New Bike Issue

[Mr. Bloom]

One chip is on the top tube near the head. The other is on the downtube near where the cage would go. I just talked to another guy locally that had a chip on his new Madone and they gave him 15% off...

There's no evidence of heavy impact, it may have been shipping issues, but I will discuss this with Trek. RunningMommy indicates that Trek is well known for packing their bikes well...

I'm trying to keep perspective on this...if I'm not satisfied by warranty plus discount, I'll simply get a new frame...the worst case scenario is not that bad...

[Mr. SR500]

I tend to lean toward the "make it right approach" - so new bike or maybe frame. My Madone was much nicer finished then Kim's, but had a few flaws (no chips). I was once told Trek keeps their senior painters working on Project 1, I don't really know. Some people clean and polish their bike like crazy (me and Silver), others rarely even clean the chain. If you are content with a discount and a little touch up paint, that might be a real option.

A friend has a big rub spot on his new Cervelo P3, the shop rubbed it out a bit, but he said he'll just put a sticker on it - 6 months later no sticker and I doubt anyone ever notices. He just rides it like crazy.

I'm very anal, but my bike has fallen over a couple times - duh! The worse damage came when I kicked the top tube with my cleat mounting it before RAIN last year - nothing looks bad, just what happen on a bike with 10,000 miles.

My guess is Trek and your LBS will take care of you doing basically which ever you want.

Let us know what happens, and were are the pics?

[bike4ever]

Mr. Silver - Did the chips happen randomly on the floor or was it damage from shipping? If it was damage from shipping, I totally would take the new frame. If it was just random paint chips while on the floor, I'd go for the discount.

Another way to look at it is if they are already willing to send a new frame, then go for the new frame. I know you are anxious to get the new bike; but it won't take them long to send a new frame.

Hope this helps. Got your PM.

[Flybye]

If you take the 15% and later the chips turn out to really be a problem with the carbon frame, will you still have the frame warranty? If so, what the heck, have your cake and eat it too.

[Mr. Bloom]

If you take the 15% and later the chips turn out to really be a problem with the carbon frame, will you still have the frame warranty? If so, what the heck, have your cake and eat it too.

My assumption is "yes", but that would be a deal killer to lose the warranty. To void the warranty would be a red flag on safety...and would conjure up visions of my frame falling apart at 40mph on a downhill

Thanks to all! This has been great feedback and has provoked me to consider other issues as well