on it/it can be repaired", and you end up buying another frame and trash this one.