What does a 2 year warranty mean?

[Sharkie 2]

Here's my case.

 

I bought a new fork on CRC under two years ago.

 

The fork has a two year warranty.

 

I was very happy with the fork but about 3 months ago a click/tick was coming from the front end over bumpy terrain, especially small bumps like rocks. 

 

I went through the ends of the earth to locate this tick, replaced headset, checked all bolts, spokes ect ect.

 

After two visits to mechanics they said they think it is a hairline crack where the steerer/crown or the crown/sanctions are pressfit during manufacturing.  He said they use a 10ton press to join and this is where the noise is coming from.

 

CRC says I can send it in for evaluation.  I have to pay courier and if it's a warranty claim they will refund at a reasonable rate.  If not I will pay for postage both ways

 

Its 2-3k to post through UPS.

 

So it's extremely high risk to send, if they don't honour warranty I will 5k in the hole with nothing to show.  And lots of time without a bike.

 

Alternatively they'll fix/replace and pay courier.

 

This is my dilemma and I'm not sure what to do, but I know I can't live forever with a ticking front end. 

 

Advice?

If you have confidence in the mechanics used then send it.

I would say if you have saved enough money by buying it from CRC compared to locally then it is still worth doing it and sending it.