It really is a sad day at my house.
I spent about 1 year trying to decide on my next road bike after a I
was hit by a car and totalled my Softride. I was torn between a new
Kestrel Airfoil Pro finally in 700 size or the Trek Team Time Trial.
After having no luck with Kestrel for 7 months trying to buy an
Airfoil (there were not any to be had anywhere) I decided upon the
Trek. I decided to get the full treatment and opted for a Trek Project
One with Custom Paint that required about 2 months to order.
Well, sadlt cracks have started to form on the frame downtube in a
circular pattern around the tube. The LBS spoke with a Rep who is
coming to take a look at it. They have initially said that there have
been reported problems with Trek's paint and that it is most likely
only the paint that is cracked. I am wondering what exactly they are
going to offer to do to remedy the problem. The bike is only about 2
months old. I have heard that Trek only warranties the paint for one
year but the frame has a lifetime warranty. I think I should probably
ask them for a full refund for the bike. I was never informed of
problems before the purchase or else I would have went with another
Kestrel since I have had a carbon Talon for 2 years with no issues. I
am worried that eventually problems could develop if the clear coat
and paint cracks expose the carbon to the elements. Just like a car,
paint is a treatment to provide protection to the surface. I don't
know exactly what Trek is going to offer, but I don't want to be
bringing a bike in every few months to have it torn down and sent in
for replacement because of defective workmanship by Trek.
The funny thing is that I owned a Trek Y-5-O for years without any
issues and the paint was bombproof, and that was a Carbon Mountain
Bike!