Friday, April 16, 2010

CRACK

I wish that I could say that the crack was that of a plumber but it is not.


Scott and I have been burning up the roads lately. On Tuesday morning we headed out for a quick ride and a noise that we had noticed the day before only grew loader. Then it was discovered. A CRACK IN MY ORBEA FRAME. Now since I have not even had the bike for 1 year I am totally good on a free frame replaced BUT the freak out part is HOW LONG WILL THIS PROCESS TAKE??


Since Orbea does not deal direct with the consumer you are forced to go back to where you purchased the bike. Let me just say that I feel they have not reacted as fast as I believe they could have. The worst part is that they offer no loaner. THIS SUCKS. This is poor service when you consider the over $4000 in just 2 bikes that we have purchased from them.


So as I go into panic mode realizing that without a bike I cannot continue to train and ride in upcoming events I have already paid for. (no team reimbursements unless you actually ride in the event)


Yesterday an awesome friend of mine agreed to allow me to use her old bike. Luckily she just purchased a sweet new carbon machine and so this afternoon I am going to pick it up and cross my fingers that it works for me.


Weekend may be saved after all!! :))))

Robin

9 comments:

Wes said...

What is it with the bikes falling apart this year? I need to go check Aerowyn...

Mel-2nd Chances said...

Yikes!!! That sucks!! So sorry :(

Judi said...

oh man that would SUCK! cannot believe that frame cracked so soon! NOT good. hope your friends bike works out for you.

Grey Beard said...

Given your light weight, that says very bad things about Orbea. At your weight a carbon frame should last decades, maybe even centuries. Researching wheels though, it became obvious that many mfgs make disposable products these days.

I sure understand your panic, and sense of betrayal. I felt exactly the same way when my rear wheel failed after 18 months - especially after being off the bike 3 months with a calf tear.

If cost weren't an issue, a Cervelo R3-SL with Campy Chorus and custom built wheels on Campy Record hubs would be an excellent choice.

The Cervelo frames are guaranteed for life, and playing with gear charts again the other night, I am warming up to Campy's 11-speed systems. EVERYTHING Campy sells is serviceable. Guess how you service Shimano? Toss it and buy new. Europeans can't afford that.

Best of luck, enjoy the weekend ride, and thank your great friend for me too.

Dave said...

SAY NO TO CRACK!

Dave said...

btw...when I get a bike...between you and Missy...I think I am going with titanium...

Coachhrd said...

Wow, what a bummer. I rode an Orbea in the mountains of Colorado last year and LOVED it. Had even thought of buying one. Maybe I'll think twice now.

teacherwoman said...

So sorry to hear about the crack. That's horrible that they don't offer any sort of loaner! I hope the bike you're borrowing is a perfect fit!

Marlene said...

Oh no! I hope they fix 'er up quickly. I would really expect they should offer a loaner. Thank goodness for good friends!