Man, I am not Chinese, but if I was, I would be getting a good laugh. Us North Americans (and Europeans) criticising them for their quality and workmanship. Driven a Ford lately? Or better yet, a GM or Chrysler? They may have the odd issues (well, maybe not that odd) with some of their goods (well, maybe more than some), but we are the ones that demand everything at the lowest possible price, then *** when it is not perfect.

That being said, wow is that ever a butcher job on that frame! I would be sending that puppy back ASAP. The odd blemish (to me) is understandable (2 of those don't seem like that big of a deal), but man do the other ones look bad. Is it actually a real Cervelo? Where did you buy it? Maybe I am over reacting, but it does not look good to me.

Jasann:

Us North Americans (and Europeans) criticising them for their quality and workmanship.

I don't know how old you are, but when I was a kid "Made in Japan" was considered a 3-letter synonym for "junk". Everyone knew that the the best stuff said "Made in Great Britain" on it. My, how the times have changed. The main reason semiconductor (especially memory chip) production went offshore to Asia in the 80s and 90s was that the Asian plants tended to produce chips in higher yield and superior quality. In the end, the market decides on the balance between price and quality and manufacturers get their act together or die.

DeepCover:

Jasann:

Us North Americans (and Europeans) criticising them for their quality and workmanship.

 

I don't know how old you are, but when I was a kid "Made in Japan" was considered a 3-letter synonym for "junk". Everyone knew that the the best stuff said "Made in Great Britain" on it. My, how the times have changed. The main reason semiconductor (especially memory chip) production went offshore to Asia in the 80s and 90s was that the Asian plants tended to produce chips in higher yield and superior quality. In the end, the market decides on the balance between price and quality and manufacturers get their act together or die.

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Sounds like we are in the same ballpark age wise, as that was the case for me too. Hopefully, things will be back to the stage where production for the majority of our consumables will get back to a more local production and save on their footprint. But, then again I am the eternal optomist.

By the way, can I assume from some earlier posts of yours that you are based in Deep Cove? Clever user name if that is the case.

DeepCover:

Jasann:

Us North Americans (and Europeans) criticising them for their quality and workmanship.

 

I don't know how old you are, but when I was a kid "Made in Japan" was considered a 3-letter synonym for "junk". Everyone knew that the the best stuff said "Made in Great Britain" on it. My, how the times have changed. The main reason semiconductor (especially memory chip) production went offshore to Asia in the 80s and 90s was that the Asian plants tended to produce chips in higher yield and superior quality. In the end, the market decides on the balance between price and quality and manufacturers get their act together or die.

Didn't hurt that the Americans re-built their Industry after feeling sorry for bombing their country. Payback can be a ***. War also has a funny way of deciding markets, but that is a whole other topic (don't want to get Republicanrider and his foes off on a tangent - they have been very subdued lately).

 Thx for all this feedback! The made in xy is a little bit off the topic but still interesting!

 Wave bikes: Handmade in Europe, very light, 3500 USD, perfect quality!

F2P, China or Taiwan, same same like Velleum Edge, only  800USD, perfect quality, no flaws at all, just a little heavier... So this is not about or against China, this is about Cervelo quality standards...

Thx to your comments I invovled my  LBS. He send the pics to Cervelo. The distributor changed from a local one to Cervelo directly so he blames the new standards of Cervelo and cannot promise much. But he agrees about the poor quality and says this is bad marketing for Cervelo... Let's see the outcome of this.

The official answer from Cervelo is actually quite nice:

Hello Patrick,

I am sorry to hear that about your experience with your R3 SL.  Our composite frames will not always have the same appearance.  Due to the nature of the material and construction method, it is not uncommon to see some of the 'undulation' in the tubes that you described.  In no way does this feature have a negative impact in the strength, stiffness or weight of the frame and in no way compromises rider safety or ride quality. 

I can also see, from your photos, that there are some areas of clear coat that have apparent flaws in it.  I can understand that this is not up to the standard that you expect from Cervélo.  I can also understand that a customer should not have to settle for this quality of finish.

I will contact our distributor for you area and make them aware of the issue.  They will be able to offer some assistance in resolving this issue.  Feel free to respond to this email with any further questions or concerns.

Thank you for your support.

Unfortunately, the only offer I got so far from the distributor is a "cosmetics kit"... Maybe all new Cervelo bikes come with this kit in the future...

Pootch:

Wave bikes: Handmade in Europe, very light, 3500 USD, perfect quality!

F2P, China or Taiwan, same same like Velleum Edge, only  800USD, perfect quality, no flaws at all, just a little heavier... So this is not about or against China, this is about Cervelo quality standards...

Exactly! All firms eventually have to do value analysis which says, "how can we make our frames at a lower cost, yet keep the same quality or make them better"; not "lets make our frames for cheaper, regardless of quality, to save a buck", cause eventually the consumer will find out how crappy the product is and the word will be viral in an instant; something that would ruin the company.

Hence, just because it's made in China doesn't mean it's any lesser quality than if it were made in Canada or USA; otherwise the consumers unwillingness to buy (due to quality) would outweigh the benefit of cheaper labour costs of manufacturing in China.

I've obviously gone off topic, but just thought my 2c on this particular misconception alot of people have about made in "x" place. 

What doe this "cosmetics kit" comprise of?

 No idea yet... probably some sandpaper and paint...

Pootch:

 No idea yet... probably some sandpaper and paint...

Aren't they supposed to do that before it leaves the factory?  Your frame hasn't even been assembled yet .... does Cervelo really think they are cultivating  your customer loyaly? BTW, have you thought about what your second Cervelo will be?

 As for now definitely no Cervelo...

 VeloNOcervel... ;-)

sorry to hear it didn't work out for you... GL

Pootch, that sucks.  Nobody's new Cervelo should disappoint.  OK if it's used, let the buyer beware but new should be damn near flawless.

While I'm no militant, maybe all of us, yep all of us that have read Pootch's post should send an email to Cervelo or Pootch you could open a post and we can all add our names demanding that you get a replacement that meets your satisfaction?

If that happened everytime a dud was delivered I bet quality would soon improve :-)

My first Cervelo (and it will not be the last if quality is high) arrived 2 weeks back and it's flawless.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/45230391@N06/4152336623/sizes/l/ 

 That's nice but I think it wouldn't make a difference. I already included some of the comments from this forum in the letter to Cervelo...

 My LBS - who is very nice - explained as well that Cervelo Canada is not the same as Cervelo in the countries dealt by distributors and as it's a 2009 model they don't care so much anymore cause I payed a little less anyway...Still no reason for poor quality...

 Nice frame! Lucky you! Your's made out af alloy, much better value for money!