I bought a Specialized Rockhopper just about three months ago. I used it on a few decent trails and took a couple of decent falls. What I failed to see was that I apparently dented the chainstay right behind the front gears. It also caused a slight bend in the largest front gear. I'm afraid that this is an "abuse" situation not covered by warranty. If anyone has had success with warranty in this regard, please tell me, otherwise, is it possible to still ride the bike without too much fear of breaking the frame altogether?
I don't really have the money to reinvest in a frame, and would like to keep riding it as is, but don't know if it is advisable or not.
Originally posted by meatrag I bought a Specialized Rockhopper just about three months ago. I used it on a few decent trails and took a couple of decent falls. What I failed to see was that I apparently dented the chainstay right behind the front gears. It also caused a slight bend in the largest front gear. I'm afraid that this is an "abuse" situation not covered by warranty. If anyone has had success with warranty in this regard, please tell me, otherwise, is it possible to still ride the bike without too much fear of breaking the frame altogether?
I don't really have the money to reinvest in a frame, and would like to keep riding it as is, but don't know if it is advisable or not.
Anything will be of help.
Thanks.
If it's between riding or not riding, i'd say go for it! Although it depends on the kind of riding you do. If you're using it for commuting in traffic, then perhaps have someone knowledgeable look at it just to make sure it wouldn't catastrophically fail while there's a semi behind you (but this is highly unlikely imo, as mtn bike frames are made to take quite a beating-my stumpjumper has it's share of scars). Of course if you're doing some crazy downhill stuff the same advice would apply. But if you're just riding it recreationally on trails don't worry about it. I'm no authority here, someone who knows more here could probably give you some better advice. Sorry about your luck...
Thanks for the advice... i figured that i would use it pending what Specialized tells me, although it surely won't be good... .the dent isn't clear across the tube, its just a dent maybe an 1/8th inch in, so im thinking that it might still be ok....
Nevertheless if there is someone knowledgable on this topic, I would appreciate all the advice I could get...
I've always wondered about MB warranty issues. It seems like they are designed to be abused (ridden on rough surfaces with the potential to come in contact with hard objects at moderate to high speed). What exactly is considered abuse under the warranty and what isn't?
A small dent should not be a problem at all in a MTB frame. I'd just keep an eye on the chainstay for any further bending or cracking. Doubt if you'll have any problems at all with the frame in the future....just replace the big chainring and you're set.
Warranties don't cover accidents/crashes, at least none that I have read. How could you expect a company to cover crash damage on a bike, any more than you could on your car? Suggest you read your warranty you get the specific language.
Also, believe you'll find your "lifetime" frame warranty only covers manufacturing defects in labor and materials, not wearout (fatique failures) of the frame.
