Orbea Wild H30 2024 defect

[Onewildbuild]

Hey everyone,

Unfortunately I identified a structural problem in the frame of my new Orbea Wild which resulted in a damaged shock in a short period of time – photo attached.

Orbea replied very quickly saying they will send me a new 2026 frame and that the only thing I need to do is choose one of the color options of the new “wild H” model.
Even though I’m grateful for such a fast and generous reply, I’m kind of disappointed because I don’t like any of the current colors for the aluminium models.
On top of disliking these colors, I already have plenty of colored components that won’t match these frames.

I suggested Orbea to upgrade to the carbon model and I would pay the difference – this way I can use the MyO program and personalize the color of the frame.
I even said that they don’t need to send a new shock, hoping that helps them offering me a good deal.

My question is, does anyone ever been in a situation like this, of an upgrade while claiming warranty?
And if so, what cost should I expect from that?

I know I can just wait for their reply but I would like some kind of feedback in order for me to compare their offer with other people experiences.
I have no idea what’s considered a reasonable price for an upgrade in this case.

Thank you in advance!

 

[Robson]

Can you tell me more about the structual probelm with your frame? I've an 2021 wild frame with almost identical scratches on shock. After that I found 2 cracks in the frame+swingarm. Bike has been at my lbs since a month back and they are dealing with orbea trying to get a frame replacement for me.

I only have bad experience with Orbea warranty claim so I cannot help with your question. Best of luck to you

 

[Onewildbuild]

Can you tell me more about the structual probelm with your frame? I've an 2021 wild frame with almost identical scratches on shock. After that I found 2 cracks in the frame+swingarm. Bike has been at my lbs since a month back and they are dealing with orbea trying to get a frame replacement for me.

I only have bad experience with Orbea warranty claim so I cannot help with your question. Best of luck to you

View attachment 180831

Hey Robson,

The problem basically comes from a misalignment of the frame – mechanics can’t really tell if it comes from the triangle or the main structure of the frame.
We were able to prove that by unscrewing the top bolts of the frame, making the shock able to rotate freely.
When you rotate the shock like this, only fixed by the bottom screws, it is expected for it to reach the top fixations aligned… that doesn’t happen and there’s at least a 3mm to 4mm misalignment which causes lateral stress on the shock while riding.
My mechanics just took pictures proving this misalignment and they replied almost instantly.

The only question I have for you is… are you the first owner of that bike?
I heard warranty claims like these only work for the first owner, but I’m not an expert at this matter so don’t get scared by my feedback.

Thank you for your reply and best of luck to you too!

 

[irie]

I see that @Robson is in Finland.

@Onewildbuild which country are you in?

 

[skizzian]

I haven’t got any experience with orbea returns, but you could spec 2 bikes on their website, 1 alloy and 1 carbon and see the difference ? That would provide the retail difference in costs

 

[Robson]

@Onewildbuild
Yes I'm the first owner and registreted the frame serial number for Orbea lifetime warranty.
I just have to sit back and wait this one out I guess.

I also have some misalignement exactly like yours. Just not that extrem. About 0.5-1mm
On my frame you can see the lower bearing seat/house is machined deeper on one side.
Is your original frame 2026 model?

 

[Onewildbuild]

I see that @Robson is in Finland.

@Onewildbuild which country are you in?

Portugal

 

[Onewildbuild]

I haven’t got any experience with orbea returns, but you could spec 2 bikes on their website, 1 alloy and 1 carbon and see the difference ? That would provide the retail difference in costs

Appreciate your suggestion but in my case we’re not talking about the whole bike.
They will send the frame only.

 

[Onewildbuild]

@Onewildbuild
Yes I'm the first owner and registreted the frame serial number for Orbea lifetime warranty.
I just have to sit back and wait this one out I guess.

I also have some misalignement exactly like yours. Just not that extrem. About 0.5-1mm
On my frame you can see the lower bearing seat/house is machined deeper on one side.
Is your original frame 2026 model?

One suggestion…
I told my bike shop that I didn’t want to be without bike while this situation was being discussed.
While they’re in talks with orbea, I keep the bike with me so I can keep riding.
And I’ll keep the situation like this until they send me a new frame.
Fortunately, Orbea isn’t asking for the bike back and allowed a frame replacement without further investigations, which makes this scenario possible.

My Wild is from 2024.

 

[irie]

Portugal

You are both protected by EU consumer protection law:

"Product Liability Directive: Implements strict liability for producers and retailers for damages caused by defective products."

Your products were defective when sold. This is not a product warranty issue.

 

[skizzian]

Appreciate your suggestion but in my case we’re not talking about the whole bike.
They will send the frame only.

if you choose the same spec for both bikes it should give you an idea of the retail difference...

 

[Suns_PSD]

I think that you are really lucky to be offered the updated frame and it's wild (pun!) to me that you'd complain about the color difference.

Anyways, I completely rebuilt my own '26 Wild just last week and swapped the shock and the alignment was perfect.

PS. Aluminum bikes are all shit. They ALL warp when welded, nature of the beast.

 

[Onewildbuild]

if you choose the same spec for both bikes it should give you an idea of the retail difference...

I didn’t know that was possible.
I’m going to try, thank you!

 

[Onewildbuild]

I think that you are really lucky to be offered the updated frame and it's wild (pun!) to me that you'd complain about the color difference.

Anyways, I completely rebuilt my own '26 Wild just last week and swapped the shock and the alignment was perfect.

PS. Aluminum bikes are all shit. They ALL warp when welded, nature of the beast.

It’s not a complain, it’s a suggestion and I’m willing to pay for it
My bike has only 400km and I think you are able to understand that it makes me sad to have my frame replaced with a color I don’t like.
It’s not a case where I have something old/very used being replaced by something new and upgraded.
Having said that, I’m obviously very grateful for Orbea’s attitude and happy that I bought something from a brand that makes an effort to leave their costumers happy.

Regarding what you said about the aluminium frames, I had no idea about that.
I guess that somehow justifies the price difference between the aluminum and carbon options

Glad that you have no misalignment issues!
From what I heard, even in the previous models, there were only a few affected with this problem.

Thank you for your feedback!

 

[Onewildbuild]

You are both protected by EU consumer protection law:

"Product Liability Directive: Implements strict liability for producers and retailers for damages caused by defective products."

Your products were defective when sold. This is not a product warranty issue.

Thank you for letting us know that.

 

[Cosmicchris00]

Hey everyone,

Unfortunately I identified a structural problem in the frame of my new Orbea Wild which resulted in a damaged shock in a short period of time – photo attached.

Orbea replied very quickly saying they will send me a new 2026 frame and that the only thing I need to do is choose one of the color options of the new “wild H” model.
Even though I’m grateful for such a fast and generous reply, I’m kind of disappointed because I don’t like any of the current colors for the aluminium models.
On top of disliking these colors, I already have plenty of colored components that won’t match these frames.

I suggested Orbea to upgrade to the carbon model and I would pay the difference – this way I can use the MyO program and personalize the color of the frame.
I even said that they don’t need to send a new shock, hoping that helps them offering me a good deal.

My question is, does anyone ever been in a situation like this, of an upgrade while claiming warranty?
And if so, what cost should I expect from that?

I know I can just wait for their reply but I would like some kind of feedback in order for me to compare their offer with other people experiences.
I have no idea what’s considered a reasonable price for an upgrade in this case.

Thank you in advance!

View attachment 180810

Tell them you want a full refund.

Make sure they understand their position by collecting as much anecdotal evidence as possible, insist it's a critical safety issue and don't back down.

I've had issues with Orbea which were within the 1 year period where they were obliged to offer me a full replacement bike or refund. The problem was an unfathomable misaligned rear triangle that caused an intermittent rubbing noise, but only under load

While I was checking with other Orbea users and investigating the issue myself - I'm an engineer - I came to the conclusion that Orbea had been a bit slap dash with their design and some areas were flexing too much.

They appear to be quite an innovative company but appear to occasionally push the envelope.

In my opinion, they will agree to your requirement if you push them hard enoigh

Good luck

 

[BostonDye]

The miss alignment is in the trunion shock mounts. I was stoked to receive a new frame with the cx5 when this happened to me. But I did have to keep the 625 battery instead of the newer and lighter 600wh. My experience with Orbea has been great.

 

[Onewildbuild]

Tell them you want a full refund.

Make sure they understand their position by collecting as much anecdotal evidence as possible, insist it's a critical safety issue and don't back down.

I've had issues with Orbea which were within the 1 year period where they were obliged to offer me a full replacement bike or refund. The problem was an unfathomable misaligned rear triangle that caused an intermittent rubbing noise, but only under load

While I was checking with other Orbea users and investigating the issue myself - I'm an engineer - I came to the conclusion that Orbea had been a bit slap dash with their design and some areas were flexing too much.

They appear to be quite an innovative company but appear to occasionally push the envelope.

In my opinion, they will agree to your requirement if you push them hard enoigh

Good luck

I really appreciate your feedback!
I’m honestly very happy with this bike and would like to keep this model.
At the same time this misalignment scares me, I’m hoping that this doesn’t happen in newer models and that they were able to fix this for good.

Once again, thank you for your feedback, I’ll try my best in order to secure the new frame.
Until now they’ve been very cooperative and willing to help.

 

[Onewildbuild]

The miss alignment is in the trunion shock mounts. I was stoked to receive a new frame with the cx5 when this happened to me. But I did have to keep the 625 battery instead of the newer and lighter 600wh. My experience with Orbea has been great.

Thank you very much for your feedback!
That’s awesome!
I guess that answers another doubt of mine, where the gen 4 motor isn’t compatible with the new 2026 wild models.

Until know they’ve been very cooperative with me as well.
Let’s hope they’ll let me upgrade to the carbon model for a decente price

Thank you!

 

[MountainBoy]

Hey everyone,

Unfortunately I identified a structural problem in the frame of my new Orbea Wild which resulted in a damaged shock in a short period of time – photo attached.

Orbea replied very quickly saying they will send me a new 2026 frame and that the only thing I need to do is choose one of the color options of the new “wild H” model.
Even though I’m grateful for such a fast and generous reply, I’m kind of disappointed because I don’t like any of the current colors for the aluminium models.
On top of disliking these colors, I already have plenty of colored components that won’t match these frames.

I suggested Orbea to upgrade to the carbon model and I would pay the difference – this way I can use the MyO program and personalize the color of the frame.
I even said that they don’t need to send a new shock, hoping that helps them offering me a good deal.

My question is, does anyone ever been in a situation like this, of an upgrade while claiming warranty?
And if so, what cost should I expect from that?

I know I can just wait for their reply but I would like some kind of feedback in order for me to compare their offer with other people experiences.
I have no idea what’s considered a reasonable price for an upgrade in this case.

Thank you in advance!

View attachment 180810

I wonder if they would be more willing to simply give you a gift card in the amount sufficient to compensate for the defective frame/damaged shock? That way you could apply it to the bike you really want.

Warranty departments are often not set up to make deals like you proposed (that include balancing cash contributions from you).

 

[Hanco]

EU consumer protection law:

"Product Liability Directive: Implements strict liability for producers and retailers for damages caused by defective products."

Your products were defective when sold. This is not a product warranty issue.

I would contact Orbea in writing with a letter having signatures on delivery. Say, “I want Orbea to treat this as a defective product and not a product warranty issue. It was defective when sold to me and as such I require a refund. I will be happy to return the defective product to Orbea; just provide me the means to do so (packaging and return label, or a carrier pick up from my address)”

With your refund of the purchase price paid, you can then buy a new, hopefully non defective bike, possibly from Orbea if you find one you like there. Don’t commit to that. You don’t have to. It was defective and by law you are entitled to a refund. As far as I can tell, they cannot make this a warranty claim matter.

 

[MountainBoy]

I would contact Orbea in writing with a letter having signatures on delivery. Say, “I want Orbea to treat this as a defective product and not a product warranty issue. It was defective when sold to me and as such I require a refund. I will be happy to return the defective product to Orbea; just provide me the means to do so (packaging and return label, or a carrier pick up from my address)”

With your refund of the purchase price paid, you can then buy a new, hopefully non defective bike, possibly from Orbea if you find one you like there. Don’t commit to that. You don’t have to. It was defective and by law you are entitled to a refund. As far as I can tell, they cannot make this a warranty claim matter.

Ummm, a product warranty issue is a defective product. The normal remedy is to correct the defect.

 

[Hanco]

Ummm, a product warranty issue is a defective product. The normal remedy is to correct the defect.

Maybe you don’t live in the UK or EU.

Legally speaking, yes you can claim under the manufacturer’s warranty. However, the EU law about the sale of defective merchandise is available for the consumer to use and does not rely on the manufacturer having a warranty or willingness to honor it. Also, warranty can expire while the consumer law has a longer period of validity/enforcement.

Finally, the warranty reparations offered by the manufacturer might not include full refund. I think you’ll find the EU Consumer law referred to above can be used to request a refund.

I am not a lawyer, but in the UK in the past, when a retailer tried to tell me my warranty had expired, I used consumer legal protections and specifically told the them, “I never tried to make a warranty claim. My clam is under UK consumer protection law (Sale of Goods Act 1974 as amended)” and they immediately refunded me. The 1974 SOGA has been replaced but principle clearly applies here under the EU regulation referred to above. I’d be investigating that and if it is true I’d use it. Chat GPT or legal forums are a great place to ask.

I think as bike owners we all support manufacturers being able to make a successful go of their business while we also expect defective items to be replaced. If they cannot be, refund the buyer so they can buy a non defective bike, hopefully still of your brand because you honored the trust they had in you previously…

 

[NickMe]

I guess it really depends on if you intend riding the bike or hang it on the lounge room wall and admire it. I have found after many years of experience the color of my bike does not make it go faster or me a better rider. Perhaps you just need to take what is offered and get over yourself!

 

[Onewildbuild]

I wonder if they would be more willing to simply give you a gift card in the amount sufficient to compensate for the defective frame/damaged shock? That way you could apply it to the bike you really want.

Warranty departments are often not set up to make deals like you proposed (that include balancing cash contributions from you).

Appreciate your reply!
I would honestly prefer the new frame instead of a gift card.
Let’s see how things develop.
Thank you for your suggestion!

 

[Onewildbuild]

I would contact Orbea in writing with a letter having signatures on delivery. Say, “I want Orbea to treat this as a defective product and not a product warranty issue. It was defective when sold to me and as such I require a refund. I will be happy to return the defective product to Orbea; just provide me the means to do so (packaging and return label, or a carrier pick up from my address)”

With your refund of the purchase price paid, you can then buy a new, hopefully non defective bike, possibly from Orbea if you find one you like there. Don’t commit to that. You don’t have to. It was defective and by law you are entitled to a refund. As far as I can tell, they cannot make this a warranty claim matter.

Appreciate your reply Hanco!
I would honestly prefer a new frame rather than a refund.
But I understand your point of view… thank you for your suggestion.
I’ll check if they can do what I asked and act accordingly.

 

[Onewildbuild]

I guess it really depends on if you intend riding the bike or hang it on the lounge room wall and admire it. I have found after many years of experience the color of my bike does not make it go faster or me a better rider. Perhaps you just need to take what is offered and get over yourself!

Even though I appreciate the time you took to reply to my post, I believe we must respect each other’s personal preferences.
For you the color of the bike doesn’t matter but for me it does and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Also, next time try to post something positive and that contributes to the original post… your message of “get over yourself” isn’t constructive at all.
If you can’t add nothing positive, just keep your thoughts to yourself.

 

[NickMe]

Even though I appreciate the time you took to reply to my post, I believe we must respect each other’s personal preferences.
For you the color of the bike doesn’t matter but for me it does and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Also, next time try to post something positive and that contributes to the original post… your message of “get over yourself” isn’t constructive at all.
If you can’t add nothing positive, just keep your thoughts to yourself.

Sorry - it is constructive in my cycling group!

 

[Hanco]

Appreciate your reply!
I would honestly prefer the new frame instead of a gift card.
Let’s see how things develop.
Thank you for your suggestion!

Absolutely. Note though: A refund would legally be to the original payment method. Nobody can make you accept a gift card unless that is what you originally paid with. (In the scenario where you were sold defective merchandise and consumer law is the grounds you require refund under)

 

[Onewildbuild]

Absolutely. Note though: A refund would legally be to the original payment method. Nobody can make you accept a gift card unless that is what you originally paid with. (In the scenario where you were sold defective merchandise and consumer law is the grounds you require refund under)

Once again, thank you very much for the information.
I'll share the outcome when the deal gets settled.

Thank you!