(07-17-2023, 07:52 AM)Beth Mason Wrote: Google and find your nearest Trek dealership; they have trained mechanics on site. If there is no Trek shop close to you, take it to a local bike shop that does repairs and ask them to have a look at it.
I can tell you from bike shop experience that Shimano Althus is entry-level components and the indicator not lining up squarely may just be something you have to live with…
I kind of have to agree with you, but regardless of the level of "groupset quality", a company like Shimano (at this stage in the game) should do better; and so should Trek. I dealt with that situation with Campagnolo throughout the 70s and into the 80s where even their top tier stuff was really just better finished aesthetically and lighter weight, but performance really had not improved over nearly 40 years.
Shimano should be embarrassed to put out anything like that where a simple design cannot even accurately indicate a gear selection; and Trek should be embarrassed for using it in the first place if it does not perform well. I'm used to not knowing what my gear is except by feel, but I have 40 years of friction shifting experience. Beginning cyclists deserve better. I hope this is something that can be remedied to the satisfaction of the owner since that bike is well over $500, and although not top end it is also far from being a bargain basement bike. Trek should be not be using a lower tier groupset if it cannot even properly indicate the actual gear selection since that is what the display is there for in the first place. Otherwise, why even have it if it is inaccurate?.
I would still demand a properly functioning shifter with an accurate indication of the gear selected since that is what was paid for: a properly working brand new bike. The owner could have bought a used bike for a lot less and had the same issue. Bike companies are already overcharging for new bikes and they should be held accountable for failing to meet their own stated standards. Treks has bikes well over $10,000 that are not worth it, but they know they still have a market for them so they don't care that the mark-up is easily over 25% or more.
Quotes from Trek's website:
"Trek was never just a name. From the beginning, it was a summation of values." "A culture of craftsmanship..." "...every bike we make is a testament to Trek's founding principles." "Our commitment to relentless innovation while honoring our founding principles to build bikes people love that we are proud to stand behind has led us to where we are today. But we know that there is so much more that we can do."
Trek as a company has become a bit of a behemoth, and a legal bully in the way they protect and monopolize the word "trek". You are lucky to be able to use it with any product and/or service without their legal team attacking your use of that word.
Due to their evolution from a company started in a barn to their modern bullying presence in the cycling and sporting goods community; I will never ride or purchase their products where their name is emblazoned or where they might receive any profit. They started as a small company and now seek to inhibit other small companies that use a word in no direct relation to themselves. Typical American business wanting it all.
@ViO Thus, they should honor their "principles" and provide nothing less than a quality product regardless of the level of components used! Demand the perfection that they advertise and that you paid for, or get a rebate and/or replacement or upgrade of the defective part that they are so inclined to put on a "quality" bike. They do have a 30 day refund, but there may be conditions depending on if you purchased it online or from a shop dealership. Demand perfection; make them repair, or replace or bike!
Again from the Trek website: " TREK CARE: We've got you covered. Every new Trek bicycle comes with the industry's best warranty and loyalty programme: Trek Care. Absolutely free, once your Trek Bicycle is registered, Trek Bicycle Corporation provides each original retail purchaser of a Trek bicycle an amazing
warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
It's our way of standing behind the bikes we make."
@ViO register your bike and have them make it right!