Horizontal crack on chainstay

[BenOT]

Hi All,

I bought a 2011 Trek Monona hybrid about 6 months ago.

A couple of weeks ago I noticed it has a very long, worrying crack along the chainstay (chain side). Actually it loops all the way around.

I only use it to do a 20km round trip commute each day. I don't jump off kerbs and the heaviest thing that's been on the rack is a pannier with a change of clothes, so I'm guessing it's a manufacturing defect.

I'm taking it into the shop I bought it tomorrow... (I found the crack the night before I went overseas and just got back) But I'm kinda annoyed that my LBS (different place to where I bought it) didn't notice the crack when I got it serviced just 3 weeks ago when they replaced the cassette and chain.

Since it's pretty much the only way for me to get to work I'm also worried after reading some of the loooong turnaround times in getting a warranty claim honoured.

If anyone has any thoughts to strengthen my position when I go into the bike shop it would be much appreciated!

Cheers,
Ben.

(sorry for the poor quality photos, hopefully they're enough to get the idea)

[DarrylH]

Looks more like the clear sticker they put on the stay to prevent the chain chipping the paint.

[BenOT]

I wish it was just that...

But I can feel the crack, it sticks up about 1mm at the end

[A_P]

Looks more like the clear sticker they put on the stay to prevent the chain chipping the paint.

+1

pull the sticker off, then you will know for sure

[BenOT]

there is no sticker...

[Baalzamon]

Looks like sticker to me. It's there protecting the paint work. take it off by all means but have a spare one to put on. Mind you that is a good one as it is still clear

[BenOT]

Well that's embarrassing.

You guys were absolutely right. I gave it a proper clean and had a good go at scratching the edge to discover...

yep... was just a sticker.

Hehe, good thing I checked here before I made a complete fool of myself at the bike shop.

Thanks!

[Nobody]

I've made the same mistake briefly.