I took my bike in to have the top tube inspected because I thought I heard a cracking sound coming from the frame. I sat on the top tube on a few occasions but I (nor Canyon) cannot prove that this was the cause of the crack. Today they sent me some videos recorded from an endoscope.
They said this is out of warranty.
I said I weigh 60 kg I honestly think it’s implausible that I broke the frame. I also thought the failure appeared to resemble debonding between the prepreg layers. If it were caused by excessive concentrated weight, then the failure mode would likely to have resulted in splintered fibres.
I don’t know – honestly this is the second frame – the first was DOA at their service centre which they replaced directly. It was 8 months ago. [I also had my LUX mtb warrantied and replaced](https://www.reddit.com/r/MTB/comments/15ss4qt/would_you_accept_this_damage_on_a_new_replacement/) (bike finally picked up this week while I dropped the Aeroad off) because I found two symmetrical cracks on the downtube.
Honestly man, I like Canyon, I love their bikes but how is this passable? This is definitely not negligence.
What would you guys do? The rep will contact me on Monday. A out of warranty option (€1600) or a “repair” is amongst the options.
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First response:
>While we had the cockpit ‘open’, we also inspected the inside of the top tube with an endoscope as you mentioned you heard a cracking sound when sitting on the top tube. We found out that the carbon was delaminated from the inside. When pushing on the soft spot from the outside, you can see the inner layer fold out. Please see attached video for a clarification. This means that the integrity of the frame can no longer be guaranteed.
>
>The thing is that the top tube is not meant to be sat on as the carbon is very thin here, especially on a CFR which was engineered for optimum race performance and weight reduction over durability. Because this was caused by an external force that the frame is not designed to withstand, we cannot cover this under warranty. As the frame is weakened, we advise against riding this frame (serial number R06501H22F0412). Of course you’re free to do so at your own risk but we’d like to have mentioned this.
>
>We can understand that this is not the message you wished to get. The good thing is that there are possibilities to restore the frame. As this is an issue from the inside, it’s slightly difficult to repair by a carbon repair shop. Nevertheless this should be possible and if you’re interested we can ask them what’s possible. Another option is to replace the frame under out [Crash Replacement](https://www.canyon.com/nl-nl/customer-service/help-center/crash-replacement.html) service under which a replacement frame would cost €1600,- excluding €49,90 shipping. If you’d be interested in the option we can also offer a replacement/rebuild of the frame at our servicecenter for €225,-.
Second response:
>In the mean time we wanted to come back to the content. We understand your displeasure regarding the outcome of the inspection. While the paragraph below from our [Terms & Conditions](https://www.canyon.com/en-nl/about-content/terms-conditions.html), states that *unspecified use according to the fields of use for the particular product as described on our website* is not covered by the warranty we can understand your point of view and use case. Therefore we will contact the relevant department in Germany for a second opinion. As soon as we have more information, we will let you know. Even without an update, we’ll at least contact you latest next wednesday.
>
>*The guarantee in paragraphs X.1.-X.3. above does not cover damages caused by inappropriate or unspecified use according to the fields of use for the particular product as described on our website, as for example: Neglect of product; modifications to frame or fork (for example engravings or lacquering); crash; excessive load; jumps; mounting and alteration of additional components that were not expressly approved by us or replacement of our original components by components that do not have a similar quality.*
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by samuraijon
6 Comments
That’s rough… is it canyon US?
Does your credit card (if you used one for the purchase) provide any kind of extended warranty?
The problem is you said you ‘sat’ on it, which suggests you’ve put your entire body weight there. If that’s the case, then I agree with their response (and maybe this should be a lesson on ‘need to know’ information in the future).
If you didn’t do that, then you need to be clearer, as sat has a very specific connotation.
Don’t expect much from cheap Chinese carbon frames, especially thin and fragile CFR ones.
Bro, don’t sit on the top tube. In Germany we call it „Joghurtbecher“.
You sat on the top tube?!!!
Sorry to say, but you didn’t use common sense there. Definitely negligence. And you admitted it too. Lol.
The top tube does not need to be strong nor is it strong.