Warranty & Defects Policy
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RINOS BIKES GmbH Warranty & Defects Policy What is covered, what is not, and how to make a claim Version 2.0 • Effective 14 July 2026 • rinosbike.com/pages/warranty-policy |
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The short version: You have a 2-year warranty on manufacturing defects. Worn parts (chain, brake pads, tyres, etc.) are not defects — they are consumables you replace as part of normal maintenance. If something breaks that should not have broken, email us at info@rinosbike.eu with photos and your order number. We handle everything — including any Shimano, Novatec, RockShox or FOX component issues. |
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§ 1 Your statutory warranty rights
Under German law (§§ 434 ff. BGB) you have a 2-year warranty from the date your bike was delivered. This covers manufacturing defects that existed at the time of delivery.
| Consumers | 2 years from delivery. Defects appearing within the first 12 months are legally presumed to have existed at delivery. After 12 months, we assess the evidence available including our pre-shipment QC record. |
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| Business customers (Kaufleute) | 2 year from delivery. You must inspect goods on receipt and report apparent defects without delay (§ 377 HGB). You must prove the defect existed at delivery. |
| How we fix it | We choose between repair or replacement. If both fail after two attempts, you may ask for a price reduction or a full refund. |
| Third-party components | You are covered for Shimano, Novatec, RockShox, FOX, and all other components on your bike. You do not need to contact those manufacturers — we handle all claims centrally at info@rinosbike.eu. |
§ 2 What the warranty covers
The warranty covers manufacturing and material defects that existed when the bike was delivered. Examples:
Frame structural failure caused by a manufacturing flaw
Fork cracking not caused by impact or overloading
Handlebar, stem, or seatpost failure from a material defect
Complete brake failure from a manufacturing defect — not from adjustment, wear, or external damage
Missing parts at delivery that prevent safe assembly
Electronic shifting failure (e.g. Shimano Di2) from a manufacturing defect — not water ingress, impact, or improper installation
§ 3 What the warranty does NOT cover
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If you send a bike back for something in this list, a €50 inspection fee applies. See § 7 for the full fee table. |
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3.1 Normal wear and tear (consumable parts)
These parts wear down through normal use. They are not defects. You replace them as part of regular maintenance — just like replacing tyres on a car.
Full list with service life guidance: see § 8.
Short list: chain, cassette, chainrings, brake pads, rotors (when at minimum thickness), tyres, inner tubes, cables and housing, handlebar grips, bar tape, bearings (bottom bracket, headset, hubs), suspension seals and bushings, gear hangers, lubricants, brake fluid, tubeless sealant, saddle cover.
3.2 Misuse and negligence
Full definitions and bike usage category table: see § 9. Short list:
Using the bike on terrain beyond its rated category (e.g. a road bike on mountain trails)
Crash damage or collision damage of any kind
Overloading beyond the maximum weight in the owner’s manual for your specific model
Jumps, drops, or aerial manoeuvres on a bike not rated for them
Not replacing worn consumables, causing damage to other parts (e.g. worn chain destroying the cassette)
Major repair or component replacement at an external shop without our written authorisation — see § 5
Unapproved modifications to frame, fork, or components
Installing incompatible components
Corrosion from salt water or chemicals without appropriate maintenance
Commercial use (rental, delivery, hire) without a separate written agreement with us
3.3 Cosmetic issues
A cosmetic issue is a surface imperfection that does not affect how the bike rides, handles, or performs. These are not warranty defects:
Paint chips or scratches smaller than 5 mm that do not expose bare metal or carbon
Minor cable contact marks on non-structural parts
Colour variation from product photos
Minor decal misalignment or graphic variation
Natural variation in carbon fibre weave pattern
These are NEVER cosmetic, regardless of size: cracks, fractures, or delamination anywhere on the frame, fork, stem, handlebar, or seatpost; dents that change the shape of a structural tube; any paint damage over 5 mm exposing metal or carbon; any damage at joints, welds, or dropouts.
Please report cosmetic concerns within 7 days of delivery to info@rinosbike.eu.
3.4 Normal post-delivery adjustments
These are standard things that settle after shipping. They are not defects and are your responsibility to adjust:
Brake cable tension, lever reach, pad position
Gear indexing and derailleur adjustment
Minor wheel truing (up to 2 mm lateral wobble)
Handlebar or stem alignment
Saddle height or angle
Cable housing stretch after first use
| Video guides for all adjustments: rinosbike.com/pages/assembly-faq |
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§ 4 How to make a warranty claim
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Start here: Email info@rinosbike.eu with subject: 'Warranty Claim – [Your Order Number]' Include: photos or video of the issue, your proof of purchase, and a brief description of what happened and when. |
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Email info@rinosbike.eu — subject: 'Warranty Claim – [Order Number]'. Include clear photos of the defect, a short video if the issue is functional, proof of purchase, and a description of when and how the problem appeared.
We assess your claim as soon as possible, typically within 5 business days.
If we need to inspect the bike physically, we will send you a written return authorisation. Do not send the bike back without this authorisation.
If the defect is confirmed: we cover return shipping and all repair or replacement costs. No charge to you.
Consumer claims: must be submitted within 24 months of delivery. Business customer claims: within 12 months. These are our internal processing deadlines. They do not shorten your statutory rights to bring a legal claim — the 3-year general limitation period under § 195 BGB applies to court proceedings regardless.
Claims for defects that were explicitly disclosed in the product listing before purchase are excluded.
§ 5 External repairs — what affects your warranty
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The simple rule: Minor adjustments (brakes, gears, saddle) at any shop: fine, warranty not affected. Costs are on you. Major repairs (replacing parts): do NOT do this before contacting us. Email info@rinosbike.eu first. If we confirm a defect, we organise and pay for everything. |
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5.1 Minor adjustments — warranty not affected
Any of the following can be done at any shop without affecting your warranty:
Brake cable tension, lever reach adjustment, brake pad alignment
Gear indexing and derailleur limit screw adjustment
Minor wheel truing (up to 2 mm lateral deviation)
Handlebar or stem alignment
Saddle height or tilt adjustment
Tyre pressure adjustment
Chain lubrication
5.2 Major repairs at external shops — warranty voided on affected parts
If an external shop replaces or disassembles any component without our prior written authorisation, warranty is voided on the repaired or replaced component and the components in the same mechanical system directly involved in that repair. Other unrelated parts of the bike are not affected.
Example: external derailleur replacement voids warranty on the derailleur, hanger, and cable. It does not void warranty on the frame, wheels, or brakes.
Major repairs include: any component replacement, hydraulic brake bleed, suspension service, bottom bracket removal, wheel replacement, or any work requiring specialist tools.
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Do not take your bike to an external shop for major work if you want to claim warranty. Email info@rinosbike.eu first. We assess the defect and organise return at our cost if confirmed. Bikes externally repaired without our authorisation will lose warranty on the affected parts. |
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5.3 Rinos Service Point
Repairs done at the Rinos Service Point are authorised Rinos repairs. They do not affect your warranty in any way.
5.4 Responsibility for what external shops do
If you take your bike to an external shop for a minor adjustment and the shop decides on its own to also replace a component, the warranty consequences of § 5.2 still apply. Tell any external shop explicitly: do not replace or remove any components without contacting us first.
§ 6 Third-party components
Your bike may include components from Shimano, Novatec, RockShox, FOX, or other manufacturers. You do not need to contact these companies yourself. We handle all warranty claims centrally at info@rinosbike.eu, including claims that relate to third-party components. We will manage any manufacturer warranty process internally and deliver you a fixed or replaced bike.
§ 7 Inspection fee for invalid returns
Before sending a bike back, read this. The fee is charged after physical inspection only — not from our initial assessment. When we send you a return authorisation, we will include a clear statement of the fee risk. Sending the bike back confirms you have accepted this.
| Outcome after inspection | What you pay |
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| Defect confirmed | Nothing. We cover all costs including return shipping. |
| No defect found after physical inspection | €50 inspection fee + return shipping |
| Cosmetic issue only (see § 3.3) | Return shipping both ways. No inspection fee. |
| Wear and tear or misuse confirmed after physical inspection | €50 inspection fee + return shipping |
| Returned without our written authorisation | We refuse the return. Bike sent back at your cost. |
| Returned in inadequate packaging causing damage in transit | €75 damage assessment fee + other applicable charges |
We invoice fees by email, due within 14 days. If we wrongly reject a valid claim and charge you a fee, we refund it in full when we correct our assessment.
§ 8 Wear and tear — full definitions and consumables
Wear and tear is the normal, expected deterioration of parts through regular use. It is not a manufacturing defect and is not covered by warranty.
How fast parts wear depends on: how far you ride, terrain and conditions, your weight and riding style, how regularly you maintain the bike, and the quality of replacement parts you use. Two identical bikes can show very different wear after the same period. This is normal.
Premature wear from lack of maintenance, skipped lubrication, or continued use of a worn part causing damage to other parts is also not a warranty defect. For example: a chain worn past its service limit will damage the cassette and chainrings. That secondary damage is not covered.
8.1 Consumable parts — service life guidance
The ranges below are guidance. Actual life varies heavily by conditions and maintenance. These are not minimum guarantees. A component wearing out before the lower end of the range is not automatically a defect.
| Part | When it is worn | Typical service life |
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| Chain | Stretch ≥0.75% on a wear indicator | 1,500–4,000 km |
| Cassette / sprockets | Shark-fin teeth or skipping under load | 3,000–8,000 km |
| Chainrings | Shark-fin teeth or skipping despite new chain | 5,000–15,000 km |
| Disc brake pads | Less than 1 mm of pad material | 500–2,000 km |
| Rim brake pads | Wear groove no longer visible | 500–3,000 km |
| Brake rotors | Below minimum thickness stamped on rotor | 5,000–15,000 km |
| Tyres | Tread worn flat, casing visible, repeated punctures | 2,000–8,000 km |
| Inner tubes | Normal punctures or valve failure | Variable |
| Brake and gear cables | Fraying, stiffness, or corrosion | 1–2 seasons |
| Cable housing | Cracking or increased friction | 1–2 seasons |
| Handlebar grips | Tearing or loss of grip | 1–3 seasons |
| Bar tape | Soiling or unravelling | 1–2 seasons |
| Bottom bracket bearings | Rough or has play after adjustment | 3,000–10,000 km |
| Headset bearings | Play or roughness after adjustment | 5,000–15,000 km |
| Hub bearings | Play or roughness after adjustment | 5,000–15,000 km |
| Jockey wheels | Worn teeth or chain skipping | 5,000–10,000 km |
| Suspension fork seals | Oil leaking past the lower legs | 50–100 riding hours |
| Suspension fork bushings | Play in the lower legs | 100–200 riding hours |
| Rear shock seals / air cans | Air loss or oil seeping | 50–100 riding hours |
| Gear hangers (derailleur hanger) | Bent or broken from impact — replaceable by design | Variable |
| Saddle cover and padding | Tearing or foam collapse | Variable |
| Pedal platform and pins | Pin wear or bearing roughness | 2,000–5,000 km |
| Tubeless sealant | Dried out or no longer sealing punctures | 3–6 months |
| Lubricants and brake fluid | Performance loss through normal use | Per maintenance schedule |
§ 9 Misuse — definitions and bike categories
Misuse means using the bike outside its intended purpose, beyond its rated category, or against the instructions in the owner’s manual. Damage from misuse is not covered by warranty.
9.1 Bike usage categories
Each Rinos model is rated for a specific type of riding. This is stated in the product description and owner’s manual. Using the bike above its rated category voids the warranty for any damage that results.
| Category | What it is for | Rinos models | Not for |
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| Road | Paved roads only. Wheels always on the ground. | Odin, Sandman (road) | Gravel, dirt tracks, jumps, off-road |
| Gravel / Adventure | Paved roads and gravel tracks. No technical singletrack. | Sandman GRX, Parka | Technical trails, drops, jumps, rocks |
| Cross-Country MTB | Natural trails, XC singletrack, moderate roots and rocks. | Gaia 2, Gaia 4 | Enduro trails, big drops, bike parks |
9.2 Misuse examples
Road or gravel bike ridden on mountain bike trails or technical singletrack
Jumps, drops, or aerial manoeuvres on a bike not rated for them
Exceeding the maximum total system weight (rider + clothing + luggage + accessories) in the owner’s manual for your specific model
Crash damage or collision damage with any obstacle, object, or vehicle
Not replacing a worn consumable, causing damage to connected parts
External major repair or part replacement without our authorisation (§ 5.2)
Unapproved modifications to frame, fork, or components
Installing incompatible components
Corrosion from saltwater or chemicals without appropriate maintenance
Commercial use without a separate written agreement with us
Continuing to ride a component that is cracked, bent, or worn past its service limit
Evidence of prolonged outdoor storage without weatherproof cover may be considered when assessing corrosion claims
§ 10 Maintenance — why it matters for warranty
We are not requiring you to follow a maintenance schedule as a contractual condition. But if a bike shows clear signs of neglect, this is relevant evidence when we assess a warranty claim. We recommend keeping a simple maintenance log.
| When | What to check or do | Why it matters for a claim |
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| Every ride | Tyre pressure, brakes, gears, axles | Riding with a loose axle or failed brakes is evidence of neglect |
| Every 300–500 km | Clean and oil chain; check brake pad thickness; check bolt torques | A worn chain damaging the cassette is not a warranty defect if maintenance was skipped |
| Every 1,000–2,000 km or once a year | Full check: cables, bearings, headset, bottom bracket, wheels | Bearing failure after a missed annual service may indicate neglect |
| Every 2 years or per manufacturer schedule | Service suspension fork and rear shock (seals, oil, air spring) | Seal failure after overdue service is not a warranty defect |
| When parts are worn | Replace chain, cassette, brake pads, tyres, cables | Secondary damage from not replacing worn parts is not covered |
§ 11 Transport damage — what to do when your bike arrives
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Quick checklist when your bike arrives: 1. Before signing: inspect the box. If damaged — write it on the delivery receipt before you sign. 2. Within 48 hours of delivery: unbox, inspect the bike before assembling, photograph anything that looks wrong. 3. If you find damage: email info@rinosbike.eu immediately with photos. |
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11.1 Before you sign for delivery
Check the box before signing. Look for: crushed corners or edges, punctures, tears, damp patches, impact marks, or signs the box was opened and resealed. If you see any of these, write a note on the carrier's delivery receipt before signing (e.g. 'box damaged — contents not yet inspected') and take a photo.
If the box is severely damaged and the bike is likely broken inside, you may refuse delivery. Tell the carrier why. The carrier returns it to us. Then email info@rinosbike.eu immediately with your order number and reason for refusal. Do not refuse delivery without notifying us — untracked refusals cause significant delays.
11.2 Within 48 hours of delivery
Before assembling, photograph the bike as you take it out of the box. Check the frame, fork, cockpit, wheels, and drivetrain for cracks, bends, or missing hardware. If you find concealed damage, email info@rinosbike.eu within 48 hours with photos and your order number.
Claims reported after 48 hours are assessed individually. Late reporting without photos or packaging evidence makes it harder to show the damage happened in transit — but it does not automatically exclude the claim.
11.3 After 48 hours
Damage reported more than 48 hours after delivery with no packaging damage noted at delivery is assessed under the standard warranty process (§ 4). We investigate all claims fairly.
| Transport damage: info@rinosbike.eu — subject: 'Delivery Damage – [Order Number]' |
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§ 12 Our quality assurance process
Every Rinos bike goes through a pre-shipment quality check before it is packed. We check: frame and fork condition; brake function; gear shifting across the full range; safety-critical bolt torques; wheel condition; completeness of all components and accessories; serial number confirmation. A QC record is generated per bike and stored against your order.
§ 13 Warranty transfer
The warranty follows the bike. If you sell your Rinos bicycle within the 2-year warranty period, the remaining warranty transfers to the new owner provided two conditions are met: (1) the new owner can provide the original proof of purchase from Rinos, and (2) proof of transfer of ownership between the original buyer and themselves — for example a written sale agreement, bank transfer record, or signed handover note.
Without both documents, Rinos cannot verify the chain of ownership and cannot process a warranty claim. The 2-year period runs from the original delivery date regardless of how many owners the bike has had — Rinos does not restart the warranty on transfer.
To check remaining warranty status before a private sale, email info@rinosbike.eu with the serial number and original order number. We will confirm the status in writing.
§ 14 Crash replacement programme
Rinos operates a crash replacement programme for customers who have damaged their bike in an accident. If you have crashed and need replacement parts or a replacement frame at a discounted rate, contact info@rinosbike.eu with your order number, a description of the crash, and photos of the damage. We assess each case individually and will advise on available options and pricing. The crash replacement programme is a discretionary goodwill service and does not affect or replace statutory warranty rights.
Document Control
| Document | Warranty & Defects Policy |
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| Version | 2.0 |
| Effective date | 14 July 2026 |
| Applies to | All Rinos bicycles purchased from 14 July 2026 onwards |
| Related documents | General Terms & Conditions v2.0 • Cancellation Rights v2.0 • Owner’s Manual (per model) |
| Contact | info@rinosbike.eu • rinosbike.com/pages/warranty-policy |