CRC are sending me a replacement frame - what to expect?

FlyingTriangle

My new bike arrived with a dent (sale item - only one in stock), so after several phone calls, lots of waiting and all round delays, they've eventually came to a decision - they're going to send me a replacement frame, either the same one or one of equal or higher value. I'm new to mountain biking but I know a couple of people who have been well into it for years so any problems I run into can be sorted out by them if need be. My dad is also into bikes/motorbikes so I'm assuming he'd be able to help me out most of the way too.

However, I was wondering if there are any things that I can ask CRC to do to the frame before sending it out to me. My friend told me that certain points of the frame need work done before connecting certain parts.. something along the lines of flattening the contact points so that everything lies flush. Is this something I should ask CRC to do for me?

Any other things I should know about? Like I said, I am a beginner but also have people around to help me with certain things.

Thanks!

supersonic

This is called facing - it removes a small amount of material form the headtube, bottom bracket shell and disc mounts for perfect alignment.

Is the new frame compatible with all your parts though? And do you know how to fit them? You will need some specialist tools for some parts.

FlyingTriangle

The new frame will either be identical to this one, or similar. When I asked my m8 whether or not there are different types of frame for certain sets of components (in this case 19" hardtail), he said that you can pretty much use any frame. Is this not true?

Regardless though, CRC will be making sure that the frame that they send me will be compatible.. they'd have to really. As for tools, my dad has a garage full of random stuff he's used for bikes in the past, although he's never actually built one up. I'm going to get a lad I know to come over and help who does have tools, but I just wondered if there's anything that I could ask CRC to do to the frame before sending it. Facing it is what I had in mind.

FlyingTriangle

CRC are sending me a similar frame - same brand (BeOne) and same model name, just a different model number. This one is a BeOne Karma 1.0 whereas the broken one is a Karma 2.0. I asked them if it could be faced before being sent and they've said that it's fine. I hope everything turns out ok from here on out!

BigJimmyB

JUst take your time on the rebuild and ask back here for advice on anything you're not sure about before you attempt it.

ATB
BJB

supersonic

I would be unhappy with this - I'd want CRC to pick up the bike and sort it out for you.

FlyingTriangle

Well I see it as a chance to learn - they did offer to pick the bike up and build it for me though. I also know a lad who's really into his bikes - helps design local trails etc, and knows how to build bikes up no problem so he will be lending a hand. Apparently the Beone Karma 1.0 frame is better and more expensive than the Karma 2.0. I dunno what to think of that and the colours aren't as nice, but for now at least I can ride the bike with the dented frame, although no DH or anything that is going to be putting too much strain on it. I've been trying to phone CRC none stop since last wednesday, been promised call backs to no avail, spoken to about 5 different people along the way and only today have I actually managed to get any kind of solid guarentee that the matter is being dealt with.

I've only heard good things about CRC and their customer service, but last week was pretty awful. The guy who was dealing with the return was apparently ill and off work after first speaking to me last week which is why there was such a delay.. He seemed a lot more willing to help me out after I eventually got back in touch with him yesterday though. It's just a shame that there's not a bigger selection of <£250 hardtail frames in 19" on the CRC website. Heh

bluefoam

I got a replacement frame from CRC after a crack appeared in a weld (full sus) 6 months after buying it. They gave me a similar frame, but a newer model and one step up from the one I'd bought originally... My old man was heading up there anyway so he took the bike with him & they rebuilt it and sent it back to me.

They did a great job and the new frame is far better & lighter than the old one. I can't fault them on their service... I was hoping that I might get the (much better) rear shock on the new frame, but they put my old one on - I think that would have been asking too much!

gbsahne001

bluefoam wrote:

I I can't fault them on their service...

Well I can; bought a set of M540s, after 2 weeks no show, so they sent another set and yet again no show.

Is it CRC or some git at the post office with a pedal fetish?