It’s funny how an object can hold so much more than its physical weight. For me, that object is my Quintana Roo road bike. My journey with it began nearly four years ago, shortly after my dad passed away. He left me a little money, and I knew exactly how I wanted to honor his memory. Dad knew my passion for endurance sports, and I could almost hear him telling me to get something I would use and love. So, I walked into Babylon Bike Shop.
I had my eye on a different road bike, but the team there, who had sold me my beloved QR tri bike, made a compelling case. I loved the Di2 shifters, disc brakes, and Shimano gear set on my triathlon bike, so I trusted their recommendation and went with the QR road bike. It felt right. Every ride was a small tribute to my dad, a way to connect with him through the sport he knew I adored.
Racing in the Rain and Facing Unseen Problems
Fast forward to this past year. It seemed like every race I signed up for came with a forecast of rain. I don’t enjoy riding in wet conditions, but sometimes you just have to push through. I competed in three different rainy races, and I think it was after the EventPower LI race at Mighty Hamptons that the trouble started.
I was out on a training ride with a friend, getting ready for the Mighty Montauk event, when it happened. My gearshift completely locked up, and the pedals wouldn’t turn. I was stuck. After some roadside adjustments, I got it moving again and headed straight to Merrick Bikes, which is just around the corner from my house. The diagnosis was surprising: my bike frame had no drainage hole on the bottom. All that rain I’d been riding through had been collecting inside with nowhere to go. They warned me this could lead to major issues.
Navigating the Warranty Process
I contacted QR, and they suggested the bike might be under warranty. Hopeful, I brought it back to Babylon Bikes, where my journey with this bike began. They confirmed the issue and agreed I should send it back to the manufacturer. Ryan, one of the owners, has been fantastic. He’s been in touch with me every week, keeping me updated on the situation.
But that’s where the frustration began to build. It has now been almost two months since I dropped off my bike. QR has been moving at a glacial pace. It’s hard not to feel like my problem isn’t a priority for them. They did send a new frame to Babylon, which was a step in the right direction. Now, however, we are waiting for the neck piece. Two weeks ago, they said it was being shipped. I just got a message from Ryan today saying it was only just shipped.
Waiting and Hoping for the Ride Ahead
So here I am, feeling incredibly frustrated and bike-less. All I can do is patiently wait. The support from Ryan and Babylon Bikes has been a bright spot in a drawn-out process. I’m holding onto hope that soon, I’ll be back on the road, riding the bike that means so much to me.
P.S. At the time of publication, the bike was returned to Babylon Bike, and I now have it in my possession. Thanks, Babylon, for your help!