JaRow

Alright, there were a few people that wanted to hear about how Giant handles this so I'll try to keep you all updated.

I took my bike to the shop a couple days ago and I was told they would have an answer for me on Monday. They said it was more than likely that Giant would warranty the frame.
They called me today and told me that a Giant rep. was in the shop and that he felt that the damage did not appear to be a warranty issue, but instead a "catastrophic failure" (thought that would be covered under warranty). He said that because of this Giant would provide me with crash replacement. They are willing to sell me the frame at cost (which isn't cheap). I am trying to contact the Giant rep. to get more detail about his decision.

That is all for now.

Psimet2001 

Basically it means he believes you subjected it to forces and loading outside of it's design parameters (you wrecked it). That's why they have crash replacement programs.

Warranty would be one of those, "I was just riding along when the fram just decided to give out" kind of things.

Just from looking at the picture I would have come to the same conclusion as him on that one.

Copperhed51

I'd offer to show him pics of the pothole, let him know there are lots of people waiting to see the outcome of your situation, and if he doesn't budge, you can always mention something about some kind of legal action for the bike as well as medical expenses. Lots of places don't like dealing with lawsuits and will give in at that point. That's a last resort though. Hopefully the guy is reasonable. At the same time, I can see where he's coming from so I dunno. Good luck either way.

travis200

Sorry to hear about your TCR. I went through 2 and finally Giant said no more warranty. My 2 frames all cracked in the same spot on the bottom of the top tube where it meets the fork.

The 1st frame was warrantied no questions asked. The second was a nightmare. I had to meet with the shop owner and the Giant rep they left it in the air as to what may happen. Then a few weeks later I had to have a call from head of giant warranty dept. After explaining to him I am not a top pro tour racer just a wanna be. He used lots of comparing me to a pro and the first frame was written off as just being a nice company but there was no way a frame of their caliber would crack or break. They told me all the pro teams ride their bikes and no one has ever cracked a frame

This was a few years ago. Once I was informed I would get another frame I was pretty much done with Giant. I was not a happy customer. I was thankful I was getting a replacement but I knew it would crack again. I went out and bought a new bike because my frame was back ordered with no expected date of arrival. It took 4 months to receive my warranty frame.

aham23

unless the OP has an expert of some kind (engineer or another Giant Shop ??) it is basically Giant's opinion against his. since they have the power and control how the warranty is applied what else can the OP do. tough situation, i mean no one on this board can just look at the pictures and determine why the frame exploded.

i would call the rep. and tell him you want the frame back. you are going to have it examined by an independent engineer to determine the cause. you have expenses, medical and property damage that need to be covered and just cant take their word on this.

or just get the crash replacement frame and move on. what to do, what to do.

later.

JaRow

Alright, I have the new frame. The fork is the same; guy at the shop said it was more than safe. I have a new crap front wheel. The old one was deemed worthless. The hub was not repairable and the lbs said there was a flat spot on the rim so it's a total loss.

I ended up paying about a grand for the new frame and they took care of swapping the components.

I'm on the market for a new wheel set now so I'm taking suggestions. Looking to spend less than $800. I'm not sure If I really want carbon wheels (probably can't get any for that price). I would prefer an aero wheel over a light one. Nothing with a huge profile though, I don't want to get pushed around by crosswinds. Most importantly I want something reliable.

Thanks folks.

Copperhed51

Sucks that you had to shell out so much for the frame. I will definitely rethink my future purchase of a Giant frame now. As for wheels, I just bought the Neuvation R28 Aero4 wheelset but they haven't come in yet. Those wheels are way under your price point but I'd recommend looking around on the Neuvation website since their wheel prices seem unbeatable and the reviews of quality and customer service from people on this board make it a place you can be comfortable purchasing from.

JaRow

Tell me what you think when you get them. I'd love more details.

z415

Hey, are you dealing with Chain Reaction in Gainesville or a shop in Miami?

Booger

If it happened as you said, I would be furious. Catastrophic frame failure over what could barely be called a pothole?

JaRow

Yes, they're nice guys. I heart them.
They sponsor the UF team so I frequent them the most.

I'm talking to the Giant folks still to see if there is anything that can be done. No real reason to be furious, 'twas no ones fault.

tekhna

What about the new Soul S 4.0? Aero, fairly light, and inexpensive.
https://www.bikesoul.com/s4.html

z415

Yea, they are good. I like 'em all around here though I've never been to Swamp Cycles. And now we shall destroy the 'Canes.

Copperhed51

Got the wheels last night and put em on my bike. Went out this morning and rode 43 miles and they felt amazing. They're light and fast and felt really strong. I didn't spring for the ceramic bearings but the bearings they came with seemed just fine. I spun the front wheel after I put it on and it didn't stop in the minute I let it go. Shipping was pretty quick on them too. Plenty of guys on here have Neuvation wheels and everything I've heard about them has been good. For the price, I'd recommend them.

Pharmr

I have bounced around so many times now on what wheels I will buy for an upgrade....Xero-Soul-Open Pro-and now Neuvation.....and I think I will go with the Aero4's.

I'll be interested in what you think when they arrive and you've had a chance to try them out.

dperreno

I got a set of Easton Ascent II wheels from JensonUSA this spring for $400. They are relatively light (1420g) and have a reputation of being very sturdy -- so far I like them a lot. They have been replaced by the EA90 SLX, which is a bit heavier (1470g). I saw a good deal at Bikebling.com https://www.bikebling.com/ProductDeta...x-700c-shimano Haven't bought from them before, though.

ravenmore

The damage to the wheel indicates to me that he hit something substantial.