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I have a Specialized Allez Sport 2012. Which I purchased, new, just under 6 years ago in the UK. The aluminium frame has developed a crack in the seat tube, just above the brazed on derailleur mount. See pictures.

I note the newer models of this bike have reverted to a band on front mech mount. Is this because cracks like mine are common, possibly caused by a recognized design flaw?

Whilst I understand aluminium frames have a fatigue problem it isn't the type of crack I would expect to see. The bike has done just under 10,000 miles.

Am I likely to get a replacement frame under the lifetime frame warranty. If so how long is it likely to take?

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    I'm voting to close this question as off-topic because our opinion on whether Specialized's warranty covers this is basically irrelevant. Only Specialized can tell you if they'll warranty this.
    – David Richerby
    May 29, 2018 at 13:11
  • I believe the question is pertinent as I'm asking if people regard this type of crack as due to an inherent flaw in the frame. I understand bike manufacturers are liable to reject claims which they suspect are due to collision damage, cracks such as one under the down tube where it meets the head tube. It is also valuable to know how long these types of issue take to be resolved.
    – Nick Brett
    May 29, 2018 at 16:36
  • OK but still, what do you have to lose by just asking Specialized? Even if we were to say that Specialized wouldn't warranty it, you'd be silly not to ask them on the advice of random strangers on the internet. And if Specialized refuse, the views of random people on the internet are unlikely to sway them. I'd have no objection in principle to a question of "How long does Specialized take to do warranty replacements?" though I suspect that would just end up as an opinion poll. Bob: "I got a new frame in two weeks" Jim: "Wow, you're lucky -- I'm still waiting six months later", etc.
    – David Richerby
    May 29, 2018 at 17:02
  • I had already asked my dealer to contact Specialized. However I don't want to go without riding for an extended period so I'm dithering whether to buy a new bike to cover me until the Specialized is replaced. The choice of which interim bike I will buy is also determined by if Specialized are going to replace my frame. or not. I would also have thought types of crack / frame warranties would be of general interest.
    – Nick Brett
    May 29, 2018 at 17:22
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    @Criggie Today is pre-Brexit.
    – David Richerby
    May 31, 2018 at 17:16

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Reading the current Specialized warranty policy I'd say you are covered.

Only one way to find out for sure though - contact Specialized and ask to make a warranty claim. You will find out if they will cover it soon enough.

Unless someone here has been through the same process recently it's hard to say how long it would take.

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