is this crack an issue?

[IJWS]

2013 Cervelo R3 (purchased 2017), 4,500 miles. RMA sent to Cervelo, they are reluctant to approve it. Trying to figure out if I am being a difficult customer, or if I have a broken frame and un-rideable bike. Would love for this to not be an issue...

<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/izF3bke"><a href="//imgur.com/a/izF3bke"></a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

https://imgur.com/a/izF3bke

Hopefully this image will upload.

[IJWS]

Edit: image added

[Blue Jays]

Where exactly on the bicycle frame is that cracking located?
Not that it really matters...once confidence is lost that is crucial.
Good luck dealing with your LBS and the Cervelo people.

[zmalwo]

yeah your dropout is cracked. I would get a replacement.

[Dude]

RIP in peace.

[prototoast]

I wouldn't ride that. Looks like your derailleur hanger has become a structural piece, and that's not good.

[pdmtong]

yes, your frame is

[kramnnim]

Is Cervelo trying to say that it is only cosmetic paint damage, or...?

[IJWS]

They have said:

1. Just paint damage
2. I just need to have another der. hanger installed by the dealer
3. If I want, I can ship the frame to Toronto and wait 4-6 weeks for them to inspect the frame.

[FlashUNC]

Press F to pay respects.

[IJWS]

Prototoast, Do you know what would be involved to repair that crack?

[Dino Suegiù]

Originally Posted by IJWS

They have said:
1. Just paint damage
2. I just need to have another der. hanger installed by the dealer
3. If I want, I can ship the frame to Toronto and wait 4-6 weeks for them to inspect the frame.

Given that response, why would you trust them?
3 directly contradicts 1 and 2; if they state the need to inspect the frame, then they cannot possibly know (from a photograph, to boot) if that issue is:
"1. Just paint damage"
and
"2. I just need to have another der. hanger installed by the dealer"....

Their suggestion to "replace the rd hanger" makes no sense at all, relative to that crack in the photo, in that the rd hanger is black whereas the frame color (dropout area in the photo) is silver, and the crack is clearly in the silver (frame) area.
aka: Not just "paint damage", but a real crack, possibly quite dangerous to ride, imo.

Can't you take the frame to a local Cervelo AD and have them check out the issue in person?

[veggieburger]

That's no RD replacement. Take it to the shop you bought it at, have them inspect it. Unless there was some sort of rear impact, this should be covered. Really looks like a crack to me!

[tctyres]

Originally Posted by Dino Suegiù

Can't you take the frame to a local Cervelo AD and have them check out the issue in person?

If you can, take it to the local Cervelo dealer and tell them what Cervelo told you. Ideally, have print outs of the emails or whatever you have so they can follow up.

The dealer has skin in the game and should be willing to help you out.

[prototoast]

Originally Posted by IJWS

Prototoast, Do you know what would be involved to repair that crack?

A proper repair would also certainly involve a complete replacement of the dropout. I would contact Montenegro MFG. He's done it before (yours isn't the first Cervelo to fail at that location): https://www.instagram.com/p/BztNAP_lm1T

Unless you really love the frame, it's probably not worth the cost it would take to repair it. I'd push Cervelo to warranty it, and if they didn't, I'd probably cut my losses and go with a frame from a different manufacturer.