K2 Warranty deal

[k2biker]

Ok, so I pulled out the old Pro Flex 755 and was reviewing building it as a "soft tail" bike for this season and found two cracks at the BB.  Sent it back to K2 through the good folks at REI and the word is, they'll give me an Attack 3.0 (which I cannot find on the website) or credit towards a Razorback.  Of course, I would love the latter as I am in need of a race bike this year.  Their offer is they'll send me the Razorback for the low low price of $354 out of my pocket.  

Here's my question.  Has anyone else dealt with this type of situation and what was the resolution?  I know the the 755 is an older bike, but if I'm going to spend over 300 clams on a frame, it ain't gonna be a K2 for a racing bike.  The RB is nice, but it's on the hefty side and the TT does not fit me properly.  I can spend the same cash and get a KHS Team ST frame which will be lighter, more efficient, and being steel tubing, will probably last longer.  

Do you think I stand a chance through my local rep?  

[k2biker]

Let me ammend this...

I found the Attack 3.0 on the site.  Does anyone know of an aftermarket air shock for it?

[kiwi]

Wow k2 warrantied a 1995 755!!!!I though the warranty was five years?

[sammydog]

I must admit that if I found cracks in either my 955 or 855 I wouldn't have even thought of the warrenty. Nice to know they back their product, although surprised that a 95 model fram would be replaced..

Maybe I should be out there riding them more often.

[k2biker]

Here's the update...

After speaking with the K2 guys again, and explaining that I already have a '98 Beast and 99 Evo I would rather not add another K2 fully to the arsenal.  So, we settled on a Zed 4.0 HT.  

Let's see, it's been 9 yrs since I rode a HT but I'm doing all endurance races now and let's just say the Beast is a great bike, but she ain't light and efficient enough for 12 hours in the saddle.  Comfy like a Barka lounger she may be, but having to drag it up some of the climbs 16 hours into a 24 hour race ain't fun!

Am I excited about the Zed?  You betcha    Will I ride the hell out of it?  You betcha!  Do I still love K2?  You betcha!!

[Ionit]

Hey K2biker

How do you contact the people at K2 that deal with this sort of thing.
When I went to the website it said the only way I could contact them is through a dealer. If I wanted to return the frame they would have to make the necessary arrangements.

[k2biker]

I-2
I called K2 initially.  I'm not sure if the number I have in my planner is the same as on the website, but I called them and asked them first.  They told me with the proof of purchase, that frame has a lifetime warranty.  They advised they could simply send me the standard replacement (which the guy did not know for sure what it would be) or they cold offer me a credit towards a RB.  I would, however, have to work everything through a dealer.  

When I went to my dealer, a local REI store (www.rei.com), I advised the bike manager of my conversation with K2 so he knew I wasn't crappin' around and he sent the frame to K2.  He advised me that K2 was offering an Attack 3.0 at no charge, or a RB for $354.  I asked him some questions which he could not answer on behalf of K2, so he put the warranty guy in touch with me and we settled the deal.  K2 is sending the frame back to my REI store this week.  

My deal is that I don't have the $354 for a RB.  And as I've stated, I already have two K2 fully's in the aresenal and wanted something different since my riding focus has changed.  I'll be pleased with the Zed, I think.  It'll be an adjustment, but I'm excited about it!  

Moral of the story:  save those receipts!! I always staple my bike receipts to the inside back cover of my owner's manual and stick the manual in the file cabinet.  I always know where the receipt is that way.  

[smiley=beer.gif] [smiley=beer.gif]

[Ionit]

I  hope they will still honor the frame I have. It is a  98 4500. It hase a few cracks on the main triangle.  Thanks for the help.  

Good thing I still have the bill. never lost it. Thank goodness.

[Ionit]

This Is what k2 had to say about my 4500 carbon frame. After discovering several cracks. I really think this an issue because they have restrained me from ridding the bike for fear of the bike failing on me.
It was a medium frame and I am only 140 pound rider I find it peculiar that I stress the bike this much.

My Question to K2 was this:

I bought a k2 4500 carbon in 1998. It has been a great ride. But recently during
a frame inspection I found several small cracks. These cracks are seen on the
main triangle on each side. a couple are around the down tub (gusset area). Also
near the seat junction and near the pivot area.
Does K2 honor warrantees for these frames. If so can you reply to my e-mail
address with further instructions about your warranty policy.
I still have the original receipt.

This is what they had to say:
]The warranty for this frame is five years from the date of purchase for the
original owner only.  Sent us some digital pictures of the areas in question.  I
believe all you are seeing is surface crazing which is normal for this frame and
is not a structural crack.

Sorry all those K2 4500 and 5500 original owners out there. I am planning on sending them some pictures of the affected area. I'll post latter to tell you more about what they say when they see them.