Prinicipia frame breaks

[bladerunner]

This frame [a Principia Rex e Pro] broke around the bottle-cage area on the down-tube.
Has anyone ever had or seen a similar breakage?
Also, contacted Principia HQ and they said that it was a model made by the "old" Principia and they won't cover the warranty on it. They can only offer a discount for buying a new frame.
Is this the sort of service Principia is known for? Has anyone had a similar experience?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/97809277@N00/4158681682/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/97809277@N00/4158680288/in/photostream/

 

[bladerunner]

How do I show a picture in the message? I included the URL but it doesn't seem to show!!!

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

How do I show a picture in the message? I included the URL but it doesn't seem to show!!!

In the message formatting window you'll see a bunch of buttons at the top. Click on the one that looks like a postcard with mountains. If you roll over these buttons with your mouse it tells what each one does. Make sure you use http links to post photos. Do NOT use the embed code.

Happy posting. Sorry for your loss.

 

[gslater]

Yeah, my Dad had a Principia -- same model I believe, with the same issue. And they totally screwed him on the warranty. Unfortunately, I don't know all of the details off hand, but he was very disappointed by the company's unprofessional 'non-handling' of the situation. He said they were very dismissive and, if I recall correctly, even tried to avoid his communication with them. So yeah, the problem is familiar, and I believe the service is typical as well. Good luck.

Graham

 

[usedtobefast]

there are guys who can repair carbon frames

 

[titan_90]

there are guys who can repair carbon frames

Calfee Design

 

[usedtobefast]

http://www.calfeedesign.com/howtosendrepair.htm

 

[bladerunner]

It's an aluminum frame and I think it can be repaired but my point is that Principia should offer to repair it but they show no interest whatsoever. Their customer service is really very poor.

It's interesting to see that the same thing has happened to other(s) and they did not get a good service from Principia either.

Has anyone else had problems with Principia aluminium framesets?

 

[titan_90]

It's an aluminum frame and I think it can be repaired but my point is that Principia should offer to repair it but they show no interest whatsoever. Their customer service is really very poor.

It's interesting to see that the same thing has happened to other(s) and they did not get a good service from Principia either.

Has anyone else had problems with Principia aluminium framesets?

Slightly off topic, I checked out your other photos and seen that beautiful Gios Torino with Super Record, are you the owner?

Edit: I see that your are. I didn't read the comments on the photos, I just got all excited when I seen it

 

[Race Radio]

It's an aluminum frame and I think it can be repaired but my point is that Principia should offer to repair it but they show no interest whatsoever. Their customer service is really very poor.

It's interesting to see that the same thing has happened to other(s) and they did not get a good service from Principia either.

Has anyone else had problems with Principia aluminium framesets?

The challenge you have is the Principia you are talking to now are not the guys who made your bike.

The Principia that you had was made by a company that went Bankrupt about 4-5 years ago. They were great frames, but had many quality issues similar to yours.

Early last year one of the larger distributors in DK bought the rights to the Principia. They only own the name, they are not responsible for any of the frames made by the previous company.

Sorry, but in this case they do not own you anything. That they offered you a discount on a new frame is a positive step but I would not expect much more then that.

On another note, that Gios is a awesome bike.

 

[Monty Dog]

It's highly unlikely that you could make an effective repair to that frame - the tube walls are very thin - it would take a skilfull welder and the raised bead from the weld would act as a stress-raiser and accelerate further failure. When the original Principia business folded, many frames were sold-off at very low prices and people now expect recompence?