Cracked Frame - Seeking Ideas

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Earn Your View, Mar 31, 2016.


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  1. Earn Your View

    Earn Your View Member

    Name:
    Bryan
    Current Bike:
    2013 Charge Cooker
    Hey everyone, I recently cracked the frame on my 2009 Trek Fuel and I'm trying to figure out what to do. It was completely unexpected and I was not in the market for a new bike. Luckily, I also own a steel hardtail, so at least I am not without a bike currently.

    I don't have the funds to buy a brand new bike, so I'm Chincontemplating if I should a) find an older frame that's compatible with my parts, b) part out the bike and try to find something used (I have some savings), or C) inquire about the possibility of having somebody weld the frame back together. I don't think this would work, but who knows, right? I'm interested in all ideas and suggestions. I know that owning multiple bikes is a luxury, but there are some trails I like the full suspension.

    I'm having problems trying to upload a pic of the crack using my phone, so I'll follow up with that. It's low on the seat tube just above the front derailleur.
     
  2. Runs with Scissors

    Runs with Scissors iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    West Anaheim
    Name:
    Mark Whitaker
    Current Bike:
    Giant XTC with pedals
    Welding the frame back together is doable, but without a jig to properly align the pieces of the frame it will most likely have a suboptimal result.

    Using your existing parts on a compatible used frame is probably the most economical and straightforward path.

    Speaking of the Path, they have some smokin' good deals on frames. Take a gander.

    http://www.thepathbikeshop.com/sales/clearance/mountain-bikes
     
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  3. Racer X

    Racer X Member

    Location:
    A valid location
    Name:
    B
    Current Bike:
    Kona Explosif
    Have you gone to a good shop and see if they can make a warranty claim?

    The worst you could hear is no? They may give you a discount on another frame or replace it. You'll only know if you ask.
     
    DangerDirtyD, Danmtchl, Mikie and 2 others like this.
  4. Danimal

    Danimal iMTB Addict

    Location:
    Mission Viejo
    Name:
    Dan
    Current Bike:
    Epic Evo
    Danmtchl, Mikie, herzalot and 3 others like this.
  5. bigringrider101

    bigringrider101 Well-Known Member

    Location:
    Winnetka CA
    Name:
    Berni Avila
    Current Bike:
    Jones Space Frame Ti truss for
    I always thought Trek warranty their frames for life.
     
  6. UPSed

    UPSed iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Simi Valley
    Name:
    Ed
    Current Bike:
    Niner Jet 9 RDO
    Generally speaking the lifetime warranty only applies to the original owner.
     
  7. Danmtchl

    Danmtchl iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    Bakersfield
    Name:
    Dan
    Current Bike:
    2020 Trek Fuel EX 9.7
    Try getting the frame warrantied first. My dad had a 1998 Trek 9800 and we found a crack in it. Trek had a new frame about 2 weeks later with a new 9.8. My only gripe is they did not give us an OCLV frame. But beggars can't be choosers.
     
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  8. dstepper

    dstepper Member

    Location:
    Laguna Beach
    Name:
    Dean Stepper
    Current Bike:
    2014 Turner Czar
    Trek is known for good warrant and customer service. My bet is that they will send you another frame. But that does not help having a bike to ride during the warrantee time. Hopefully a friend will step up with a bike to borrow until then.

    Dean
     
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  9. Earn Your View

    Earn Your View Member

    Name:
    Bryan
    Current Bike:
    2013 Charge Cooker
    I still need to do that. My understanding of Trek's frame warranty is that it's for the original owner. I bought the bike used. However, the Red Shield plan was transferred to me, so maybe there's hope.
     
    DangerDirtyD and Danmtchl like this.
  10. herzalot

    herzalot iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Laguna Beach
    Name:
    Chris
    Current Bike:
    2020 Revel Rail,Yeti SB 130 LR
    Second that - try Trek. They are huge and they may come through with a replacement or an offer for a new frame at a steeply discounted price.

    So what is Chincontemplating?
     
  11. mike

    mike iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Western US
    Name:
    Mike O
    Current Bike:
    HT, FS
    I think it's when you touch your index finger and thumb to the bottom of your chin and say "hmm."
     
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  12. Danimal

    Danimal iMTB Addict

    Location:
    Mission Viejo
    Name:
    Dan
    Current Bike:
    Epic Evo
    ^^^^^funny that is.
     
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  13. Mikie

    Mikie Admin/iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    NW Arkansas
    Name:
    Mikie Watson
    Current Bike:
    Ibis DV9 / SC Hightower
    I find @mike to be a genius in this area...:cool:
     
  14. Earn Your View

    Earn Your View Member

    Name:
    Bryan
    Current Bike:
    2013 Charge Cooker
    Stupid auto correct!
     
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  15. mike

    mike iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Western US
    Name:
    Mike O
    Current Bike:
    HT, FS
    So you're saying that's a real word? Hmm...
     
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  16. Earn Your View

    Earn Your View Member

    Name:
    Bryan
    Current Bike:
    2013 Charge Cooker
    I think the correct word is chintemplating. :thumbsup:
     
    DangerDirtyD, Faust29, Mikie and 5 others like this.
  17. Earn Your View

    Earn Your View Member

    Name:
    Bryan
    Current Bike:
    2013 Charge Cooker
    I'm going to call the shop where the bike was purchased and inquire about a warranty replacement first. Thanks guys for your input. I'll update when I have more info.
     
    Danmtchl, herzalot and mike like this.
  18. Earn Your View

    Earn Your View Member

    Name:
    Bryan
    Current Bike:
    2013 Charge Cooker
    So here's the update: Trek is offering a frame replacement, but since my bike is pretty old, I would need another fork, wheels, etc., so they offered me a good discount on a new bike. The question I'm chintemplating is do I get the Fuel EX7 or pony up a few hundred more for the EX8? The EX 8 comes with the new frame with boost spacing and the RE: Aktiv suspension. I have a dropper post, so that's not as big of a concern.
     
  19. scan

    scan iMTB Rockstah

    Name:
    fran allas
    Current Bike:
    Scott Spark
    Are you sure the ex7 doesn't have the RE Aktiv suspension??? You would only need boost spacing if you're planning on bigger tires I believe. You may want to use the money you saved for other upgrades.
     
  20. Earn Your View

    Earn Your View Member

    Name:
    Bryan
    Current Bike:
    2013 Charge Cooker
    Thanks for the input. I'll follow up on that. I could be wrong. My initial thoughts was the EX 7.
     
    Danmtchl likes this.
  21. herzalot

    herzalot iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Laguna Beach
    Name:
    Chris
    Current Bike:
    2020 Revel Rail,Yeti SB 130 LR
    You've answered your own question and you don't even know it!

    (Hint - if you are contemplating the upgrade, you want the upgrade, and thus, you will get the upgrade, or you will continually say "I should've got the upgrade.")

    You're welcome! (waving smiley)
     
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  22. scan

    scan iMTB Rockstah

    Name:
    fran allas
    Current Bike:
    Scott Spark

    Sounds like you're playing a jedi mind trick on him Herz....."these aren't the upgrades you are looking for"
     
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  23. Earn Your View

    Earn Your View Member

    Name:
    Bryan
    Current Bike:
    2013 Charge Cooker
    I called the bike shop and the EX 7 doesn't come with the Re:Aktiv shock.
     
  24. Fueledbyex8

    Fueledbyex8 Well-Known Member

    Location:
    Whittier
    Name:
    Albert
    Current Bike:
    Santa Cruz Hightower
    If it's a couple hundred extra and within a reasonable price to upgrade to a frame you really want, the ex8" go for it. You might be happier you got the reactive shock you where so willing to get in the long run.
     
  25. riiz

    riiz Member

    Location:
    Redlands, CA
    Name:
    Eric
    Current Bike:
    Santa Cruz Heckler/Killmaleon
    Buy Once, Cry Once. Get the Fuel 8, no one contemplates buying less.
     
  26. pperrelle

    pperrelle iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    Oracle, AZ
    Name:
    Paul
    Current Bike:
    Ripley V4 & Ripmo V2
    I'd go with the 8. I have a 2014 Fuel EX-8 that came without the Reaktiv shock. I picked one up on EBay and it's a lot nicer than the regular Fox shock. The 8 also has a better fork and drivetrain.
     
  27. scan

    scan iMTB Rockstah

    Name:
    fran allas
    Current Bike:
    Scott Spark
    I have a 2012 with the DRCV shock, tried a friends' Reaktiv and didn't notice a huge difference. Then again I didn't take it out for very long. My shock of course is dialed in after having it this long.
     
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  28. Earn Your View

    Earn Your View Member

    Name:
    Bryan
    Current Bike:
    2013 Charge Cooker
    So I pulled the trigger on the EX 8. Damn Herz and his Obi-Wan Jedi mind tricks! I took it out to LCWP today for its maiden ride and had a blast. I descended Old Emerald and Lizards way faster and with more confidence than with the old bike. Thanks everyone for your advice and help.

    20160507_091017.jpg
     
  29. herzalot

    herzalot iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Laguna Beach
    Name:
    Chris
    Current Bike:
    2020 Revel Rail,Yeti SB 130 LR
    I get that a lot! :whistling:

    Beautiful bike. You won't regret it! :thumbsup:
     
    Earn Your View likes this.
  30. StrandLeper

    StrandLeper Well-Known Member

    Location:
    Laguna Beach
    Name:
    Timothy M. Ryan
    Current Bike:
    SC Bronson 1x/Pivot 429 1x xtr
    That is a sweet ride! Congrats.
     
    Earn Your View likes this.
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As a former Amazon Associate I continue to get screwed trying to stay qualified as an Amazon Affiliate. So I quit!


Want to donate to imtbtrails?