[Brad]

They could replace the frame with a Trance 27.5 and offer the fork and wheels to you at cost.

 

[Vulcanius]

I was in your exact situation last year. It took 5 or 6 months for me to finally receive a replacement Anthem X 29er frame. Needless to say I've bought two new bikes since that time, and neither was a Giant.

 

[Allamuchy Joe]

What can I do?

You are in a bad spot. The problem in my eyes is that there is no guarantee Giant will be able to find a 29er frame in 3 months -- they probably pulled that number out of thin air. If they don't make these frames, how do they intend on finding one for you?

If it were me given this iusse, I would try to negotiate more with Giant and see if you could get more off a newer bike. $450 is not that much especially considering your bike is not that old. I'd explain that I thought Giant products would be around for years to come, especially a popular wheel size like the 29er.

If the negotiation did not work, then would probably not wait and I would accept a replacement 27.5 frame. I would then weigh my options:

1) Sell the frame and buy another Trance 29er frame from the "open market" (ebay, craigslist, etc). Of course, there is a matter of trust of the 29er frame integrity now that one has failed for you.
2) Sell the frame and purchase another long travel 29er frame. This would need some investigation as to see if your components will all transfer (front Derailleur, seat post, bottom bracket, etc). I would think MTBR would be an excellent resource for this investigation.
3) Use the 29er components plus purchase fork/wheelset for the 27.5 frame. Again, you would have to investigate if most of your components will transfer. Of course, you would be spending more money with this option. You could offset the costs slightly with the sale of your 29er wheelset and fork.

Just some thoughts. Whatever you decide, Good luck!

 

[MarinCRO]

They should do one of the following:

1. Giant pulls Trance off some warehouse or another shop and compensates them for it.

2. If #1 isn't possible (unlikely), they should offer you trade in for another bike or frameset with components necessary to complete the bike.
You're not obliged to accept this and could ask for a refund.

3. They offer you refund for your purchase if they cannot honor the warranty.

Say you bought an ultrabook laptop and it broke down while still under warranty.
Company can't repair it or replace it as it's older model and they can't just offer you bigger 15" model because you bought this one with a purpose of being small and light.

You are entitled to same product or a better one as a replacement, but you're not forced to accept 27.5" Trance if you feel like you want 29".

A friend of mine had his Cube Reaction 26" Aluminium frame break and he got 26" in carbon as a replacement because aluminium models weren't available and he even got new seatpost and collar free of charge as it was different diameter post.

Other option for the manufacturer would've been to offer a 29er but that would mean they would have to give him new frame, fork, wheels, tires and all necessary components.

 

[JMac47]

They should do one of the following:

1. Giant pulls Trance off some warehouse or another shop and compensates them for it.

2. If #1 isn't possible (unlikely), they should offer you trade in for another bike or frameset with components necessary to complete the bike.
You're not obliged to accept this and could ask for a refund.

3. They offer you refund for your purchase if they cannot honor the warranty.

Say you bought an ultrabook laptop and it broke down while still under warranty.
Company can't repair it or replace it as it's older model and they can't just offer you bigger 15" model because you bought this one with a purpose of being small and light.

You are entitled to same product or a better one as a replacement, but you're not forced to accept 27.5" Trance if you feel like you want 29".

A friend of mine had his Cube Reaction 26" Aluminium frame break and he got 26" in carbon as a replacement because aluminium models weren't available and he even got new seatpost and collar free of charge as it was different diameter post.

Other option for the manufacturer would've been to offer a 29er but that would mean they would have to give him new frame, fork, wheels, tires and all necessary components.

Yeah pretty typical that unless there are replacement aluminum frames available the carbon model is offered. No names just initials big 'S'. Weird Giant isn't following suit. Granted it would be Trance Advanced or SX(or maybe that's what they're opt of??...) Specialized usually Marathon or S Works.

 

[teK--]

I had a similar situation with a 2014 giant carbon road bike which had a crack in the seat tube. After waiting patiently over 4 months for a replacement frame (which included christmas holidays), the LBS put in a word for me and I was offered a brand new bike for no cost.

It meant I went from a low-mid range model to second from top of the range. I asked for a lesser model as I wanted Di2 but they said they only offered that particular model as they has surplus.

I had changed my stock wheels to some nice mavics but couldn't carry them across since all the new models have disc brakes. I'd also sold my stock wheels. So I gave the old bike back with the Mavics but it was fine because the new bike had carbon wheels and was a much better bike overall.

YMMV...

 

[Allamuchy Joe]

What can I do?

What did you decide to do?

 

[Metamorphic]

This is a depressing thread.

I just discovered a very suspicious line in the paint on my Wife's TranceX29er. Its on the top tube, about 1/3d of an inch in front of the seat tube weld. I've watched it for a few rides and it seems to be growing....very slowly, but each ride its just a touch more distinct...still no actual separation though.

I don't think she'd take to the idea of a 27.5 replacement, and based on how she rides and races, I think she's probably right to stick to her guns on that.

Sounds like maybe the hot ticket at this point in the product cycle is to nurse this thing along till the 2016s are in full bloom. That would seem to give Giant more options for replacements. When do the 2016's start hitting the showroom?

 

[cjsb]

this will not happen.

that amounts to nearly a complete bike, in order to replace a frame that failed.

I think it is a reasonable request IF all they have are 27.5. Giant's business decisions have complicated the warranty that they provide. They should give him a much higher model frame in 27.5 that he can sell, a complete bike option, or cut him a check for the value of his bike. They aren't obligated to do this but it would offset the additional costs they have indirectly imposed on him, and it would likely keep a customer.

I think Giant is the largest manufacturer of bikes in the world. They make bikes for all companies in the business. They can't help this guy out without a 4 month wait? they don't want to. the shop's response above at least reads like indifference to the customer.

If he does wait 4 months then they should give him a complete new bike that is an upgrade over what he had. I could wait the 4 months, but only if I were promised some significant upgrade compensation.

 

[Allamuchy Joe]

This is a depressing thread.

I just discovered a very suspicious line in the paint on my Wife's TranceX29er. Its on the top tube, about 1/3d of an inch in front of the seat tube weld. I've watched it for a few rides and it seems to be growing....very slowly, but each ride its just a touch more distinct...still no actual separation though.

I don't think she'd take to the idea of a 27.5 replacement, and based on how she rides and races, I think she's probably right to stick to her guns on that.

Sounds like maybe the hot ticket at this point in the product cycle is to nurse this thing along till the 2016s are in full bloom. That would seem to give Giant more options for replacements. When do the 2016's start hitting the showroom?

My advice: Get it checked out immediately. Aluminum and cracks don't go together really well and can lead to a catastrophic failure.

 

[bluethree3]

I just discovered a very suspicious line in the paint on my Wife's TranceX29er. Its on the top tube, about 1/3d of an inch in front of the seat tube weld.

That is the same place as the crack in my frame. Definitely a manufacturer defect. Good luck. I'm approaching four weeks since I took it into my LBS. Each week they tell me that "Giant might have some frames coming...". Still no confirmation, plan of action, or any possible options other then: "We can give your $438 store credit on the purchase of a new bike". When I questioned why the dollar amount was so low, I was told that it was the "wholesale price" of the frame, but I would have to use the credit for a "retail price" of a new bike. All I want is my lifetime frame warrantee by Giant and the LBS honored in a timely manner.

 

[SkaredShtles]

That is the same place as the crack in my frame. Definitely a manufacturer defect. Good luck. I'm approaching four weeks since I took it into my LBS. Each week they tell me that "Giant might have some frames coming...". Still no confirmation, plan of action, or any possible options other then: "We can give your $438 store credit on the purchase of a new bike". When I questioned why the dollar amount was so low, I was told that it was the "wholesale price" of the frame, but I would have to use the credit for a "retail price" of a new bike. All I want is my lifetime frame warrantee by Giant and the LBS honored in a timely manner.

Have you taken the stink up the chain? At this point you should be getting the Giant rep's contact info and talking to her/him. If same story - get THEIR manager's info. Keep running it up the line. And make sure to document each conversation you have. Date, what was discussed, any action the rep is supposed to take, deadlines, etc. Treat it like a business deal.

 

[Menel]

That is the same place as the crack in my frame. Definitely a manufacturer defect. Good luck. I'm approaching four weeks since I took it into my LBS. Each week they tell me that "Giant might have some frames coming...". Still no confirmation, plan of action, or any possible options other then: "We can give your $438 store credit on the purchase of a new bike". When I questioned why the dollar amount was so low, I was told that it was the "wholesale price" of the frame, but I would have to use the credit for a "retail price" of a new bike. All I want is my lifetime frame warrantee by Giant and the LBS honored in a timely manner.

Twitter sometimes works, especially if you have a number of followers. You need to be calling Giant direct and complaining of poor service.

I'd be entertaining other options. Out of principal, I'd go talk to a trek/spec/santacruz dealer about converting brands. Moving fork/wheels/drivetrain over to a compatible frame.

You are WAY beyond timely manor.

 

[Metamorphic]

That is the same place as the crack in my frame. Definitely a manufacturer defect. Good luck. I'm approaching four weeks since I took it into my LBS. Each week they tell me that "Giant might have some frames coming...". Still no confirmation, plan of action, or any possible options other then: "We can give your $438 store credit on the purchase of a new bike". When I questioned why the dollar amount was so low, I was told that it was the "wholesale price" of the frame, but I would have to use the credit for a "retail price" of a new bike. All I want is my lifetime frame warrantee by Giant and the LBS honored in a timely manner.

My wife raced the bike yesterday. No noticeable change in the line in the paint. If there is a crack under there its a slow moving one. At this point I'm just hoping that it will make it through the summer so it doesn't ruin her summer riding season (she's a teacher). If it takes a while to replace in september, that's tolerable.

 

[Rakuman]

That is the same place as the crack in my frame. Definitely a manufacturer defect. Good luck. I'm approaching four weeks since I took it into my LBS. Each week they tell me that "Giant might have some frames coming...". Still no confirmation, plan of action, or any possible options other then: "We can give your $438 store credit on the purchase of a new bike". When I questioned why the dollar amount was so low, I was told that it was the "wholesale price" of the frame, but I would have to use the credit for a "retail price" of a new bike. All I want is my lifetime frame warrantee by Giant and the LBS honored in a timely manner.

Let Giant know you started this thread and watch things happen.. I had to do the same with Specialized once and imagine that they found the part for me in a day! :thumbsup:

 

[SkaredShtles]

My wife raced the bike yesterday. No noticeable change in the line in the paint. If there is a crack under there its a slow moving one. At this point I'm just hoping that it will make it through the summer so it doesn't ruin her summer riding season (she's a teacher). If it takes a while to replace in september, that's tolerable.

Errrr... you really should get it checked. If it *is* cracked trying to "make it through the summer" is a really bad idea. Just imagine if she had to make it through the summer in multiple casts.

 

[d365]

I had a hairline crack in my anthem26. it was hard to tell if it was paint, or a real crack, but when riding.... you could totally feel, and hear the extra vibration going on. It never looked close to failing, but there was no denying it was a crack, when riding it.

They replaced mine with a carbon version, as that's all they had available... out of production too.

@blue - you need to stop dealing with that shop, and start dealing directly with Giant. Sounds like they are trying to take advantage of you, IMO.

 

[Allamuchy Joe]

@blue - you need to stop dealing with that shop, and start dealing directly with Giant. Sounds like they are trying to take advantage of you, IMO.

I agree with the first part -- deal directly with Giant. Start making some noise, but be respectful. Write to the CEO if you have to, even though she may never read it, someone will. Try an "old school" letter. Be respectiveful, though. I had to do that with Santa Cruz a few years ago, and it worked out pretty well.

As for the second part, perhaps the shop is just not fighting that hard for you. It really is not affecting them directly, so unless you keep on top of them perhaps they don't push that much. Either way, just contact Giant directly.

 

[bluethree3]

My frame cracked on a 2013 Giant Trance 2 29er

CLOSURE... Picked up my bike today. Giant replaced the frame with a 2014 Trance X frame. Color is black with blue striping. I was surprised they also replaced the rear triangle. The LBS said they would charge 1/2 price for labor. So for $100 bucks and a little less then a month I have a new frame and will take it for a ride later today.

 

[Golfster]

Glad your warranty claim worked as it should. Enjoy and ride the new bike in good health.