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So, what's the DIAGNOSIS folks?

Jul 17, 2003
832
0
Salt Lake City
Here are some thoughts from the dealer's perspective. I will try and get every angle that I would think of should this happen to one of our customers and I was the sales guy that sold the frame.

1) The shop no doubt feels bad that they sold you a defective frame, and are already on top of Cannondale once a week to get your replaced. Guys that work at shops love to ride and try hard to keep their customers happy because generally the customers love to ride as well. That whole brothership thing, whatever.

2) Calling every single day, or (if you really want to never go back to your shop ever again) reversing the credit card charges are only going to piss the guys off at the shop. Everybody knows that good customer service is key, but no shop relies on one single customer to keep them in the black. If you're checking in every few days to try and get some news, that's totally cool. But if you're calling every day threatening to charge back the credit card, that's not going to help. Neither does saying you're going to call the BBB.

3) It's the end of the season. Cannondale probably IS sold out of frames and there's nothing they can do for you right away. I have never worked at a C-Dale dealer but I have heard the same stories about better-than-average customer service. I know it sucks, you want to ride your bike, but sometimes these things happen. The good news is, if they're sold out now, most likely you'll score a 2005 frame as replacement.

4) If you want to get things done quickly and without ruffling too many feathers at your LBS, get your RA number from the shop and start making phone calls to Cannondale. You don't have to worry about them getting pissed off really, and if you get the right inside guy (aka one who sounds like he actually knows anything about mountain biking and the people who do it), it won't hurt to drop some comments regarding your active participation on MTB message boards. Those guys know about the internet wildfire that can ruin a company's rep in a matter of days. They take it seriously.

Anyway, yeah it sucks, but you're in the right in this scenario, so it will get sorted out. It's just going to take a little patience. Just in case some of us have forgotten, this is still the bike industry, and sometimes you just have to wait.
 

Echo

crooked smile
Jul 10, 2002
11,819
15
Slacking at work
James, you make good points, and if you are dealing with a good shop that's definitely the way to go. The local shop that gets my business, gets my business because of their excellent customer service.

However, out of about 10 shops in this town, about 8 of them have crappy customer service, elitist attitudes, and lazy attitudes towards warranty issues.

I'm not saying his shop is in the wrong here, but going by the law of averages, they probably aren't doing everything they could. And if he doesn't harp on them, they probably won't.
 

Jorgen

Monkey
Oct 3, 2003
255
0
Oslo, Norway
I'm so glad we have pretty decent laws on the customers side here in Norway.
This means that if you have a warranty-issue, the SHOP has to replace your item or give you money back if they cannot give you a replacement item, or a loaner in 1 week!
This also means that the only person you have to talk to is the shop-employee. If the shop cannot get you item in 1 week, they have to give you money back/repair/replace your item.

It's nice be a customer with rights!

In your case I would demand money back, no question. You bought a bike/frame that is NOT rideable, and should not have to wait for a new one, it doesn't make sense. If your shop had any kind of dignity they should give you money back or make you an offer on a different bike. You can't go around half summer and fall without a bike you already have payed for. F&/& Cannondale, if they can't cough it up, you should be able to buy something else, your frame was broken!
 

binary visions

The voice of reason
Jun 13, 2002
22,203
1,391
NC
Jorgen said:
In your case I would demand money back, no question. You bought a bike/frame that is NOT rideable, and should not have to wait for a new one, it doesn't make sense.
Well, as he stated, he bought the bike complete, tore it to pieces, and sold all the parts. He really has no right to demand his money back at this point.

And, something that James said, but I feel should be re-stated:

It doesn't matter how good a customer service department is, if there are no frames in stock, there are no frames in stock. The CS guy can't fabricate one in his cubicle. They offered up a black frame, which is probably the only one that they had - it's fine that it wasn't wanted, but being unable to supply a replacement doesn't brand them as a company with lousy CS.

Anyhow, the whole thing sucks, no doubt - frames just shouldn't come out of the factory like that. But life and people aren't perfect, so just bear with them. More than likely, you'll get a 2005 frame out of the bargain (considering there are no 2004s left).

You should definitly make sure that your LBS is doing everything possible, though. We have three major shops in my town and only one of them would I trust to be doing everything in their power to handle my problems. One is run with too few employees, and the other is a bunch of arrogent, unknowledgable kids who I wouldn't even trust to tune a derailleur.
 

Matt D

Monkey
Mar 19, 2002
996
0
charlottesville, va
Do they have any frames in stock that you'd want? You could probably get a different frame and sell that. For instance the new Prophet would probably sell in a heartbeat since they're brand new.
 
James,

I totally agree with you. That's why I've been as polite as I can to the owner and have never made any type of threat.

As far as frequency I've sent emails once every week. The owner is really good about emailing back but of course it's never good news.

I still feel at this point there's not much more I can do but wait it out. It's just frustrating that it had to turn out to be such a hassle.
 
Matt D said:
Do they have any frames in stock that you'd want? You could probably get a different frame and sell that. For instance the new Prophet would probably sell in a heartbeat since they're brand new.
I keep asking them to ask Cannondale what they DO have in stock/what choices do I have but he says Cannondale never gets back to him.

I really don't feel like I'm THAT picky. but I can't say "I'll take that one" when I have no clue as to what my choices are.

As far as getting a different frame I think their warranty policy says it can only be replaced with something similar. Who knows, though
 
Update:

The madness continues. If you’re really bored, or you hate Cannondale, you won’t mind reading through the following correspondence between me and Cannondale.

After still not hearing from Cannondale or my dealer the rest of last week, I sent this email this morning:

From: Bruce Buck [mailto:azonicbruce@ispwest.com]
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2004 4:20 AM
To: Michael Rosson; Tim Corbett
Cc: custserv@cannondale.com
Subject: 5 weeks...Still waiting...Cracked '02 Gemini
Importance: High


Dear Mike and Cannondale,

Today it has been 5 weeks since I sent in my BRAND NEW Gemini frame that appeared to have a crack. 5 weeks and STILL no word on what is being done about it. I've asked Mike several times to call the Cannondale rep and ask what is being done/what can be done/ how long will it take to get done. Mike has been very good about getting back to me, however, his answer is always the same: The rep hasn't gotten back to him yet...

There seems to be a huge lack of communication in this situation and it's getting more frustrating each passing day. So far the best I've been able to find out is that you're out of stock of small Geminis. OK, sooo, WHEN will you have something ready, WHAT are my choices as far as color and configuration, etc.? These questions still have yet to be answered.

I can totally understand that there are a number of reasons why you might not have any replacements in stock, or why it's taking so long. But it begs the question, WHY would ANYBODY want to go through any of this hassle ever again? Forget the great warranty, I'd rather not ever have to use the warranty, especially given this latest fiasco. No offense Cannondale, but none of us would be in this situation if you had simply done a THOROUGH inspection of the frame before it ever left the factory. OK, so we all make mistakes, but geez 5 weeks and still nothing to show for it? I just can't comprehend how anybody would come out of this with a positive opinion of Cannondale. I could understand if I had ridden the bike and beaten it up causing a failure, but geez I didn't even get to ride the dang thing! The lack of communication is what's really making it frustrating.

I really don't think I'm asking too much. I at least know that I'm not the only one that feels this way either:

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=49764
http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94713&page=1&pp=15

Could somebody PLEASE get in touch with Mike and let me know what is being done and when it will be done? I'd really appreciate more information on what's going on so I can get back to what's really important...riding.

Sincerely,
Bruce Buck
El Paso, TX
60Hz Productions
www.60hzproductions.com

OK, so I seemed a tad pissed. Well sure enough I start getting some responses right away:

From: Tim Corbett [mailto:tim.corbett@cannondale.com]
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2004 6:15 AM
To: 'azonicbruce@byu.net'
Subject: RE: 5 weeks...Still waiting...Cracked '02 Gemini

Bruce,

We are sorry but we do not know every dealer by name. What is the name of the dealer? Do you have a phone number for the dealer?​


I politely reply:

From: Bruce Buck [mailto:azonicbruce@ispwest.com]
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2004 10:20 AM
To: 'Tim Corbett'
Subject: RE: 5 weeks...Still waiting...Cracked '02 Gemini


Sorry. Here is the info:
Michael Rosson - Owner
The Bicycle Company
El Paso, TX
915-544-2453
Email: bikeco1@aol.com

The response:

From: Tim Corbett [mailto:tim.corbett@cannondale.com]
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2004 11:14 AM
To: 'azonicbruce@byu.net'
Subject: RE: 5 weeks...Still waiting...Cracked '02 Gemini

Bruce,

After checking with the dealer and the rep we find the reason for the 5 week delay is they shipped you a new Gemini frame and you sent it back because of the girls decal.

The new frame with NO GIRLS DECAL will arrive as soon as it is built.​


Hmmm, this isn’t entirely accurate/true. So I guess I need to clarify and set the record straight. So I send back this email.

From: Bruce Buck [mailto:azonicbruce@ispwest.com]
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2004 12:09 PM
To: 'Tim Corbett'
Cc: 'BIKECO1@aol.com'
Subject: RE: 5 weeks...Still waiting...Cracked '02 Gemini

Thank you for getting back to me.

Again there appears to be some confusion. This is what I was told in emails:

Regarding the frame
From: BIKECO1@aol.com [mailto:BIKECO1@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, September 13, 2004 4:03 PM
To: azonicbruce@byu.net
Subject: Re: FW: Gemini Frame
Hey Bruce
I talked to my inside rep at Cannondale and he could not give me an answer on the frame, but he is sending a black main frame like what comes on the Gemini 900. I hope this is OK, it is the frame or main frame they have in stock. Your swingarm and shock should bolt right up. Let me know if this is not acceptable and we can go from there. I apologize for the inconvenience this has created.
Mike


Here Mike is telling me that you're ONLY going to send the Front Triangle, not a complete frame, to which I responded that a Tangello swingarm and a Black front triangle would be completely ghetto. I asked him if you could send just a whole new frame, and told him about my concern for the decals. His response:

From: BIKECO1@aol.com [mailto:BIKECO1@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2004 1:48 PM
To: azonicbruce@byu.net
Subject: Re: FW: Gemini Frame
Hi Bruce
I was told that this frame did not have the Gemini girl on it. Cannondale isn't hesitating to replace the whole frame, they just don't have any complete frames in stock right now. If you don't mind waiting I should be able to get you any color frame they offer, I just don't know how long that will take and was hoping to get you on your bike asap. Would the Siemens replica be your first pick? Cannondale does realize the fact that this is a brand new bike and they want you to be happy with it's replacement.
I have called Cannondale and I'm waiting on a return call to ask when and what else can be done. I'll let you know what's up as soon as I hear.
Mike


To which I responded:

From: Bruce Buck [mailto:azonicbruce@ispwest.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2004 2:50 PM
To: 'BIKECO1@aol.com'
Subject: RE: FW: Gemini Frame
Oh, ok. I was told by Tim Corbett of Cannondale customer service that all of the matching color '04 frames only had those decals, so that's why I assumed that. Perhaps the rep is talking about one of the newer '05 frames.

Why don't we do this: Find out exactly what frame styles/color/model year they are willing to make available to me, and how long they estimate it will take to get. I'll try and make a decision from there.

Of course I'd love to be back on a bike as soon as possible BUT if it means that I'll be able to get what I would really like and want, then I think I'll be willing to wait. I'm trying to hold out for the new Fox 36 or the '05 Marzocchi Z1 150mm and neither are available at this very moment, so it's not like I'm totally going to be stressed out. Although my love handles aren't exactly getting any smaller either...:)

Thanks for your help.

Bruce

At that point is when I hadn't heard any news since. So again, I'm still in the dark as to what my options are, if any.

Thanks,
Bruce Buck​

OK, so I’m thinking NOW everybody should be on the same page and we can all get going on this issue. Well HERE’S the KICKER! This is the response I get from Cannondale:

From: Tim Corbett [mailto:tim.corbett@cannondale.com]
Sent: Monday, September 27, 2004 12:47 PM
To: 'azonicbruce@byu.net'
Subject: RE: 5 weeks...Still waiting...Cracked '02 Gemini

Bruce,

Cannondale does not replace swing arms when the front triangle is all that needs to be replaced. You never asked if every frame came with girl decals you just asked if they could be removed, without explaining the situation to me.

This will have to be worked out through your dealer and the rep.​

Soooo, basically they telling me that they want my new shiny ride to look like this:



Maybe some of you think it looks pimp, but I think it looks ghetto. If I bought a brand new car that was Red and the door panel was defective, do you think ANY car manufacturer would get away with sending me a Black door as a replacement?

I think this is going to be the staw that breaks the camel’s back. Whatever they end up sending me, I AM selling it and getting something else. Why in the world anybody would want to have to go through this again is beyond me…
 

Kornphlake

Turbo Monkey
Oct 8, 2002
2,632
1
Portland, OR
Ha, you were banned from MTBR. Nothing useful to contribute, other than my sympathy FWIW my shock is still being held hostage at Progressive supposedly being rebuilt for the 3rd time this summer after no more than a dozen rides.
 
Echo said:
You got banned from MTBR for posting that? What the f*ck.
Guess it's my fault for putting the link to it in the email to Cannondale. They probably saw that it was in the "Manufacturer's Forum" and didn't like my sarcasm with a title like "Cannondale's 'Great' Customer Service" Tee-hee :love:

I emailed the admins to ask why it was done. I'll see if they get back to me. :eviltongu
 

ohio

The Fresno Kid
Nov 26, 2001
6,649
26
SF, CA
Replacing front triangle-only is unacceptable for a NEW frame warranty issue. They can keep your rear-triangle in their warranty stock for any USED replacements and give you a whole new frame. It costs them nothing (whatever rear triangles are in the warranty stock are just as likely to mismatch) and keeps you happy. Although chances are, they are completely out of QR rears. I'm assuming the only reason they were on the 900 was to get rid of stock.

I would send them a polite letter suggersting they keep your NEW rear as warranty stock. Do not accept half of a replacement. Have Mike go to bat for you on that issue too. He sounds like a good dealer.
 
Hmm, looks like I'm magically allowed to post again on the other board :sneaky:

Yeah, Mike's been pretty nice about the whole thing. At this point I think I've done enough kicking and screaming and hopefully something will come of all this. If I send any more "polite" letters it may just tick them off more.
 

math2014

wannabe curb dropper
Sep 2, 2003
1,198
0
I want to move to BC!!!
Good luck bruce with that,

A couple of months ago i saw a post with an uneven seattube on a brand new scalpel frame (iirc), that guy got a new frame within days. The same should happen to you.

This is a manufacturer's defect 100% and calls for COMPLETE replacement of the frame.

But since not all of humans are rational beeings , i just have to say good luck.
 

seismic

Turbo Monkey
Dec 22, 2003
3,254
0
South East Asia
Hey Bruce

I was just sitting here reading the whole thread. I can only say that I wondered why Cannondale wants to drag everything out as long as they can while not having any respect for their customers :mumble: :confused: . I hope you will end up with something making you satisfied ! And by the way....black front/yellow rear........... :mad: :mad: :mad: