I’m the original owner of a 2022 Specialized Allez Sprint. Unfortunately, the threading in the rear thru-axle dropout has stripped and since the threading is part of the frame, it looks like the entire frame may need to be replaced.
I brought it to a Specialized store, and the mechanic said he’s never seen this happen before. He mentioned that if it’s approved under warranty, it would require a full frame replacement.
The bike is registered with Specialized, I have my proof of purchase, and I’m the only owner.
Has anyone else experienced this? Do you think this kind of issue would be covered under Specialized’s frame warranty, or should I start seriously looking at that Winspace frame I’ve been eyeing?
If at any point the threads were OK, which I am guessing they were given its a 2022 frame, I would be shocked if they will honour any warranty claim as they have clearly been damaged after shipping.
If they are simply sticky & require a tap sending through then maybe, but that wouldnt need a frame replacing.
If worst comes to worst, Pilo do a ‘frame saver’ that is a threaded insert that you press into a (larger) hole that you’ve drilled out. It’s a last resort though…
Just wanted to say thank you to everyone in the comments. I tried getting the frame tapped at the store, but unfortunately that didn’t work. The proprietary Thru axle doesn’t seem to hold, but a Saris trainer axle manages to catch the threads. Worst case, if the warranty route fails, I’ll use this temporary solution until I can install a helicoil and eventually replace the frame with a Winspace T1550.
It’s a bit of a bummer since I really liked this bike and learned a lot on it.
FWIW: It can depend on the specifics, but a properly installed Helicoil can be stronger/better than threaded native material. The outer pitch diameter of the Helicoil is greater than in the internal pitch diameter so the load is spread over a larger area, and the Helicoil will be much more resistant to wear and galling than aluminum frame material.
I don’t think there are adapters that go in that direction. One would need some kind of hybrid thru-axle with an extra long quick release going through it. That could be fabricated easily enough but I sort of doubt if anyone has done it.
A helicoil type insert can fix this right up. I installed one in my engine block for a stripped out spark plug hole. It should be way easier on a bicycle frame!
