So, how does it work? I mean, can you just pay a visit 5, 10 or 15 years from now to your bike dealer with your broken frame and ask for a warranty frame replacement? How will they know is frame failure rather than abuse or misuse?

Even with a so-called "life time warranty" there are limitations, and the dealer (or factory representative) is trained to deal with that. Each company is going to behave a little differently, and of course things might well change over time. So, you can't predict what will happen when you walk into a shop with a failed frame in 2009, 2012, or 2019.

By an Italian frame. If it breaks in 5, 10, or 15 years, you won't have any doubts about what to do.

So, how does it work? I mean, can you just pay a visit 5, 10 or 15 years from now to your bike dealer with your broken frame and ask for a warranty frame replacement? How will they know is frame failure rather than abuse or misuse?

I originally bought a 2300, which had carbon fiber tubes and aluminum lugs. The bottom tube separated from the bottom bracket lug. Trek offered to replace the frame, but I was concerned that such a re-occurrence would be dangerous for a Clydesdale like me. I asked if they'd swap it for a steel LeMond, but the Trek rep explained that they couldn't cross brands like that. He did, however, offer to give me one of the new OCLV frames for $500. I did it. My LBS at the time charged $100 to move my components over to the new frame and I was in business.

Some ten years later, a loud clicking developed in the BB area. My new LBS pointed out that the bottom bracket shell was separating from the carbon fiber. (Trek corrected this problem years earlier with a new BB shell design.) Once again, Trek warranteed the frame. Not only that, but they replaced the fork and head set, as OCLV's now use 1 1/8" head tubes. So, for a $150 (times have changed) to my new LBS to transfer my components, I have a new frame set!

Gotta love Trek. They may no longer be exotic and I risk being labeled a "poseur" (even though Lance was on a Merckx when I first got my OCLV), but I LOVE Trek, both the bike and company.

- Oren