iRob

Hi I've got an old MTB running a 6 speed cassette. I need a new chain and magic links. Can I use a 7speed chain?

I tried that, managed to email Giant head office HR, they put me in contact with someone in Aftersales servoice and Quality. He seemed helpful but alas Dragons does not take this as a credible route, and so if I want anything done through them, it'll mean I'll have to probably do it myself.

Yes well I suppose they are the "experts". What is the point of having a warranty if the guys here just void it. Whatever man I just want to go ride some trails.

I have a 20 year old Giant Boulder with a better paint finish then this. This is the first ****-painted Giant I haveever had, but it also the sweetest of the bunch. Go figure. I'm considering sandblasting the frame ala Anthem X 29r style. This might void the warranty but with Dragons being as effed up as they are this should make no difference.

There is nothing going to be done. No fixing, no repairing, nothing. EFFFING nothing.

to Dragons Sports. but the upside, I get my bike back tomorrow hopefully, and can ride the weekend, hopefully.

why would you like to know if its cracked? I'm of the opinion that if its an MTB frame and it develops a micro-crack it'll propogate rapidly, to the extent that it'll be visible within a ride or two of forming. Is it a road of MTB frame. Bear is ind that a lot of NDE/NTD is going to cost a lot. It might even cost more then the frame. I make use a lot of various NDT forms at work and if the rates are anything to go by then expect anything in excess of R15000 for an examination. Is the benefit worth it? Who manufactured the frame?

Yes where do you get that XTC? The lefty costs a lot more to maintain, but is the shizz. How much for each of the bikes? New?

Hi Speak to Thor Buttox. He might be able to help.

Getting hold of the admin guys is nigh on impossible.

11 - 32.... (pulls off the cloak and mask revealing himself to be an MTB'er...)

I'd speak to the bike manufacturer and enquire from them as to the size and nature of the preventative measure. Please just don't cover your entire frame, it seems it MIGHT make things worse.

Jo, thats a sweet deal, they seem to be EXCELLENT when it comes to cracked frames. I have heard countless simliar stories of guys who swear they are the best, when it comes to cracked frames. I've got idea who to contact wrt overseas question, the only email address I could find was for a career with Giant in the US and that was an HR address... Doubt the person behind the HR email address would help a guy in Africa. "Where is that? That state next to Texas?" - NOT directed at Giant SA, but the American population in general...

Let's give them an opportunity to justify their reasoning, its only fair to do so.

No man, I just want a good reason. It seems this does happen, but few and far between.

I agree, and think that is a reasonable approach to take Caerus. Especially since it is a subjective matter.

No man majestic. If it is the beat value for money then go for it. Remember Giant is one of the if not, the largest frame manufacturers in the world. They own goodness knows how many factories in Taiwan, and produce all but a handful of the top bike brands' frames. I'm seriously thinking of getting the Talon 29er as an alternative to my Anthem.

Okes I'm not trying to, and was not trying to bad-mouth Giant or Dragons. me = iRob. The intent with this post was to get information on a) if this sort of thing is common and B) what the outcome for the bike owner was after dealing with Dragons/Giant or any other manufacturer. Initialy. The post seems to have turned south when I quoted the "final" outcome, and was then ill-revived into something not intened. The posting of photos by Dragons left me feeling a bit done-in as this was the first place I saw them. They were not sent to me personally. I have tried to keep my dealings with them fair and open, but was unhappy with the lack of clarity and subjective reasoning for this not being a 1 year covered paint warranty. This is something Dragons has promised to have looked at again by someone who is technically competent when it comes to coatings and paint, as I fear neither parties involved, knows enough on the matter. On the matter of cracked frames: Here I believe the issue is a lot less contentious: As soon as a frame cracks the crack will propagate fairly quickly, to the point where it is clearly visible soon after having developed. The frame does not need to go for 3rd party review because the cracks are normally clearly visibile. (If the crack is not yet visible you'll not know about it, unless you have the frame x-rayed or some other form of non-destructive examination, in which case rather spend the time mountain biking!) Like 5-15mm long. That is, visible with the naked eye. On the paint I imagine it would be different, you cannot see paint layers which are hundreths of mm thin delaminating with the naked eye. If it comes off, I belive there must have been some sort of defect to start off with. But someone who know more about paint would know why or what the story is. I LOVE the Giant brand. I will seriously keep buying the bikes until I stop buying bikes, which God willing would be a long time away. But I am also not a moron, and try my best to make purchases with my head screwed on. That is why I bought the Giant. Excellent value for money, good brand history and solid engineering. Something I have come to expect, reasonably, from having had 10 of their bikes and countless hours of joy, and physical pain. Giant, if you say no with a reason, then its a no, and I'll accept it.

Dragons has now emailed me saying they will do nothing further and are sending my bike backt to the bike shop. WTF?

Of that I have little/no assurance. the option to get a quote and have this doe by someone I trust is of little relevance to me; I don't anyone who does this sort of this, nor anyone who has had it have to go down that route... mostly the company apologises profusely and replaces the frame.

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm not the only flippin person experiencing this!!!!!! PLEASE keep us all updated on what happens! I'm really keen to see what Dragons will say to you.

Dragons have said that they will have the frame "repaired". This includes having the frame sent to someone, I have asked for referral or previous work before making up my mind on that, to have the head tube sanded down, the paint matched, a vinyl decal ut on, and re-clearcoated. It all seems way too intrusive, and Dragons does not guarantee the quality of the work done, nor could any examples of revious work be supplied. I am sceptical as it might end up looking worse, and that the paint will not be matched and then I sit with a horrible repair job. Its something I'm mulling over. It is a cool option, but it needs to have an assurance of workmanship, kind of like what you expect the orginial paint work to be like when you buy a R20k bike from someone you have supported and been loyal to for ages. I reckon i'll just get a "don't worry be happy sticker" and paste is over the head tube in the area of the crappy paint work. Provided my frame will still retain its factory structural warranty...

Why would it come off in certain places and not in others? Also, places where there was no tape - near the FD? Does my frame still carry a structural warranty as was promised by Gert when I saw him on Friday? I asked him if anything structurally happesn to this frame, if it would still be covered and he promised me yes. I'm beginning to worry that may also be revoked for some reason. If it is an issue with the use of the clear tape, how much and in what areas are cyclists allowed to use it so that they can protect the frames againgst cable chaff etc? I would like this in writing from Dragons please. You guys have my email address and phone number, please contact me.

I think that would be going a bit overboard. I'm not one for legal crap. I'll just REALLY think twice before I buy another Giant. Even though Ive had 10 AND have been a big fan for over 20 years!!!

This frame was purchased through a reputable GIANT dealer. I have the proof of purchase etc.