As mentioned, I will be sure to update on my damage issue. I will keep everyone posted!
Current update as I still work with Chloe. There may have been some misunderstanding. I still have the frame and it has not been sent back yet. I will attribute some of the misunderstanding to language differences. I received emails stating the following.
- It looks as if the carbon fibers have been damaged and protruded.
- Everything else seems fine—it’s mainly this spot [the chip] that’s problematic, as it appears to have been bumped or knocked.
Carbon fiber repair technology is quite sophisticated, and it may not be fixable locally." - The issue this time is only paint damage and exposed carbon fiber surface caused by impacts during transportation, not structural damage.
The reason we didn’t recommend having it repaired locally is that carbon fiber repair processes have strict requirements for technology and materials, and ordinary repair shops can hardly meet the standard workmanship.
Reading this, to me it sounded like the frame had paint and carbon damage. Talking about carbon damage and complicated carbon repair. Chloe clarified after.
- The issue with your frame is only paint damage that has caused the carbon fiber to be exposed—the structural integrity and quality of the frame itself remain completely unaffected.
The reason we recommend sending the frame back for repairs is that the painting process for carbon fiber frames has strict technical requirements. Without professional operation by experienced technicians, the frame’s structural strength could easily be compromised during the paint sanding process. Color mismatches may also occur with touch-ups.
To me, it sounds like they are going to sand the frame down and repaint. Requiring professional services to carefully sand down, not damage the carbon and repaint. LC (or the shipping company) paying for shipping back to them and then back to me once repaired. No out-of-pocket expense for me. I have proposed partial refund and touching up the paint myself (with no affect to my warranty) or sending it back for LC to repair, I am letting LC decide.
The process has been a little slow, partly to the time zone difference, but Chloe has remained in communication the whole time. With it being winter, I am in no rush. I would likely be more upset had the weather been nice and I could be riding the frame. I will update once a final resolution is confirmed. As my situation is a little different from the fork but very interesting to see the difference in how it is being handled. As of now, I still have no issues recommending or suggesting LC. They have maintained in communication and working towards a solution.
Update - LC has decided to have me ship the frame back. I will be packing it up and sending it to them.
