Hello, I’m just getting into biking and I’m new to this sub, so apologies if this is the wrong place to ask this question.
I just received my new Hudski Doggler and in my excitement I immediately went to assemble it. After I had cut all the zipties I noticed a pretty apparent scratch in the carbon fork (pictured). I had barely touched the bike at this point so I’m pretty sure it happened during shipping or production.
I emailed Hudski to inform them. I didn’t make any demands, just send them pictures and asked if it looked cosmetic. I want to see what they say. I finished assembling it but I haven’t taken it for a ride.
I’m torn because I know they’re going to suggest I send it back. But then I have to wait for a new bike, and I’m fresh off losing my car, and I want to get around! I don’t really care if it’s just cosmetic (beyond being a little bummed), but I would only want to keep it if I’m sure it’s not going to point or lead to structural issues in the carbon. Would it be reasonable to request a discount if it’s just cosmetic? Is there any way to tell beyond taking it to a shop? Any advice would be appreciated.
by carbonhiker
6 Comments
From the photos it looks cosmetic. But if it’s a brand new bike I’d honestly return it and get what you actually paid for. After all you don’t know what impact caused that gash on the fork. Go off on them and maybe they’ll throw in a free tyre/ gift card with the replacement for wasting your time.
For off-road or utilitarian bikes, I think it’s generally not worth fussing over cosmetic defects because they’ll accumulate rapidly through regular use anyway. On the other hand, a factory defect on a brand new product is a bit different from a battle scar, so I’d understand wanting to return it to ding it up yourself.
It would be perfectly appropriate to ask for a discount. These things happen all the time.
Return it, not even a question. You paid for a brand new, perfect bike, not a sandpaper finished one.
I would go buy a cheap one to get me through, and send that back. Then sell the cheap one.
Personally would not keep it