Do Turbo's put added Stress onto the Frame?

milemuncher1

colinsmith123 wrote:

Maglia Rosa wrote:

Bobbinogs wrote:

This usually comes up at the start of winter with particular concern coming from posters with carbon frames. In general, there is some confusion because, whilst there are thousands and thousands of riders out there who regularly use a turbo without any issues whatsoever, there are still some manufacturers who specifically exclude turbo use in terms of warranty cover, e.g., from Specialized:

High performance carbon road bikes are a really bad idea on indoor trainers. The fixing of the rear chainstays in one place and the biting of the clamp creates all kinds of twisting forces from odd angles, that can, over time, be really bad for a lightweight frame.

Personally, I have never had a problem but then my turbo bike (which happens to be a Specialized) is alu.

EDIT: Good idea above about greasing/lubing the clamp points which are the probable source of squeaking

If you ever watch any pro cycling events you will, from time to time, see the riders sat on turbos warming up before the race. They probably can spin at a speed that us mere mortals can only dream of. I have been at events where they sit there spinning at some ludicrously high resistance then jump off, change the QR on the rear wheel and ride the same bike off to the start line so its obviously not likely to have done any damage to the frame if they are about to compete on it.

Personally I have ridden all my carbon and alu bikes on my turbo (TACX Sartori) with no issues at all.

My Spesh Roubaix cracked around the Zertz inserts. I sent it back via LBS. Spesh UK response, it has either been crashed or used on a turbo for which we do not cover under warranty. As it had not been crashed, but had been used on a turbo, I used the Etixx Quickstep team on turbos argument, as I have a similar turbo. Guess what? The frame sits in the shed, awaiting 1. the skip or 2. the carbon frame repairer.

^^
The proof of the pudding is in the eating. With Spesh having said that, I'd say it's a fair bet that they have had to take that stance, from experience. I've universally found Spesh to be very fair and reasonable.

Anonymous

colinsmith123 wrote:

Maglia Rosa wrote:

Bobbinogs wrote:

This usually comes up at the start of winter with particular concern coming from posters with carbon frames. In general, there is some confusion because, whilst there are thousands and thousands of riders out there who regularly use a turbo without any issues whatsoever, there are still some manufacturers who specifically exclude turbo use in terms of warranty cover, e.g., from Specialized:

High performance carbon road bikes are a really bad idea on indoor trainers. The fixing of the rear chainstays in one place and the biting of the clamp creates all kinds of twisting forces from odd angles, that can, over time, be really bad for a lightweight frame.

Personally, I have never had a problem but then my turbo bike (which happens to be a Specialized) is alu.

EDIT: Good idea above about greasing/lubing the clamp points which are the probable source of squeaking

If you ever watch any pro cycling events you will, from time to time, see the riders sat on turbos warming up before the race. They probably can spin at a speed that us mere mortals can only dream of. I have been at events where they sit there spinning at some ludicrously high resistance then jump off, change the QR on the rear wheel and ride the same bike off to the start line so its obviously not likely to have done any damage to the frame if they are about to compete on it.

Personally I have ridden all my carbon and alu bikes on my turbo (TACX Sartori) with no issues at all.

My Spesh Roubaix cracked around the Zertz inserts. I sent it back via LBS. Spesh UK response, it has either been crashed or used on a turbo for which we do not cover under warranty. As it had not been crashed, but had been used on a turbo, I used the Etixx Quickstep team on turbos argument, as I have a similar turbo. Guess what? The frame sits in the shed, awaiting 1. the skip or 2. the carbon frame repairer.

If there was going to be one brand who refuse to accept their customers complaints and treat everyone with disdain it was allways likey to be Specialized. At the same time I see ads from Cannondale showing their riders on supersixes clamped to Kurt Kinetic turbos so they obviously have no issue.

wishitwasallflat

Maglia Rosa wrote:

colinsmith123 wrote:

Maglia Rosa wrote:

Bobbinogs wrote:

This usually comes up at the start of winter with particular concern coming from posters with carbon frames. In general, there is some confusion because, whilst there are thousands and thousands of riders out there who regularly use a turbo without any issues whatsoever, there are still some manufacturers who specifically exclude turbo use in terms of warranty cover, e.g., from Specialized:

High performance carbon road bikes are a really bad idea on indoor trainers. The fixing of the rear chainstays in one place and the biting of the clamp creates all kinds of twisting forces from odd angles, that can, over time, be really bad for a lightweight frame.

Personally, I have never had a problem but then my turbo bike (which happens to be a Specialized) is alu.

EDIT: Good idea above about greasing/lubing the clamp points which are the probable source of squeaking

If you ever watch any pro cycling events you will, from time to time, see the riders sat on turbos warming up before the race. They probably can spin at a speed that us mere mortals can only dream of. I have been at events where they sit there spinning at some ludicrously high resistance then jump off, change the QR on the rear wheel and ride the same bike off to the start line so its obviously not likely to have done any damage to the frame if they are about to compete on it.

Personally I have ridden all my carbon and alu bikes on my turbo (TACX Sartori) with no issues at all.

My Spesh Roubaix cracked around the Zertz inserts. I sent it back via LBS. Spesh UK response, it has either been crashed or used on a turbo for which we do not cover under warranty. As it had not been crashed, but had been used on a turbo, I used the Etixx Quickstep team on turbos argument, as I have a similar turbo. Guess what? The frame sits in the shed, awaiting 1. the skip or 2. the carbon frame repairer.

If there was going to be one brand who refuse to accept their customers complaints and treat everyone with disdain it was allways likey to be Specialized. At the same time I see ads from Cannondale showing their riders on supersixes clamped to Kurt Kinetic turbos so they obviously have no issue.

I'm no fan of Spesh in terms of their morals and business model - but - their lifetime frame warranty is cast iron IME. If you search on here and www there are loads of posts about how good Spesh's warranty is and none I could find otherwise.

Where in the Spesh paperwork does it say the lifetime frame warranty is void if the bike has been used in a turbo?

LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY ON FRAMES AND FRAMESETS

Also subject to the following limitations, terms and conditions, Specialized warrants to the original owner of this bicycle that this Specialized bicycle’s frame or frameset when new is free of defective materials and workmanship. The lifetime limited warranty is conditioned upon the bicycle being operated under normal conditions and use, and properly maintained. This limited warranty does not apply to paint/finish or components attached to the bicycle frame/frameset such as front forks (unless Specialized branded non-suspension forks forming part of the frameset), wheels, drivetrain, brakes, seatpost, handlebar and stem or any suspension related parts or components. Paint/finish, components attached to the bicycle frame/frameset such as front forks (to the extent not covered by this limited warranty), wheels, drivetrain, brakes, seatpost, handlebar and stem or any suspension related parts or components are covered under the limited two (2) year warranty (above). Certain suspension related parts or components may also be covered under the limited five (5) year warranty (below). This warranty is void if the bicycle or frameset was not assembled by an authorised Specialized dealer in accordance with Specialized’s instructions and does not transfer to subsequent owners of this bicycle.

ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS

This Limited Warranty is made on new Specialized bicycles or framesets purchased from an authorised Specialized dealer. In order to exercise your rights under this limited warranty, the bicycle or frameset must be presented to an authorised Specialized dealer, together with a proof of purchase. Should this bicycle, frameset or any part be determined by Specialized to be covered by this warranty, it will be repaired or replaced, at Specialized’s sole option, which will be conclusive and binding. Under no circumstances does this limited warranty include the cost of travel or shipment to and from an authorised Specialized dealer. Such costs, if any, shall be borne by the owner. This limited warranty does not apply to normal wear and tear, nor to claimed defects, malfunctions or failures that result from abuse, neglect, improper assembly, improper maintenance, alteration, collision, crash or misuse. This bicycle or frameset has not been designed, engineered, distributed, manufactured, or retailed for use in trick riding, ramp riding, jumping, aggressive riding, riding on severe terrain, riding in severe climates, riding with heavy loads, commercial activities, or any similar activities; such use may damage the bicycle, can cause serious injury to the rider, and in all cases will void this warranty.


No mention there I can see of use in a turbo voiding warranty. What is published is essentially the contract - did you challenge the refusal to honour the warranty? If not do so ASAP. Take it up with Trading Standards and if needed Small Claims court cause if there's nothing in writing in the warranty or published information (as quoted above) I cannot see how any Small Claims judge could not find in your favour.

pblakeney

wishitwasallflat wrote:

....a bit about warranty....

"The lifetime limited warranty is conditioned upon the bicycle being operated under normal conditions and use, and properly maintained."
Wouldn't take long for a lawyer to point out that a turbo is not normal use for a road bike that is not designed to be used on a turbo.
Not to say that it can't, but at the owner's risk.

webboo

The problem with life time warranties it is entirely up,to,the company whether they honour it. If they choose not too then you have take the shop or the company you bought the bike from to court under trading standards law and according to what I was informed by them. You do not get the retail value of your bike/ frame you are entitled the current value of a bike of what ever age it is. That's if you win of course.

wishitwasallflat

PBlakeney wrote:

wishitwasallflat wrote:

....a bit about warranty....

"The lifetime limited warranty is conditioned upon the bicycle being operated under normal conditions and use, and properly maintained."
Wouldn't take long for a lawyer to point out that a turbo is not normal use for a road bike that is not designed to be used on a turbo.
Not to say that it can't, but at the owner's risk.

Respectfully disagree, using road (and other bikes) in turbos is perfectly normal behaviour. This argument would only be persuasive if Spesh, or other manufacturers, sold bikes which were marketed and designed for use in turbos - AND - other bikes, marketed and designed for use on the road.

They don't so there is no support for the argument that road and turbo bikes are separate entities.

pblakeney

wishitwasallflat wrote:

Respectfully disagree, using road (and other bikes) in turbos is perfectly normal behaviour. This argument would only be persuasive if Spesh, or other manufacturers, sold bikes which were marketed and designed for use in turbos - AND - other bikes, marketed and designed for use on the road.

They don't so there is no support for the argument that road and turbo bikes are separate entities.

Only they, and other manufacturers, don't cover bikes that have been used on turbos.
More than a hint of support there. Carry on if you wish. At your own risk.

thegreatdivide

Milemuncher1 wrote:

colinsmith123 wrote:

Maglia Rosa wrote:

Bobbinogs wrote:

My Spesh Roubaix cracked around the Zertz inserts. I sent it back via LBS. Spesh UK response, it has either been crashed or used on a turbo for which we do not cover under warranty. As it had not been crashed, but had been used on a turbo, I used the Etixx Quickstep team on turbos argument, as I have a similar turbo. Guess what? The frame sits in the shed, awaiting 1. the skip or 2. the carbon frame repairer.

^^
The proof of the pudding is in the eating. With Spesh having said that, I'd say it's a fair bet that they have had to take that stance, from experience. I've universally found Spesh to be very fair and reasonable.

Where's the proof? Specialized declined to warranty because they say it was used on a turbo. The poster can't confirm that the turbo was the cause of the fault - it could have been a manufacturing issue that was aggravated once on the road.

Bobbinogs

Hang on, that is not my quote!

thegreatdivide

Bobbinogs wrote:

Hang on, that is not my quote!

LOL - sorry - quoting a quote HTML madness.

imposter2.0

bianchimoon wrote:

Not the twisting stresses you get from it being 'locked' into place at one point of the frame. Seated, smooth spinning shouldn't cause a problem, but standing spinning and rocking might possibly

Anyone standing and rocking side-to-side on a turbo is not doing it right...

Anonymous

Imposter wrote:

bianchimoon wrote:

Not the twisting stresses you get from it being 'locked' into place at one point of the frame. Seated, smooth spinning shouldn't cause a problem, but standing spinning and rocking might possibly

Anyone standing and rocking side-to-side on a turbo is not doing it right...

Unless its a Kurt Kinetic Rock and roll!!