Rushdee Posted October 10, 2014 Posted October 10, 2014 **************************************************************************************************UPDATE added 13 Oct 2014*** Discussed the issue with the store and after a closer inspection of the rim, the following came to light: The defects in the rim appear to have developed gradually over the first few weeks of use. The defects are on one side only. The other side is perfectly fine. All other customers that bought the same rim have had zero issues. Some customers have gone on to complete the Epic successfully and the rims are still going strong. The wheel set was marked down for a quick sale/quick turnover. The store has agreed to replace the rim, rebuild the wheel, and deliver to my door. To minimise loss of riding time the store also took the time to transfer the tyre and cassette of the failed wheel, to a spare wheel that I had, and also replaced my faulty valve. As per the store’s excellent reputation, top notch service all in a day’s work. After this positive experience I'm tempted to say that the store is fast becoming a store with almost legendary service... *********************************************************************************************Recently bought a brand new set of carbon 29er wheels. Couldn’t wait to ride and enjoy. After about three weeks, a few mild rides (nothing hectic, mostly jeep track) and the first wipe down of the wheels, noticed what appears to be some major imperfections on about half of the rear rim (scroll all the way down): http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l628/stressed_eric1/MTB/20141006_075108.jpghttp://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l628/stressed_eric1/MTB/20141006_075142.jpghttp://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l628/stressed_eric1/MTB/20141006_075409.jpghttp://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l628/stressed_eric1/MTB/20141006_075256.jpghttp://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l628/stressed_eric1/MTB/20141006_075310.jpghttp://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l628/stressed_eric1/MTB/20141006_075207.jpg And this..Crack number 01: http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l628/stressed_eric1/MTB/20141010_141151.jpg Crack number 02: http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l628/stressed_eric1/MTB/20141010_140908.jpg Crack number 03 (sealant leaking through): http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l628/stressed_eric1/MTB/20141010_141002.jpg I carry a digital tyre pressure meter in my tool bag, so I am aware of correct air pressure. Somehow think that even with 100% correct air pressure all of the time, the wheels were prone to fail. Pitty I didn’t inspect the wheels at point of sale, now I have to trek back to the store. Can’t mention the store name until I have a chance to return the wheels. Hopefully tomorrow. Didn’t deem it necessary to inspect the wheels upon purchase because it was purchased at, what I assumed, is/was a reputable store. Also on email from the owner is that the spokes are “Sapim Lazer” spokes. After cleaning the wheels, noticed that it was in fact Pillar spokes. We all make mistakes sometimes, and when you deal with bike parts all day every day, it’s probably easy to provide incorrect info to a customer but after realizing that incorrect info was given to me and that there were so many imperfections in the rear rim, it made me feel very uneasy and made me feel that something about the deal wasn’t right. The wheel set was also advertised with wording similar to: “marked down to less than 50% of the usual price”. Am I the only one smelling something fishy here? Not feeling very happy right now.
King_Crispy Posted October 10, 2014 Posted October 10, 2014 I also wouldn't be a happy camper right now.Which of the Chinese brands is the wheel?
Johny Bravo Posted October 10, 2014 Posted October 10, 2014 Cheap and cheerfullYou get what you pay forPick 2, cheap, light, strong.If you gonna be dumb, you better be tough.
BoerBiker Posted October 10, 2014 Posted October 10, 2014 That's really upsetting. You pay a lot of your hard earned money and things like this happen. Much respect for giving the LBS the benefit of the doubt before tearing them to shreds.... I have to be honest, I'm not so sure if I am ready to pull the trigger on a carbon bike or carbon wheels. My carbon handlebar has got me nervous enough on some descents. I have a Giant Anthem and the Aluxx alu frame is not much heavier than a carbon. Good luck with the wheels man, I am certain they will replace it....don't stress ;-)
Stretch Posted October 10, 2014 Posted October 10, 2014 the only thing positive I can say about your post is that you have a cool avatar.....good luck buddy
V12man Posted October 10, 2014 Posted October 10, 2014 Too close to hot exhaust gas? I have seen carbon rims be trashed after a ride on a carrier that was too low. Pure speculation, but those dont look safe to ride anymore to me.
Rushdee Posted October 10, 2014 Author Posted October 10, 2014 I also wouldn't be a happy camper right now.Which of the Chinese brands is the wheel?After asking the store the same question via email, this was their response:"Hi Eric - yes the dimension is 23mm inner - not the narrow Chinese stuff. These rims were supplied to us unbranded so did not originate from China..."
Rushdee Posted October 10, 2014 Author Posted October 10, 2014 Cheap and cheerfullYou get what you pay forPick 2, cheap, light, strong.If you gonna be dumb, you better be tough. imo, it's not really about the cost, it's more about the fact that it was purchased from a reputable store on sale at a good price. Real pitty that I didnt inspect the wheels first. Wont make the mistake again.
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted October 10, 2014 Posted October 10, 2014 After asking the store the same question via email, this was their response:"Hi Eric - yes the dimension is 23mm inner - not the narrow Chinese stuff. These rims were supplied by Novatec in Taiwan to us unbranded so did not originate from China..."That there is bullsh17 of the highest degree. Novatec would never send something unbranded.
Rushdee Posted October 10, 2014 Author Posted October 10, 2014 Too close to hot exhaust gas? I have seen carbon rims be trashed after a ride on a carrier that was too low. Pure speculation, but those dont look safe to ride anymore to me.Yeah seen some carbon rims melt after being too near to the exhaust for too long. Dont have a rear mounted bike rack though, have roof racks. Definitely not safe to ride..
Rushdee Posted October 10, 2014 Author Posted October 10, 2014 That there is bullsh17 of the highest degree. Novatec would never send something unbranded.Same thing crossed my mind. Thought I could trust the store though and gave them the benefit of the doubt.
popcorn_skollie Posted October 10, 2014 Posted October 10, 2014 Its really a love hate relationship between you and carbon isn't it.Anyways, if you need someone to make a scene in the store there...you know where to find me
Rushdee Posted October 10, 2014 Author Posted October 10, 2014 Its really a love hate relationship between you and carbon isn't it.Anyways, if you need someone to make a scene in the store there...you know where to find me lol. thanks for the support
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.