Warranty Claim on Frame

[Mets]

I have a quick question for you guys this morning.

 

I recently noticed a small crack on the top tube / head tube weld of my 2009 Mongoose Canaan Comp frame. The bike was taken to my LBS and sent off to Omnico for the warranty claim.

 

Yesterday I received a call from one of their representatives stating that they will exchange my frame, but that they only have frames with 5” travel available (mine was 4”). This is all fine and dandy, but then I’m told that I would have to pay in just over R2000 for the longer rear shock as my one won’t fit the new frame.

I told the guy that I’m not prepared to pay in because I was looking at selling my bike in order to upgrade to a 29” H/T.

 

He phones back later offering me a discounted price on a 2012 Mongoose Meteore Expert 29er (R12 500) or a straight up swop on a Meteore Team 26” H/T frame.

 

I feel a bit annoyed that I should pay in on a warranty claim or settle for something that I don’t want or which is of lesser value than my original purchase.

 

Am I being unreasonable?

[TheV]

Yes, your 2nd hand 2009 bike is worth nothing, take the upgrade or replacement and be very happy for omnico being so awesome....

[Bianchi]

Your original purchase price is irrelevant. It's today's price that counts, with an "adjustment" for the quality that you bought initially.

If you take depreciation into account I think you are getting a good deal.

[Vinnydabutcher]

I would not be happy.

[Eugene]

_{I would bitch and moan too.}

 

_{They are obliged to replace your frame with something similar. If they cannot do this, they must cover any other costs (such as the new shock).}

 

_{It is not your fault that their product did not last as long as they promised it would. It is also not your fault that they have failed to maintain sufficient stock to honour their promise to you that they will replace your frame if it breaks.}

 

_{The 26inch hardtail that they offered is clearly not the same value as the full suspension that you bought from them. They are scoring on the deal. If they are going to offer you a discount on the 29er, make sure the discount is as much as the value of your full suspension.}

 

_{I don't know why the font is so small and it will not allow me to adjust it.}

Edited October 16, 2012 by Eugene

[Dustbin Dog]

I had a warranty claim on my 2010-2011 frame. The distributer replaced my frame with a new 2012 frame (as the original frame was no longer available) with new rear shock as the travel was longer on the new frame. They also fitted an adaptor to the shock to fit the taper head tube. No extra cost for the upgrade.

Edited October 16, 2012 by Dustbin Dog

[GLuvsMtb]

Most warranties makes allowance for deduction of wear and tear and they usually cover themselves for discontinued models as well. Ask for a copy of their warrantee policy on the date that you purchased your bike in 2009. You will probably find that they are being more than reasonable with their offer.

[Mets]

I had a warranty claim on my 2010-2011 frame. The distributer replaced my frame with a new 2012 frame (as the original frame was no longer available) with new rear shock as the travel was longer on the new frame. They also fitted an adaptor to the shock to fit the taper head tube. No extra cost for the upgrade.

 

This is what I had in mind. Which brand of frame and which distributor was involved with your claim?

 

I contacted them again this morning and confirmed that I would like more of a "win win" option from their side.

The jury is out...

Edited October 16, 2012 by Mets

[Skylark]

Based on the facts , requiring you to buy a whole new shock just to accomadate their lack of correct replacement frames is ludicrous .

 

They are just trying the old squeeze technique + carrot .

Dont give in , stick to your guns and require they do the correct thing , ie pay for their own mistakes , not your fault the frame was made like crap and that they now do not have the correct frame to swop out.

[Dustbin Dog]

This is what I had in mind. Which brand of frame and which distributor was involved with your claim?

 

I contacted them again this morning and confirmed that I would like more of a "win win" option from their side.

The jury is out...

 

This was Merida. I had a 96 carbon frame and they replaced it with a 99 carbon frame.

[rudi-h]

Yes, your 2nd hand 2009 bike is worth nothing, take the upgrade or replacement and be very happy for omnico being so awesome....

 

I hope you're joking...

 

Bikes are not supposed to crack, and if they do then its the manufacturers problem.

 

They should replace your frame and if they don't have a 4" bike and it requires a new shock, its their problem

[ThePubSA]

Hmm kind of agree with both sides here....

Id prob put in the 2k for the 5" & make sure they start new warranty/guarantee on it.

Have to agree im suprised they even giving you 3 options,alot more then you'd get out of dragons.

Here's hoping they give the 5" free.

20naaainer HT over 26 5" DS.. really>?

[Mets]

So some feedback

 

The following quote is from Mongoose's warranty forming part of their owner's manual: "During each of the respective limited warranty periods, all original parts and bicycle frames subject to this limited warranty and determined by Mongoose to be defective in materials or workmanship, will be repaired or replaced by Mongoose, through an authorized Mongoose bicyle dealer, free of charge, except for shipping or other transportation charges and dealer labor charges (if applicable). These charges are not covered by this limit warranty."

 

They have now managed to source a Medium (mine was Large) frame of the same year and model as the damaged frame. I can now transfer my components and sell it to assist me in financing my dream bike.

 

Kudos to Tim and Niel from Omnico, they were calm and helpfull, but I still feel that Mongoose's warranty is not worth as much if there is cost involved in replacing a damaged frame.

[Let's Ride]

You wanted a Large and ended up getting a Medium as a replacement??? .

[covie]

Just refer it to the consumer protection agency and ask for their comment.

[Bianchi]

Just refer it to the consumer protection agency and ask for their comment.

 

He'll be too old to ride a bicycle by the time they give their comment.