Hi all, I'm looking for a little bit of advice.
This is my second titanium frame that has cracked. The first was replaced under warranty by the supplier no quibbles (although it took over 7 months to get a new frame). The first time, the frame cracked around the holes for cable on the downtube - definitely a design fault which has since been addressed on the new frame.
The new frame has now cracked on the weld area between the headtube and downtube - just a small crack, which I spotted early on, but still a definite crack.
Does this look like it could be repaired (without an ugly weld), or is a replacement frame needed?
The supplier has however examined the frame and found a bit of wear on my non-drive rear stay.
It has a small dip into the rear stay when he rubs his finger over it - he's saying it's 'severe wear', I think it's more cosmetic.
Because of this however, this is their stance:
Even if our manufacturer can repair the head tube the seat stay has worn in such a way it now compromises the rear of the frame and we wouldn't want you riding a frame that we know is compromised at the rear.
My proposal is that we offer a replacement frame but as the current one can't be repaired due to the seat stay we would ask you to contribute 50% towards the cost of a new frame. We're happy covering the labour cost of switching all the parts or building up a new bike which is roughly £250 for a bike like this.Surely the crack is the problem, if the crack can't be repaired (no matter if there is wear on the stay) the frame should be replaced - that's the manufacturer's error. If the crack can be replaced, then surely the wear on the stay is my problem, and if I decide it is just cosmetic, I could just keep using the frame. Obviously if it breaks at the stay, then it isn't the suppliers problem.
Any advice welcomed,
Thanks