RogueMechanic

More about the Vision Tech recall...

This is in regards to my prior post about the Vision Tech USA Integrated Aero Bar recall.  My client, who was the unfortunate soul that experienced the catastrophic stem failure first hand, had this to add to the Vision Tech USA press release:

"I had 6 months of therapy and doctors visits to heal from the crash.  I still have scars as a result.  At almost a year I am still not comfortable in the aero position.  The recollection of the crash is fresh in my mind and its difficult to really let it fly in a TT effort.  So from my perspective its not so minor.  When I think about what could have been, a crash at 28mph , in traffic, telephone poles, curbs, pavement, etc.  , I fail to see anything  minor about it at all."

I guess that my biggest issue with this is the lack of responsibility by Vision Tech.  Their total misrepresentation that there ever was a problem with the design and the untruths about past failures.  I understand the $hit happens, but to be reactive instead of proactive is just not right....

Don't be fooled...

Don't be fooled by a local ad that is promoting one location of a multi store retailer as being an "Outlet store, much like going to Nashbar..."  The fact of the matter is is that the ownership structure has changed and the largest of the four stores will be closing its doors in December.  In a way, it was suprising news, but on the other hand, it's what I've been expecting....

Congrats to Kevin D.

Found out last evening that Kevin D., who is one of my clients completed the Leadville Trail 100 in a time of 8:48:56.  Which means that he obtained his goal of sub 9 hours and that now he pimpin' the cherished Gold Buckle!  Nice job Kevin!  Here's the complete results to this years race.  God willing, I'll be there next year for my 5th time...

Checking in

It's been a crazy week since my last post... As I said before, business before blogging! I've been really busy lately and therefore haven't had the time or energy to post. I do want to keep you up to date with some of the things...

First of all, I've been consumed with taking care of my "people". I'm on top of things and I'm constantly moving forward. It's a good problem being so busy.

I'm in the process of moving this blog over to Typepad. It's better all-around. It's supports my theory that "You don't get what you don't pay for..." (Blogger is free and Typepad isn't).
I'll keep everyone posted and will send the link when the move is complete.

Hey everyone who has a Chris King headset, I'm sure that you're aware that it has a 10 year warranty, but do you know that they recommend that you you have the bearings serviced every 2 ish years? I recommend that you stay on it. Let me know if you have any questions.

Finally, I just want to thank all of my new clients that took the time to contact me this past week and those who made the referrals. I'm honored and thrilled to have the opportunity. Thanks again!

That's it for now. Back to work. Thanks for reading! -John

Teach them how to fish...

Recently, I had a neighborhood kid stop by an ask me if I could fix his bike that had a flat front tire. I found that this was a great opportunity to teach him how to fix a flat and to therefore be more self reliant if or when this happens again. He completed the work with my supervision. I made sure the he did the work and not just watch me do it. How he knows how it's done. I believe that it's better to teach someone how to fish rather that just giving them the fish....

Quite possibly my next bike...

Now that I want to do the Leadville 100 again (in 2006 of course), I'm going to have to purchase a new ride since I sold mine last summer. With all of the possibilities out there, it would be hard to not get this one... Yes, I'm still a fan of OCLV...

For some good reading about the LT100 (and some laughs), check out the Fat Cyclist blog.

Why not warranty labor credits?

Here's a excerpt from a email that a client of mine received from bike company in regards to warranty labor... We don't reimburse authorized or unauthorized dealers for the breaking down and building up of your frame, nor is this the industry standard. It is common practice among our authorized dealers not to charge you for this service, especially with warranty issues such as yours.

Why dosen't IBD's get compensated from the manufacturer for their time and expenses? And why should a shop NOT charge for this service? Herein lies one of the more common problems that I believe plagues the IBD...giving away free labor. It's actually costing the shop for doing this work (if of course they don't charge the customer). It's not the shops fault that the frame failed, but as a compensation for being an authorized dealer, they have to eat this expense. That's not right. There souldn't be any out of pocket expense for the dealer as well as the consumer.

To be fair, if my memory serves me correctly, Trek used to give minimal warranty labor credits under certain circumstances. The amount was small but at least it was something. Why doesn't the industry come up with some system like the auto industry where the dealerships get compensated for all warranty work and therefore the consumer doesn't have to pay for warranty work. This is just my 2cents....

Confession

"Hi, my name is John, it's been 18 days since my last posting....."
The fact of the matter is is that I've been really swamped with work that by the end of the day, or I should say, when I get everything done that needs to be done, I find myself out of steam. I like to call this a happy problem! Anyway, enough about my excuse for not posting...
I have a lot to share with all of you that I'm sure you will enjoy. I am in the process of putting together the photos that ended up being a major factor in the recall , (CPSP link)that was announced yesterday of VisionTech aerobars. I have to laugh at their comment that they only know of two failures of this nature... The design is completely flawed. More on this later.
If you have been around for a while, you would remember the issue with the Ritchey hub/freehub body. It was FINALLY announced that there is a recall (The link given by Ritchey as of today is dead...) on the hub that was manufactured by American Classic. Well, I FINALLY received the call tag from Ritchey to send the wheel back. I REALLY appreciate the folks at Ritchey for keeping on top of this... I mean, it's been only 4 months... I'm not happy about this, and neither is my client.
I do not want to sound like I'm bitching about everything, but I've had it up to here with issues like these... And the industry wonders why it's in the position that it is in. Again, more on this later. I gotta run because I have some bikes that need my attention. Thanks for reading. -John

Future Post Topics

While I'm thinking about it AND near my computer, I thought that I'd post a few ideas that I've come up with for future posts...

• IBD's current state of affairs.
• Channels of liquidation of "old" inventory. What is/isn't allowed and why.
• Service dept./mechanic image.
• Parts wear out!
• Dissimilar metal corosion (WARNING!!! this one cound be boring!!!)
• Local cycling related news.
• Trek Store Columbus Story

...that's good for now. Now, you can hold me to these!!! Let me know if there's anything that you want me to chime in about.