Crack in my paintwork - is it terminal?

mclarent

Hi all - my LBS has just reported that they have found a crack in the paintwork around the BB of my Aluminium framed Bianchi. I've had it a couple of years, but didn't think I'd abused it that much (apart from a couple of Rondes that is )

Any advice? Does this crack necessarily mean the frame is cracked? If so, do I have any recourse to Bianch on it?

balthazar

It doesn't necessarily mean the frame is cracked, but it probably is. Post a focused, well-lit photograph and we could probably give you an accurate assessment here. It's probably a fatigue fracture, which isn't the result of abuse from you, and is usually considered a result of manufacturer error or a material defect. I don't know what Bianchi's warranties are like, but I'd expect that a two-year old bike would either be covered, or that they'd be helpful even if not.

Have a look here for an example of a developed fatigue failure in an aluminium BB junction:

http://pardo.net/bike/pic/fail-001/FAIL-079.html

and at that website generally, for good pictures of other similar failures, if you're interested:

http://pardo.net/bike/pic/fail-001/000.html

mclarent

Just spoken to Bianchi, it's "back to LBS" and potential frame replacement. 5 year warranty apparently on "same or better" basis. Fingers crossed I get an upgrade to a Carbon 2008 frame

Splottboy

Could be worse, you cudda had paint in yer crack...

mclarent

Just thought's update in case anyone else has the same issue. Took it back to Evans who (grudgingly) sent it back to Bianchi. Took 2 months but eventually it was replaced under warranty. Was a very frustrating process, both the lack of time and the complete lack of communication despite numerous "call you back" promises. I blame Evans really, as Bianchi pretty much refused to speak to me(!) anyway, have my new bike, which I'm pleased with, will post a pic soon. I looked for the frame colour on Bianchi's website, but couldn't find it: think it may be the "warranty replacement" colourscheme...http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomandmay/4894859210/sizes/m/

ynyswen24

Bianchi probably wanted to avoid crossed wires and any chance of a 'he said, she said' situation developing - and the fact that your 'contract' was with Evans and Evans' was with Bianchi so that's understandable.

Glad you got the bike, at least it's mainly Celeste!

I've got a Columbus steel framed Bianchi with a mark in the headtube/upper headtube lug junction, can't tell if its in the paint or the frame but it's 12years old and I thrashed it so I can't complain. I'll get it checked and resprayed one day when I have the money.

mclarent

Think you're right on the Bianchi side, couldn't blame them for that was just frustrating! Anyway, they honoured the 3 year warranty, so I'm happy enough!

Colour scheme is a bit weird, really wasn't sure when I first got it, but tbh it's really grown on me and I'm v happy with it now!

giant_man

ynyswen24 wrote:

Bianchi probably wanted to avoid crossed wires and any chance of a 'he said, she said' situation developing - and the fact that your 'contract' was with Evans and Evans' was with Bianchi so that's understandable.

Glad you got the bike, at least it's mainly Celeste!

I've got a Columbus steel framed Bianchi with a mark in the headtube/upper headtube lug junction, can't tell if its in the paint or the frame but it's 12years old and I thrashed it so I can't complain. I'll get it checked and resprayed one day when I have the money.

No I also blame Evans, they're crap! Just box shifters and only interested in shifting bikes and with no back up.

Monty Dog

Bianchi have significant experience in the replacement of cracked frames - they must have 'unlearned' the many years of experience they accumulated about 10 years ago - google 'Bianchi EV2 frame crack' if you don't believe me. So much so, many retailers won't have anything to do with them.

andy_wrx

Not very impressive.

I bought a Scott for my wife from a dealer miles away over the internet last year.
Noticed a crack in the headtube, sent photos to the dealer and Scott.
Scott replied that I should either send back to original dealer or take to my local dealer, whichever I preferred.
Original dealer responded that yes it would be a warranty claim, but that Scott wanted the frame serial number.
I sent it and they responded 2 days later saying it was OK, Scott would deliver them the new frame so I had a choice of either they send me the frame and I build it up or I could send bike back to them and they'd turn it round in a week.
I sent bike back to them and sure enough got it back, all within 3 weeks of sending the original photos by email.

fixie71

I've just had an issue with Evans over my Bianchi Piste, the young lady in public relations was brilliant, overcame problems with shop in double quick time. The morning after I spoke to her I had a new replacement frame in a lovely celeste, compensated with vouchers as well, superb, can't quibble at that.

mclarent

Should have gone nuclear myself sounds like, lucky you!

Annoying thing, apart from the "when tf will I have my bike back? Anyone? Anyone? Ok, can someone just call me back please? Hello?" was that I was hoping I could have upgraded the frame to an Infinito. Bianchi confirmed this was possible, but Evans never bothered to pass on my request. Don't get me wrong, I love the ride, geom and handling on my current bike, esp since I upgraded the contact points, but it was still a shame to miss that opportunity. By the end was just glad to get my bike back.