Boardman Fs comp

Moosemen

Ive had this bike for a few months now. It devopled a problem when climbing the chain would jump off the front chainring. At closer inspection found that the lower swinging arm bush near the BB was worn out already. Would this be acceptable at 3 months old ? Would rather have money back and buy something more established.

supersonic

Bearings do wear and are simply replaced. It is quick though - and I would expect warranty to fix it, but no reason for a refund.

nicklouse

bearings tend not to be covered in any warrenty.

But 3 months is a bit short, But how the bike is maintained may have more of a bearing in the bearing life than the make of bike as the frame is most likely made in the same factory by the same workers and any of the other makes.

julianwest

Hi there,

I'm guessing you purchased the bike new yes? If so, did you take it back for the free six week check? If you didn't, this is Halfords biggest piece of ammunition to turn away any problem like that. Even if yes, I know for a fact that if you take it back to the shop and try for a full refund... Halfords are not obliged to refund you, or even replace the part under warranty as you have effectivly in the eyes of bicycle mechanics, worn out that part. Unfortunatly, this is how retail is. I work there.

Even still, it's a small and simple part to replace.

Daz555

julianwest wrote:

Halfords are not obliged to refund you, or even replace the part under warranty as you have effectivly in the eyes of bicycle mechanics, worn out that part. Unfortunatly, this is how retail is. I work there.

Thankfully, the Sale of Goods Act does not hold much stead in the opinion of a random Halfords cycle mechanic. What if he'd 'worn out' the part in an hour? a day? a week? Where do we draw the line?

Firstly I think it is reasonable to suggest a bearing should last longer than 3 months in normal use. Halfords would also agree with this no doubt - for them to say otherwise would in effect be an admission that the Boardman bikes are rubbish.

As the part is new (up to 6 months) it is up to the retailer to demonstrate that the part was not inherently faulty or has been misused (Sale of Goods Act). With a 3 month old worn bearing this is going to be pretty much impossible to do, nor will it be worth Halfords cost/time in attempting to do so - this is probably the biggest advantage for the buyer. It will help the buyer if his bike looks in a good state of repair when he takes it back for the bearing problem.

If they cannot demonstrate that the part was not faulty or has been abused then they will have to offer a replacement/repair. Sale Of Goods Act is where all the fun is these days! 8)

The key points are the 6 months bit, getting agreement that 3 months is not long enough for a bearing, and Halfords not being arsed with the time or cost to prove the argument that the part has been abused.

However, what will probably happen is that you return the bike and ask for a new pair of bearings and they just say, "it's gone after 3 months, blimey, yeah no worries".

As always, the Sale of Goods act is your friend - make sure any retailer does not try to fob you off with lies. Also remember that your contract is with Halfords and not with the maker of the bike, bearing or whatever. Do not let them fob you off to Boardman Bikes, or Bearings Ltd, or whatever. You deal ONLY with the retailer.

Moosemen

Took the bike back to Halfords they seemed concerned with the fault and said they would look into it. All covered under warranty and should be done within two weeks.

Dirtydog11

Moosemen wrote:

Took the bike back to Halfords they seemed concerned with the fault and said they would look into it. All covered under warranty and should be done within two weeks.

Two weeks? I wonder how they work that out.

Call me cynical but knowing the way Halfords like to mislead their customers that probably translates to 14 working days which will be more like 3 weeks. Keep us posted!

dwhittin

Erm, 2 weeks to change a bearing...???!!! 2 days I could understand if they have to get a bearing supplied..l :twisted:

Moosemen

Phoned em today to see how its going, they still havent got the parts. Due in on Friday so could be another week or so. I just hope these parts become more available in the future. Wish i never took it in there now, should of had a go at fixing it myself.