Recall on My Vaast A/1
A couple of years ago I started my journey into cycling with a Vaast A/1 gravel bike. It features a magnesium frame, which touts being nearly as light as carbon for a fraction of the cost. I’ve put nearly 2,000 miles on that bike between road and gravel rides (after I got a road bike I rode the A/1 a lot less). I had plans of turning the A/1 into a commuter bike, but unfortunately I instead have to retire my trusty gravel friend.
During a group ride last night, another rider informed me Vaast had issued a recall on my gravel bike. An issue with the welds can cause the frame to crack at the seat post, resulting in a not so fun time. Vaast advises to immediately stop using the bike
After reaching out, I’ve learned Vaast are offering 1 of 2 remedies. First option, I can get a Niner RLT 9 frame. The RLT 9 is aluminum, meaning it’s significantly heavier and less comfortable to ride, a major downgrade compared to that A/1. Additionally, Vaast are having issues sourcing bottom brackets, with no ETA available.
Option 2 is $700 refunded on a credit card. For those of you unfamiliar with bikes, $700 doesn’t get you a frame, not even close. Heck, Vaast lists the A/1 frame (a fixed version of the one being recalled) for $1,300 on their site.
So basically, I have to destroy the frame and either get a downgraded product at some point in the future, or half the cash needed to buy a new frame. Pretty terrible options.
I think I’ll end up taking the $700, selling my road bike (which is also a Vaast that I’ve had issues with), and upgrade to a more reputable brand. I guess I could hold out and wait for the inevitable class-action lawsuit, but those takes years and usually result in everyone getting $10.