Cracked headtube - Any point in claiming against warranty?

[Boogaloo]

A friend has a 10 year old (approx) Ridgeback hybrid and whilst giving it a look over I spotted this...

Obviously I have advised against riding it. The question is what may have caused it and would there be any point in taking it back to the LBS where it came from to claim against a warranty?
Whilst the bike may be over 10 years old (just) ?? it's hardly been ridden and knowing her it has never been abused. She wouldn't even ride off a kerb!
It still has the original tyres on it.

The cynic in me says that there will be some get out despite a possible 'lifetime' warranty.

Anyone have any experience / opinion?

[Paulatic]

I’d take it back without hesitation especially as there no signs of abuse.
I’ve had two successful warranty claims on frames. One from Giant 25 yrs ago and more recently one from Trek.

[531colin]

There is somebody here https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/ridgeback-bikes.17899321/ who seems to have replaced his ridgeback frame under warranty.
Got the receipt?

[NATURAL ANKLING]

Hi,
Possible its cracked from the weld to the top?
Or maybe the headset bearing was forced in too tight (interference fit, light cold press fit, not driving fit, just a tad too much for the thickness of tube?)

[Mick F]

I wonder if the headset has been forced in when the frame was built up.
If so, it begs the question whether it's the frame that's at fault, or the assembler of the bike.

[John100]

Not quite the same but I had a cracked seatpost on a seven year old Trek. I had the receipt. LBS suggested they contact Trek and they replaced my bike for equivalent new model without a protest Benefit of dealing with a LBS over the years. I'd always liked Trek bikes and I liked them even more then! In fact only time I veered from a Trek roadbike was to try a Dawes which was awful, so back to Treks it was!

[Brucey]

I wonder if the headset has been forced in when the frame was built up.
If so, it begs the question whether it's the frame that's at fault, or the assembler of the bike.

I have seen quite a few aluminium frames that have failed in an identical fashion. When examined, there was usually no sign of the frame having been reamed after welding and/or there was paint between the headset and the frame. The consequent high stresses plus crummy materials properties in the weld HAZ is not exactly a recipe for success....

cheers

[yostumpy]

https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=108207.

Another replacement here

[Boogaloo]

Well she's picking the bike up tomorrow and will return it to the shop together with receipt soon after.
I'll let you all know the outcome.

[Boogaloo]

Good news.

The shop returned the bike to Ridgeback who have honoured the warranty and offered a replacement bike. Unfortunately the Meteor model has changed considerably since the original bike was purchased and is not really suitable but my friend has opted for a different model and paid the extra. She's a very happy bunny.