I thought I’d never be putting together a rant about Cannondale. After year of riding their bike frames in both Mountain and Road bikes I just felt I had to post this information around the “Cannondale Life Time Warranty”. In mid 2004 I bought a CAAD7 Cannondale frame, just over 3 years of owning and riding this frame “White Rust” or “Aluminium Oxidation” has appeared on the top tube at the rear cable guide. I found it when I was installing a new group set. 

I did some research on the web as we all tend to do these days and found that this is a common problem. The forums seemed to the U.S based and there was some talk around the warranties, the basis was that some owners had their frames replaced and others not. I understood that if you had purchased your Cannondale from a Cannondale dealer and you where the only owner of the frame you wouldn’t have an issue with having the frame replaced or re-sprayed. This would be what you would expect from a “Lifetime Warranty”.

The Warranty does state:

“FRAMES (frame, fork structure, swing arm): Cannondale frames (except freeride, see below) are warranted by Cannondale Bicycle Corporation, 16 Trowbridge Drive, Bethel, CT 06801 against manufacturing defects in materials and/or workmanship for the lifetime of the original owner.”

Unfortunately in my case after sending in digital pics to my Authorized Cannondale Retailers I received the news from Cannondale Australia,

“There is only a 1 year warranty on the paint on those frames.  All we can offer is a respray for $299 which is our cost… “

The Lifetime Warranty which reads like you’ll be looked after is not the case. As the frame is 3 years old and has not been used for the entire time it’s been owned… and this is a manufacturing defect (in my book anyway) this would be covered. After my 8 year loyal ownership of Cannondale the dream run has come to an end with me anyway.

Cannondales Lifetime Warranty