Evans - Anybody Purchased From Evans?

Soni

I've been waiting to get a bike from Evans for over 4 weeks!

I'm doing the Cycle2Work so it has to be through Evans, however i'm also putting up £800.00 to get either the CAAD9 Ultegra or Trek 2.5 Ultegra.

Their system seems to be pants, its been showing the bikes out of stock and a due date, i took a screen print form their website over 4 weeks ago which showed the due date for each bike, however each time the date has approached its been extended by another week!

I even placed a £50.00 deposit on each bike - 3 x bikes in total......so they have £150.00 of my money already - its already left my account.

I've now been speaking to one of the managers as i was concerned that their staff didn't know what was going on, however it seems like the managers don't either!

When i paid the deposit over the phone, the manager said that the transaction has gone through, however he can't give me an order no. as their system has just crashed, but to quote my PostCode and it will show under that.

When i spoke to one of their guys through the week he said that they have no record of any desposits or any bikes i have on order...

I spoke to the manager again yesterday and he said that my deposits 'should' be shown under my postcode, but he didn't check, and that even though the date has been put back another week, that date on the system is for bikes that have not yet been order by customers, so if somebody goes into their store today that is the date they will be expected.......but because mine has been ordered mine should be in next week.....

Anybody know whether this is bullcrap?

I've just got a terrible feeling that i'm still going to be waiting in another 4 weeks time...can't see any end to it to be honest, and don't see why i should purchase a bike they do have in stock if its not the one i want...

FOAD

Why have you got a deposit on three different bikes?

Assuming they don't have the Cannondale in stock nationally within Evans, I reckon you won't be seeing one this side of August given the debacle that is Cannondale's current distribution mess.

A mate of mine just got a Trek Madone 5.2 and it took 4 weeks to come through, so assuming a 2.5 comes on a similar period it should be here shortly if indeed they even ordered it.

What is the other bike?

thebigredone

OK...here goes...my first post!

On the 2nd of March I ordered (via the website) a 2009 BMC Streetfire. It was the only 2009 bike I fancied that they still had in my size XL (which, according to the BMC website equated to the 61cm that I needed). It was £999 reduced from £1499. By the 12th of March I'd heard nothing (it said 5-7 days on the website). I phoned up to find what was going on and I spoke to a Peter. He was reallly helpful and I was on the phone to hime for over half an hour. He said he could see the bike in a store but wasn't confident of being able to get it back to the warehouse. In its place he offered me one of these http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc ... ?query=bmc FOR THE SAME PRICE £2099 down to £1599 down to £999...a bit of a steal really...but, unfortunately, it's really a bit too aggresive for me and it's not a compact. I don't think my 51 year old muscles and joints would've been too happy on it...so I turned it down Instead I opted for this http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fel ... felt%20z75 which I've also got for £999...so £300 off isn't too bad. At the time it said 7-10 days....then the dates, as you say, kept being pushed back.

It finally arrived on the 29th of APRIL! No phone call, no email...nothing...a big truck pulled up outside just as I was leaving the house. If I'd been a minute earlier or the driver had been a minute later I'd have had to wait even longer. When I said to the driver that a phone call from Evans would've been nice he said "Oh...everyone says that".

It was delivered the day BEFORE it was actually due into Evans. Then it's supposed to be 3-5 days after that that it gets delivered, so I was expecting it the following week. I now notice that two of the sizes aren't due in for another week or so.

Soni

FOAD wrote:

Why have you got a deposit on three different bikes?

Assuming they don't have the Cannondale in stock nationally within Evans, I reckon you won't be seeing one this side of August given the debacle that is Cannondale's current distribution mess.

A mate of mine just got a Trek Madone 5.2 and it took 4 weeks to come through, so assuming a 2.5 comes on a similar period it should be here shortly if indeed they even ordered it.

What is the other bike?

Hi mate, the other bike is the Trek 2.3 105, i put a deposit on that as even though i would prefer the Ultegra group of the CAAD or 2.5, i thought i better put a deposit (and was advised to do so by Evans) on the 2.3 just in case things go belly up on the other 2, at least i've got a bike!

The problem is i've decided not to go carbon, and also want at least 105 group, so that narrows my choices down big time with Evans, and also it has to be in a size 59....

Soni

thebigredone wrote:

OK...here goes...my first post!

On the 2nd of March I ordered (via the website) a 2009 BMC Streetfire. It was the only 2009 bike I fancied that they still had in my size XL (which, according to the BMC website equated to the 61cm that I needed). It was £999 reduced from £1499. By the 12th of March I'd heard nothing (it said 5-7 days on the website). I phoned up to find what was going on and I spoke to a Peter. He was reallly helpful and I was on the phone to hime for over half an hour. He said he could see the bike in a store but wasn't confident of being able to get it back to the warehouse. In its place he offered me one of these http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc ... ?query=bmc FOR THE SAME PRICE £2099 down to £1599 down to £999...a bit of a steal really...but, unfortunately, it's really a bit too aggresive for me and it's not a compact. I don't think my 51 year old muscles and joints would've been too happy on it...so I turned it down Instead I opted for this http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fel ... felt%20z75 which I've also got for £999...so £300 off isn't too bad. At the time it said 7-10 days....then the dates, as you say, kept being pushed back.

It finally arrived on the 29th of APRIL! No phone call, no email...nothing...a big truck pulled up outside just as I was leaving the house. If I'd been a minute earlier or the driver had been a minute later I'd have had to wait even longer. When I said to the driver that a phone call from Evans would've been nice he said "Oh...everyone says that".

It was delivered the day BEFORE it was actually due into Evans. Then it's supposed to be 3-5 days after that that it gets delivered, so I was expecting it the following week. I now notice that two of the sizes aren't due in for another week or so.

Wellcome to the forum mate

Their website doesn't seem to be self explanatory with the dates, and to be honest i don't even think the staff know what the dates mean either!

The website either gives a 'set date' which changes a few days before that date to a date approx 1 week-2 weeks later, or displays it as 7-10 days....

I've been told that if its showing as 7-10 days then they have it in 'their' warehouse at Gatwick, however when i go to 'their' warehouse at Gatwick, they tell me that it means its in another one of their shops!!!!

Then they tell me when they look a little deeper into it that the system isn't entirely accurate and its at their suppliers i.e., Canondale or Trek....

And if its got a date of delivery then that is the date they've been given by their Supplier that they estimate they will be able to deliver it to the Garwick warehouse by......

I'm completely and utterly lost by it all to be perfectly honest, my last road bike a Trek 1.5 was ordered by my small LBS on the Monday and it was in on the Wednesday!

Karl2010

ive bought loads of stuff from Evans Cycles. Ive also took loads back.
Never bought a bike it was clothing mainly. They never quibbled when i took stuff back. They did take 4 weeks to get some GTX SPD MTB Shoes in though which was a pain in the ass because when they finaly arrived they didnt fit.

Found the customer service np probs tho.

hope your bike arrives soon

Sean1504

Evans dates work like so:

In Stock - Self explanatory, in stock at Gatwick Warehouse.
5-7 Days - In stock at one of their stores, they will order it either back to the warehouse then deliver it or can order it to a store for you.
7-10 Days - Will be ordered from a supplier which should currently have stock, either to the warehouse for delivery or to a store.
Specific date - Date that a supplier has told them they will deliver to them.

If the due date keeps slipping then it's out of their control, doesn't explain the poor service you've received though.

I went down to the Gatwick Warehouse yesterday to test ride 3 bikes. I originally had 13 bikes on my short list but by purposely choosing bikes that were in stock it helped me narrow down my list.

I took out the CAAD 9 105 (If I went with this, i'd of ordered in the Ultegra which wasn't in stock, was trying out the frame), BMC Road Racer SL01, Cannondale Six Carbon 105.

The other two were in a different class to the CAAD9, i'm sure the uprated components on the Ultegra would have closed the gap some what but the ride just wasn't as good. I'm going back Tuesday to try the BMC Race Master SLX01 and then i'll make my decision. Staff in the shop were very helpful, although I was a little annoyed I was told I couldn't try all 4 (there's a limit of 3 but when I arranged it on the phone the guy told me they'd be able to build up the other one as well).

neilfitton

Soni,

Seems like I am stalking you !! we chatted when you were 1st looking for your bike, you typically have gone for a bike that is having loads of issues with delivery.

It is very frustratiog for all in the industry, all of the manufacturers build their bikes in teh far east and ship them to us, and this is where the problems arise
- we are given dates by shippers of when a container is due to be dispatched so that drives 1 set of dates and deadlines
- the retailer can then get a bike direct from the manufacturer (based on what stock they have in their warehouse in UK/Europe) which will often show as 7-10 day delivery.
- BUT when you order that bike then the retailer has to go back to the manufacturer to get their stock report and put an order in and in that time the data that was held may be out of date already.
- Then this is genuine....there are global issues with containers so that you could be told that 200 bikes are ready to ship therfore you have na expectation but 2 weeks later you get an update saying that they havent shipped due to container issues.
- Container take between 4-6 weeks to come over by boat .....this can change easily or can be held in ports for inspection easily adding 2 weeks !!

I understand the frustration I really do !! Imagine the stress it causes within the industry

I notice now your lookinfg for a 59cm frame are you sure that is what you want it is way too big !!!

Soni

Hi Neil/Sean,

I apologise for not providing an update, but i collected my bike on Wednesday

It had to be Aluminium, and i ideally wanted Ultegra, so therefore this narrowed my options to the CAAD9 and the Trek 2.5.

As you know from past posts, i test rode a CAAD9 Ultegra 2010 in Matt Black, but didn't really like the look of it and when i rode it i was hunched over and this was on a 58cm frame.....the same as the Trek 1.5 i had owned for 18 months which fitted me like a glove.

So, i was awaiting the delivery of the CAAD9 to Evans in 'Team' colours, and also the Trek 2.5.

Everyday i was phoning i was told a different thing.

So, on last Monday morning i was in London and i phoned and asked to speak to a Manager, the guy who answered the phone explained that the Manager didn't start until 11am but could he help.

His name was Lionel, and he was very very helpful and professional indeed - one top bloke!!

I explained to him that i had been waiting for 4 weeks, he took my details, said he would look into it and would phone me back. I came out of my meeting in London 1 hr later and he had left me a voice message telling me that the Trek 2.5 is in stock and already built for me!! :? :? However, they still don't have the CAAD9 in my size in stock.

I went to the Gatwick store and they had the CAAD9 'Team' colour already built up on display in a 54 (think it was a 54) and to be honest i didn't 'personally' like the look of that much either.......

They brought me the 2.5 Trek out and i rode it and it felt exactly (comfort/size wise) as my previous 1.5 did!

I took that, and boy am i happy with it.

The front derailier needed tweaking so i phoned up Lionel at Evans and he said to me bring it in and he'll get it sorted, was done in 5 minutes, he even sorted me out some tops in 'big boy size'

The service of Lionel more than made up for the previous lack of service.

I've been riding 17 miles every morning last week since Wednesday before work, Saturday i did 83 miles and today did another 32 miles, no comfort issues at all, the Ultegra groupset is fab, and the bike is fast and instills confidence on descents. I seem to be spending a lot more time on the drops on this bike than i did on the 1.5, don't think its the better braking system of the Ultegra gruppo, although the braking system is fantastic, its the bike as a whole, it just feels that much more solid and is really nice to ride.

Here are a few piccies.

Sean1504

Nice bike Soni, it was one of the ones on my original short list but got discounted because it wasn't showing in stock. Glad you've had a good experience in the end.

Out of interest where did you get your bike stand from? I'm gonna be keeping mine in my flat and that looks just the ticket.

Soni

Sean1504 wrote:

Nice bike Soni, it was one of the ones on my original short list but got discounted because it wasn't showing in stock. Glad you've had a good experience in the end.

Out of interest where did you get your bike stand from? I'm gonna be keeping mine in my flat and that looks just the ticket.

Hi Sean, it was a cheapy (ish), i was looking at the likes of Park Tools etc., but at the time couldn't stretch that far for a stand, so bought this one, its got on it 'BikeTool' by Union......bought it from a cycle shop in Maidstone, can't remember exactly how much i paid for it now but i know it was cheaper than the Park Tools....

Its very sturdy for both my road bike and even my GT MTB, don't have any problems with it at all, and also the clamp can be rotated around 360 degrees and has all sorts of adjustments on it.

I keep my road bike in it permanently to try and avoid any knocks/falls etc., i only take it out if i'm going out on it riding or need to put the MTB in it for tweaking....

Just done a quick Google and i think its exactly the same as this one:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Union-Bicycle-Rep ... _651wt_732

fungus_the_muffin_man

Soni correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the frame on your new bike just a slightly updated version of your 1.5 frame?

It just seems a strange decision to buy another frame the same just to get a better groupset IMHO.

FransJacques

upgraded? the thing is exactly the same. amazing how a bit of white paint fools people.
what does that thing weigh?

Sean1504

Thanks Soni, i'll check it out.

My bike will be kept in it whenever i'm not riding it, trying to work out whether to get this type, some kind of wall mounted rack or i've even seen a vertical rack that's also wall mounted.

boondog

with Evans it really is down to the person you deal with. If you don't like them, I suggest you simply talk to someone else, and spend some time in their shop out of peak hours when they aren't stretched.
I tried to order a bike from Mr Lazy at Evans, it was a 2009 model and the website said there was 1 left, with a 7 day delivery. Mr Lazy said it was a Phantom bike, and his stock levels said there were none in any shop, or the warehouse, ad we'd both be wasting time by ordering it. I had to virtually force him to do this, and after some persauding he did, whilst muttering about it being a waste of time. 2 days later, bike arrived :roll:
don't get me started on the ride2work scheme,thats another story.

boondog

whilst out riding, before I bought my 56cm bike from Evans (the non existant one) I spotted a 58cm bike in Kingston (another phantom bike not in their system). So I put down a deposit, and reserved it. They just called me to say they couldn't actually order my bike in (it was in their shop!), so they were letting me know. I'm not remotely bothered, but it's funny that their story just isn't true.
Now they're refusing to give me a deposit back unless I go back to the store, even though they took the deposit over the phone ( I called in after my ride to reserve it). Lets see what happens now, waiting for the "manager" to call me back

Soni

Fungus The Muffin Man wrote:

Soni correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the frame on your new bike just a slightly updated version of your 1.5 frame?

It just seems a strange decision to buy another frame the same just to get a better groupset IMHO.

Hi mate, the frame fitted like a glove on the 1.5, it was so comfortable and a pleasure to ride.

However, the gears never worked for me, things kept going wrong with the bike, it had Sora shifters and front derailier, tiagra rear derailier, and FSA cranks, i had the rear mech upgraded to 105, that didn't help, i was then told that the FSA cranks are flexing under my load so upgraded them to Shimano Sora, it still didn't work correctly, had the chain replaced, the cassette replaced, and the gears were still not working properly, in the end it had to be sent off to Trek and they said they traced the fault to the outer gear cable on the front, they replaced that, returned the bike to me, but the gears still didn't work, then the spokes kept snapping in the rear wheel, then the wheel bearings kept grinding (Bontrager) and i had to have them rebuilt every couple of months, i was told due to the cup/cone bearings it is something that is going to be ongoing due to a combination of my weight and the type of bearings.......in the end i had enough of the bike and ended up selling it. Due to hearing so many good reports about Mavic wheels, I decided to purchase a set of Mavic wheels to put on the new bike whatever i get...

The bottom line was the LBS could seem to get to the bottom of it, and i was told that a lighter rider would probably never experience any problems with it, however due to my weight and the amount of power i'm putting out, this is the reason for the problems...

My company started doing the Ride2Work with Evans, so i thought it would be a good opportunity for me to buy a bike on this scheme. I had a Budget of £1800.00 and could have purchased a nice looking Carbon bike with a 105 groupset, however after much thought i decided i would go the aluminium route and get a better groupset, as this was one of the underlying problems with my previous bike and the reason i sold it!

Therefore, due to me going through Evans, and also wanting an aluminium frame with an Ultegra groupset, it limited me to the CAAD9 Ultegra or the Trek 2.5.......after trying the CAAD9, it felt too racy for training and my style of riding, however after stepping back on the Trek, it felt great, was comfortable, good looking (imo) so decided on this, as i now have the nice frame like i enjoyed with the 1.5, however i've got a much better and 'hopefully' heavier duty groupset.

Soni

FransJacques wrote:

upgraded? the thing is exactly the same. amazing how a bit of white paint fools people.
what does that thing weigh?

Fooled by a bit of white paint? :?

I wasn't fooled by the paint, in fact it was the dead opposite, i even checked on the Trek website to ensure that the frame was the same geometery, as i've previously said the frame on the previous 1.5 fitted like a glove, so therefore if its not broken then why fix it? :? It wasn't the frame i had issues with, it was the groupset and wheels.....

Furthermore, weight is irrelevant to me, i would rather have a strong bike with a decent groupset than a frame weighing a few pounds less and snapping a couple of years down the line...

Soni

boondog wrote:

whilst out riding, before I bought my 56cm bike from Evans (the non existant one) I spotted a 58cm bike in Kingston (another phantom bike not in their system). So I put down a deposit, and reserved it. They just called me to say they couldn't actually order my bike in (it was in their shop!), so they were letting me know. I'm not remotely bothered, but it's funny that their story just isn't true.
Now they're refusing to give me a deposit back unless I go back to the store, even though they took the deposit over the phone ( I called in after my ride to reserve it). Lets see what happens now, waiting for the "manager" to call me back

Because i had 3 deposits of £50 on 3 different bikes, 2 were placed over the phone and allocated to my postcode, however the first one i did was in store and i even had a printed receipt with the receipt attached, bike order no. etc.,

When i went to pick up the 2.5, they couldn't find the paper deposit on their system, the Manager said its impossible to delete it without refunding the money, i told him i can assure you it definetely has NOT been refunded! :evil: