In addition to needing a regular pre-race tune-up, he asked them to investigate a noise he'd heard. He'd called the bike guy before coming in and he and Ken thought it could be bottom bracket related. There was also something about a hub and the bike needed a new back tire. All issues we could handle/afford paying for. All great things to wrap up before a big event.
Later that day Ken went back to pick up his baby and instead won the pre-race "don't want to hear it" lottery.
Ken's bike frame is cracked.
- That makes it unrideable.
- That makes it worthless.
- And Ken's big event, Ford Ironman Coeur d'Alene, is 45 days away.
Williamson Bicycles was wonderful, supportive & understanding. They charged Ken for some parts, that's it. But Williamson Bicycles is no longer a FELT dealer, so they referred Ken to the Bicycle Dr., a FELT dealer in Dousman, Wis.
Ken called the Bicycle Dr and drove there the next morning to see what his options were. We'd taken photos of the crack Friday night & I scanned a copy of his original receipt so we had backup.
A bike mechanic named Kevin at Bicycle Dr. took in the situation and the FELT salesrep was on site. Things in our favor:
- Ken is the original owner.
- Ken bought the bike from a FELT dealer.
- Ken loved and cared for his bike like a baby.
- We have the original dated receipt.
- All FELT frames have a lifetime warranty.
Things that get tricky:
- time
- time
- time
Kevin e-mailed the warranty claim on Saturday and called FELT Monday morning. Monday evening Kevin told Ken we'd know more by Wednesday. The FELT salesrep was going to check on frames, upgrades and discounts Tuesday.
It's Wednesday night and we have no new information. We're very close to panic mode. Frames and bikes take minimum five days to ship, then time to assemble and then fit. And the days/weeks continue to race by as Ironman CdA nears.
Questions for You:
- What's your most stressful pre-race situation? How did you handle it?
- How would you handle it if you were Ken?
photo: Ken's poor S22. The crack is on the rear seat stay.
