As many of you know, we've always prided ourselves on providing the best bearings in the industry, backed by our best in industry, two-year warranty, also known as Very Few Questions Asked Warranty. It's been a point of pride for us, a testament to the quality and durability we build into every product. But recently, we've been thinking... what if we could do even more? What if we could truly stand behind our bearings for the entire lifespan of your bike?
That's why I'm incredibly excited to announce that Kogel Bearings is now offering a lifetime limited warranty to the first owners of our products.
Now, I know I have openly communicated my opinion. "Lifetime warranty on ball bearings makes no sense! They're wear items, like tires or chains. You wouldn't expect a lifetime warranty on those." And you're absolutely right. I've been saying that myself for years. It’s a point I’ve made consistently.
But here’s the thing: we're not just selling bearings. We're building relationships. We're building a community of riders who trust us to deliver the best, ride after ride. And we want to show that trust is reciprocated.
Why the Change? It's All About You.
The decision to move to a lifetime limited warranty wasn't driven by some marketing gimmick. It was driven by you, our customers. We've listened to your feedback, your stories, and your passion for cycling. We understand that your bike is more than just a machine. When you invest in Kogel Bearings, you're investing in performance, reliability, and longevity.
We want you to ride with confidence, knowing that we've got your back—for as long as you own your Kogel Bearings. We want you to focus on the joy of cycling, not the worry of wear and tear.
A two phase approach: very few questions asked and lifetime limited warranty.
Of course, a "lifetime" warranty on wear items comes with some nuances. You can find the full details of our warranty terms here.
In essence, we are not changing our best in industry warranty for the first two or three years of your product ownership. We cover corrosion and try to work with photo evidence where we can in order to speed up the process. All you have to do is service the bearings and replace the seals once per year or sooner if they are contaminated.
After the initial warranty period, our lifetime limited warranty covers manufacturing defects and premature wear under normal riding conditions, similar to what you would expect from any other brand. It doesn't cover damage from crashes, improper installation, or neglect. We’re still dealing with wearable items, and these are not immune to the forces of nature and the rigors of riding.
Think of it like this: if your bearings wear out prematurely due to a manufacturing flaw, or if they fail under normal use, we'll replace them. But if you take your bike through a mud bath and never clean it, or if you crash and damage your bearings, that's not covered. During the lifetime period, we will ask to send in your bearings for refurbishment at our HQ. We will replace or repair as needed to make sure you will enjoy your Kogel products for the life of your bike. If we find parts that are worn beyond repair, imagine the teeth of your pulley wheels being worn beyond what we consider acceptable, we will offer a repair at a nominal cost.
This is a fair and practical approach that allows us to stand behind our products while acknowledging the realities of cycling.
Our Commitment to Quality and Service
This new warranty is more than just a piece of paper. It's a reflection of our commitment to quality and service. We meticulously design and manufacture our products to the highest standards, using the best materials and processes. We test them rigorously to ensure they can withstand the demands of even the most challenging rides.
And when you do need support, our team is here to help. We're passionate about cycling, and we understand the importance of keeping your bike running smoothly. We'll work with you to resolve any issues quickly and efficiently, so you can get back on the road or trail.
Building a Lasting Relationship
At the end of the day, this lifetime limited warranty is about building a lasting relationship with you, our customers. We want you to know that when you choose Kogel Bearings, you're choosing a company that truly cares about your riding experience.
We're not just selling products; we're building a community of riders who share a passion for performance and quality. And we're committed to supporting that community for the long haul.
Thank You
I want to personally thank each and every one of you for your support. Your trust in Kogel Bearings is what drives us to innovate and improve. We're excited to embark on this new chapter with you, and we look forward to seeing you on the road or trail.
Ride on,
Ard
