First road bike = epic mistake

jonny_trousers

Semantastic!

OP: just go into Halfords, calmly explain that the bike is too small and you would like a refund/exchange. Chances are they will just sort you out there and then. Big companies are very good about taking returns these days. If they say no, then you can talk about being sold the wrong size, but forget about the reflector thing.

Firm, but polite.

jonny_trousers

Peddle Up! wrote:

Perhaps going into Halfords and calmly setting out his side of things could be a good starting point for the OP. Then, depending on what they say decide how to procede.

Ha! Both of us on the same wavelength at the same time! Spooky!

Peddle Up!

Jonny_Trousers wrote:

Peddle Up! wrote:

Perhaps going into Halfords and calmly setting out his side of things could be a good starting point for the OP. Then, depending on what they say decide how to procede.

Ha! Both of us on the same wavelength at the same time! Spooky!

petejuk

Peddle Up! wrote:

Perhaps going into Halfords and calmly setting out his side of things could be a good starting point for the OP. Then, depending on what they say decide how to procede.

Nah. Surely it is best to exhaust all possible and impossible outcomes, responses and reactions Halfords are likely/ unlikely to take and surmise that the OP has no chance even if he hasn't entered the shop or spoken to a member of staff. After all, what's the forum for?

meanredspider

BillyMansell wrote:

meanredspider wrote:

BillyMansell wrote:

As much as people like to blame Halfords, the OP has to take some responsibility in not ensuring the bike was right before handing over his money.

But how was the OP to know? Imagine going into a sports shop to buy some kit for a sport you hadn't played and the sports shop assistant said you needed a size 37. You then turn up at the sports club and discover that a size 37 is ridiculously small for you. Are you at fault?

Rather than make up ridiculous scenarios read the original post. They already had bought a bike from Halfords so they're not new to the sport.

Size is one of the attributes of an item that determines whether it is fit for purpose - it's not different.

I'm afraid I can't help you if you're too choose to misunderstand what 'fit for purpose' means and how it doesn't apply in this situation.

The only situation where the OP would be at fault is if the shop said you needed size 56 and you insisted on buying size 37.

Jeez, what a litigious world some people live in - it has to be someone's fault because where there's a blame there's a claim.

Alternatively, it could have been a mistake by either or both parties that could easily be resolved but instead we get a 'blame Wiggle' type thread' .

It's not a ridiculous post. You go to a bike shop for a type of bike you've never ridden, they sell you the wrong size, you ride it and find that it's wrong, you take it back.

Where did litigation come into it? What claim? Blame Wiggle-type thread? Are you actually reading this thread?

They're making money out of you and you deserve to get the right product - it's not a hard concept. Sell you the wrong thing and they change it. Perhaps next time they'll sell the right product. I'm in total agreement with posts that say just take it back and politely ask them to change it.

I just hope the OP has better people to deal with at Halfords than the typical store. I've wasted 3 hours in the last week hanging around Halfords waiting for them to get their act together and deliver on their promises. The OP's mistake (and mine) was to buy anything from them in the first place.

lvquestpaddler

I don't see how this is Halfords fault, unless they've said "this is the bike for you" and the frame is mis-sized to what it says online(ie it's a 20" when it should have been 22").
Is there a total lack of instincts going on here? I know within seconds of plonking my butt on a saddle whether the bike "feels" right, and if not 100%, if it will plus or minus a couple of tweeks (stem/saddle/seatpost height etc) I bought a Vanquish from Halfords and declined any sales patter off of them. I'm used to riding "m" frames on MTB's, but bought a small in the Vanquish.
My workmates reckon it looks too small, but it feels bang on and I've never had any aches or pains, can get on the drops fine(I'm only 5'7", 35" axle to saddle so short torso I think?) and it's now got tribars on it. The other bikes felt too stretched.
Anyway- I thought these days the old method of seat tube length was out of the window and the top tube length was critical?
The OP at his height should have realised it was too small when he sat on it...
(Or is it? Maybe it needs a longer stem, a (longer?) seatpost with layback etc?)
If it was a mail order take a chance affair then yes, unridden you should swap it no questions if not happy. But the bike is now technically used, you tried it in the shop and you weren't held at gunpoint. Take some responsibility it seems your error not theirs.

ALaPlage

I work in retail. Not for Halfords or any other bike retailer. That said if a customer returns a purchase because it is the wrong size or fit then as long as the item has been returned in the condition it was sold then an exchange or refund is given without question.

I suggest that despite the OP having ridden the bike over at least 45 miles a return to the Halfords with the bike and explaining it is too small and he required a large frame I see no issue in Halfords sorting out an exchange.

The OP has to take some responsibility here however I see no reason why Halfords will not do their best to find an amicable solution for the OP.

rolf_f

lvquestpaddler wrote:

I know within seconds of plonking my butt on a saddle whether the bike "feels" right, and if not 100%, if it will plus or minus a couple of tweeks (stem/saddle/seatpost height etc)

Congratulations - have a medal!

Unfortunately, not all are as knowledgeable as you as the plenty of threads from people querying whether they have the correct frame size on here indicate. Bottom line is that Halfords claim the expertise so they should (in theory) no more sell you the wrong size frame than a shop like Epic should.

lvquestpaddler wrote:

IAnyway- I thought these days the old method of seat tube length was out of the window and the top tube length was critical?

Most bikes (particularly lower end ones) are of similar, average-ish proportions so it doesn't really matter how you measure the bike as long as you know what sort of sized person fits what size frame. Halfords own sizing chart clearly indicates that the OP, unless unusually proportioned, has been sold the wrong sized frame.

mouth

Did you sign that bit of paper saying that the bike was OK after you inspected it? Tough.

henryw

Thanks (mostly) for the advice guys. I do totally accept some responsibility for this - it was a total spur of the moment purchase, I had enough money to buy it and just searched online for a road bike within my price range. If there's one thing I should have learned, it's not to make spur of the moment purchases.

The bike is thoroughly cleaned and as good as new - I'm going to take it to Halfords tomorrow and see what they say. I'll let you know how I got on.

lvquestpaddler

Congratulations - have a medal!

So we live in a world where we need to be told everything, what to do, what to buy, what size. Should we ask for instructions on how not to fall off, how the brakes work and who to sue when we can't change gears.Oh, and the pedals do go around the big bearing thing....
The OP is obviously an experienced cyclist, the jump from MTB frames to road geometry isn't fecking rocket science. Take the hit, stop acting like a spoiled Yank looking for someone to blame....(and if you're one of those clueless pillocks who can't maintain your chosen bike then maybe cycling is not for you, or just get half a dozen mobiles from different networks to put in your top of the range Camelbaks and hope when something goes pear shaped you can get a signal and phone someone with half a clue who can rescue you....)
I'd be too embarrassed to go back to a shop(which is slated regularly on this site for lack of decent staff) and tell them I'd bought a bike which didn't fit.
And, for the record, when I was looking for a spare set of road wheels for my MTB, the Halfords mechanic on that day pointed me in no uncertain terms to try Merlin. They're not all clueless. And they're not paid such sh*t money to make up the deficit in your judgement either....

cougie

Ignoring all the legal theories - yes - best thing - take it back to Halfords and politely explain the problem to the manager.

You can slag off Halfords as a shop - but LBS can be just as bad. A mate of mine was sold a 25 1/4 inch bike from the LBS when he was 13 "he'll grow into it" was the salesmans advice.

30 years later - its still miles too big for him.

Monkeypump

lvquestpaddler wrote:

Congratulations - have a medal!

So we live in a world where we need to be told everything, what to do, what to buy, what size. Should we ask for instructions on how not to fall off, how the brakes work and who to sue when we can't change gears.Oh, and the pedals do go around the big bearing thing....
The OP is obviously an experienced cyclist, the jump from MTB frames to road geometry isn't fecking rocket science. Take the hit, stop acting like a spoiled Yank looking for someone to blame....(and if you're one of those clueless pillocks who can't maintain your chosen bike then maybe cycling is not for you, or just get half a dozen mobiles from different networks to put in your top of the range Camelbaks and hope when something goes pear shaped you can get a signal and phone someone with half a clue who can rescue you....)
I'd be too embarrassed to go back to a shop(which is slated regularly on this site for lack of decent staff) and tell them I'd bought a bike which didn't fit.
And, for the record, when I was looking for a spare set of road wheels for my MTB, the Halfords mechanic on that day pointed me in no uncertain terms to try Merlin. They're not all clueless. And they're not paid such sh*t money to make up the deficit in your judgement either....

Crikey, who p*ssed on your chips?

lvquestpaddler

He he no one! Bit harsh and I suppose arrogant re-reading it so apologies for the tone, really :oops:
It will be interesting to see the outcome though, maybe the OP will get a result?
I just can't see how they can take it back as it's technically second hand(unless this can be hidden or whoever deals with it can't spot any trace of usage....?)
Yeah, LBS's can be totally hit and miss I'd agree with that too.

morstar

lvquestpaddler wrote:

I just can't see how they can take it back as it's technically second hand

Well, it's like this...

No, sorry, I can't perpetuate this any longer.

reformer

Halfords sold me a bike that's too small, WTF do I do?

Get rid of it and forget it. You should get half your money back at least. If you get into road biking you can end up spending a fortune on bikes,upgrades and gear. if you make a loss it will seem negligible over the years to come. One things for sure you're unlikely to make the same mistake again. Good luck at Halfords.

acidstrato

i once bought a bike from halfords...i sat on a display bike and said "I like this one, this is the model I want but in a bigger size" the sales guy told me I should get the size I sat on

I bought the bigger size....because I'm intelligent


true story

lvquestpaddler

Bike sizing will differ between manufacturers as much as shoe and helmet sizing is hugely variable also(My workboots are a 43, I usually wear a 44 in most footwear, and my Shimano bike shoes are a slightly nippy 45). Same with Endura clothing. Their "XXL" is a "M" in most other manufacturers sizing....
The lesson being don't stick rigidly to labels on anything, they're only the roughest of guides...

elPedro666

If they sold you a bike that wasn't suitable for you, surely they totally failed to do their job?

rake

they didnt force him to buy the bike. He bought it just as much as halfords sold it. I hope some of these posters dont buy everything that a fast talking salesman tries to sell them, they must have so much junk they dont nedd.
They bike is fit for purpose in my eyes. if i buy a screwdriver for knocking nails in thats my fault, yet the tool could still be be used for tightening screws so its fit for the purpose of being a screwdriver.

elPedro666

rake wrote:

They bike is fit for purpose in my eyes. if i buy a screwdriver for knocking nails in thats my fault, yet the tool could still be be used for tightening screws so its fit for the purpose of being a screwdriver.

Not if it was sold to you for knocking in nails, that's the point - the bike was sold to him, for him to ride, and in that scenario they were wrong.

rake

If the end folded over when i tightened a screw then i would say it wasnt fit for purpose. likewise if the bike folded in half or melted into the road then i would say it wasnt fit for purpose. the op has ridden the bike. i dont know where comfort comes into the regulations but thats what this boils down to, and its the op fault . i have done the same in the past, bought a bike with too small a frame, i accepted id been foolish and that was the end of the matter.

elPedro666

Sorry to hear you copped for the bill, but if I was to go into any specialist retailer and they sold me something that was inappropriate for the use I'd stated it was for, I'd say they were in the wrong. Otherwise what's the point of a specialist retailer?!

navrig

The comment about knowing if a bike fits as soon as you sit on it is not correct im my experience. I've mostly ridden MTBs during my adult life but about 3 years ago I decided to buy a road bike. Following a sizing chart on their website I bought from a well know web retailer. The bike arrived and for 2 years+ I cycled weekly with no aches, pains or discomfort.

More recently I bought a 2nd bike from the same retailer and the sizing chart suggested I shoukd take the next size down. I phoned and spoke to them and accepted their advise. The bike arrived and for the last 7 months I have been riding it with no aches, pains or discomfort. However I took the older bike on holiday to France and rode it about 5 times over 2 weeks. Whilst I was able to do 45 miles or so I have realised that it is too big and that to ride it as a winter bike I will need a shorter stem.

It was my first bike and did not know.

Secondly when Halfords have sold the OP his bike they did so claiming to offer a fitting service and it is this service which is at fault. Had he bought mail order or from a LBS which stated sizing was the responsibility of the customer he would have no comeback. Therefore Halfords need to address the poor advice given. How? Well that is negotiation.

I don't think that a leal argument around fit for purpose would hold water. He needs to argue that they were negligent n the advice given.

rake

elPedro666 wrote:

Sorry to hear you copped for the bill, but if I was to go into any specialist retailer and they sold me something that was inappropriate for the use I'd stated it was for, I'd say they were in the wrong. Otherwise what's the point of a specialist retailer?!

me too, except i didnt state anything. i just thought it was right and bought it.
i cant really see he will have much problem getting it swapped for a bigger one.most retailers i find these days have no problem if you have a sensible reason, which he has.
i was a sales assistent for a short time, the name of the game is to try and be helpfull and accomodating, the sure fire way to get backs up and stone faced responses is to go in guns blazing, it doesnt frighten anybody, it just piss*s them off .

rolf_f

rake wrote:

If the end folded over when i tightened a screw then i would say it wasnt fit for purpose. likewise if the bike folded in half or melted into the road then i would say it wasnt fit for purpose. the op has ridden the bike. i dont know where comfort comes into the regulations but thats what this boils down to, and its the op fault . i have done the same in the past, bought a bike with too small a frame, i accepted id been foolish and that was the end of the matter.

Accepting it was foolish! The links have been posted about the Sale of Goods Act - read them. Then you'll realise your analogy about the screw simply doesn't cover it.

Bar Shaker

henryw wrote:

Here's the kicker: when I bought the bike, it was sold without a front reflector. I know it's a really minor issue, but under UK law all bicycles must be sold with a front reflector, so I've been sold something that's borderline illegal. Of course, it's up to me to prove that the front reflector was missing in the first place.

And explain why, if this was the case, that you took the bike out for a 45 ride.

You can appeal to their good will, but have no legal right to exchange the bike that you have now used.

navrig

There is another point to consider.

I would suggest that it is accepted and common practice for bike to be bought and sold on the basis that if the frame is the correct size there are a number of adjustments and replacements which can be made to make the bike a proper and more comfortable fit.

Halford's fitting advice should take this into account BUT they should point this out to any purchaser so that they are aware that tweaking may be required.

However if the frame is sufficiently too small or too big for such adjustments to give a correct fit then I would suggest that they have been negligent in the advice given.

I have on one occassion used the word negligent to a tradesman who had not carried out his work to an adequate standard. He corrected it very quickly and without argument.

I would not be sure that the Halfords manager would be aware of the strength of the accusation of negligence but it is worth using if friendly negotiations get you no where.

On the other hand anyone who buys a bike and chooses such a long ride as the first ride deserves to be castigated on a forum such as this.

rafletcher

morstar wrote:

To the last two posters, may I suggest you ignore the fact the guy has gne straight into an 85 mile ride. That may or may not be a stupid thing to do but it is a side issue to the actual question.

A road bike novice has entered a well known retailer and tried to buy a road bike. It transpires that the bike is too small. Question, is the product fit for purpose? I think, clearly it isn't, you've been mis-sold in my mind.

Of course it's "fit for purpose" It's a cycle and it can be cycled. purchasing something too small is the buyers fault. You wouldn't claim a cost that turned out too small wasn't "fit for purpose" - it's still a coat.

The OP has learned a hard lesson - and he's no tyro, hee's been riding MTB's for while over significant distances. He screwed up, plain and simple. If he wanted good advice from a cycle retailer he could readily have found thet the opinion of halfords on here and other cycling fora is crap and chosen to go to a local specialist, not a bike supermarket.

rolf_f

rafletcher wrote:

If he wanted good advice from a cycle retailer he could readily have found thet the opinion of halfords on here and other cycling fora is crap and chosen to go to a local specialist, not a bike supermarket.

But Halfords don't claim that their advice is crap - they claim that it is expert. What might be common knowledge on a forum isn't necessarily common knowledge outside of the forum (which has a miniscule membership compared to the number of people who cycle in this country).