Halfords (big sigh)

gazza1000
gazza1000 Posts: 35
edited March 2013 in Road general
Hi all,

First post so be gentle and hope I'm in the right section :D

Right my peddle has snapped off the crank (with the crank snapping**) on my Boardman race. No collision just normal cycling and off it came. Bike is 15 months old so am in discussion re: warranty claim as 12 months is standard.

The guy at Halfords has been helpful to be fair but is going back to suppliers for Boardman to see if they can claim the part as a warranty fault. There is some scraping under the pedal so they are hinting I have been involved in other bangs/evidence of misuse??

I've contacted consumer direct who believe under sale of goods you would expect the crank 'to last a reasonable amount of time' and could be covered for this type of fault. Spoke to an independant bike shop who back this and will put this in writing.

Any thoughts guys :?

Many Thanks
«13

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    so who serviced it?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • displacedaussie
    displacedaussie Posts: 356
    It seems like you're going to a lot of effort when you could just replace the pedals and get on with enjoying your bike?
  • imposter2.0
    imposter2.0 Posts: 12,028
    Can you clarify what has broken, or post a pic? First you say the 'pedal' has snapped off the crank - but later you imply that the crank itself is broken. Which is it?
  • gazza1000
    gazza1000 Posts: 35
    Sorry yes the crank has snapped will get some pics uploaded
  • gazza1000
    gazza1000 Posts: 35
    Pics attached
  • gazza1000
    gazza1000 Posts: 35
    edited March 2013
    nicklouse wrote:
    so who serviced it?

    Had 3 services with Halfords mate

    Update*** they have said it's needs a new chainset @ £70 still awaiting answer on who's paying
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    hard to see anything from the siye of the pics.

    pics of the break?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • zx6man
    zx6man Posts: 1,092
    End of the crank arm has broken off :-)
  • imposter2.0
    imposter2.0 Posts: 12,028
    Never seen that on a crank arm before. Got to be the result of some kind of impact, IMO - if there was an inherent weakness in the arm itself, it would have broken much earlier than 15 months..
  • gazza1000
    gazza1000 Posts: 35
    Pedal with crank attached!
  • patrickf
    patrickf Posts: 536
    gazza1000 wrote:
    nicklouse wrote:
    so who serviced it?

    Had 3 services with Halfords mate

    Update*** they have said it's needs a new chainset @ £70 still awaiting answer on who's paying
    From your pictures I'd say they should have been able to diagnose that on the spot! :shock:

    Your only course as you already know is to go the Sale of Goods Act and hope they cough up. The fact that you can demonstrate that all services were done at Halfords might work in your favour.
  • zx6man
    zx6man Posts: 1,092
    hope its the pic making your wheel look egg shaped
  • gazza1000
    gazza1000 Posts: 35
    Imposter wrote:
    Never seen that on a crank arm before. Got to be the result of some kind of impact, IMO - if there was an inherent weakness in the arm itself, it would have broken much earlier than 15 months..

    Well they were mentioning an impact but I've genuinely had no real bangs (apart from going to ground post crank break!!) They mentioned wear on the pedal as evidence but surely this is standard wear and tear. The guy at my local bike thought this could be manufacturer fault.

    Thanks for the input guys :D
  • imposter2.0
    imposter2.0 Posts: 12,028
    If it was a manufacturing fault, it would probably have broken 15 months ago. I think you are on the road to nowhere with a warranty claim. As someone said earlier, I would just buy a new crank and move on.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    so are we going to get a bigger image?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • zx6man
    zx6man Posts: 1,092
    edited March 2013
    You can buy FSA (I think thats what in the pic?) LH crank arms on their own can't you, dont think you would need new chainset

    EDIT can buy LH gossamer crank, not sure what that one is.
  • mpatts
    mpatts Posts: 1,010
    Personally, I'd ask for a discount on the left crank, and buy it. If it's been serviced there, maybe even ask them to fit it for you.
    Insert bike here:
  • fevmeister
    fevmeister Posts: 353
    Never seen this happen before, to a newer bike nor an older one!
  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    Imposter wrote:
    If it was a manufacturing fault, it would probably have broken 15 months ago. I think you are on the road to nowhere with a warranty claim. As someone said earlier, I would just buy a new crank and move on.

    Probably and would is two totally different things - I can't tell from the image as it's too small and fuzzy, but I'd be looking closely at the "fresh metal" where it's broken - if it isn't all fresh then it could be that it was a crack that has let in water causing corrosion until the point of failure. Then you need to establish what caused the crack in the first place.
    Examining the outside of the crank should help with that - you should be able to see any damaged caused by grounding - no visible damage would suggest that it was a fault at manufacture - at which point I would be expecting a warranty replacement.

    I don't mind paying out when the bike has failed because of my error - but then equally I expect the shop to resolve issues that are manufacturing faults with minimum fuss ... once it's been established if it is ... :)
  • gazza1000
    gazza1000 Posts: 35
    nicklouse wrote:
    so are we going to get a bigger image?

    Sorry it's with Halfords mate that's all I've got. :(

    So I can just buy a crank to attach to the chainset...interesting. Sorry my knowledge is minimal on these things.

    The general consensus seems this is very unheard of and I might have a good case. I can't prove it wasn't in an accident but neither can they. Fingers crossed will keep you all updated. Thanks again for all the help :mrgreen:
  • navrig
    navrig Posts: 1,352
    I doubt that you will be able to prove categorically that it was a fault with the crank and I suspect that if you want to be dogmatic and do so it will cost more than the price of a new crank. You'd need to get 3rd party opinions, perhaps from a metallurgist.

    I'd play the sympathy card and try to get H to offer a free replacement or at least a discounted replacement.
  • imposter2.0
    imposter2.0 Posts: 12,028
    gazza1000 wrote:
    I can't prove it wasn't in an accident but neither can they.

    which is why pursuing a warranty claim will be pointless.
  • gazza1000
    gazza1000 Posts: 35
    Slowbike wrote:
    Imposter wrote:
    If it was a manufacturing fault, it would probably have broken 15 months ago. I think you are on the road to nowhere with a warranty claim. As someone said earlier, I would just buy a new crank and move on.

    Probably and would is two totally different things - I can't tell from the image as it's too small and fuzzy, but I'd be looking closely at the "fresh metal" where it's broken - if it isn't all fresh then it could be that it was a crack that has let in water causing corrosion until the point of failure. Then you need to establish what caused the crack in the first place.
    Examining the outside of the crank should help with that - you should be able to see any damaged caused by grounding - no visible damage would suggest that it was a fault at manufacture - at which point I would be expecting a warranty replacement.

    I don't mind paying out when the bike has failed because of my error - but then equally I expect the shop to resolve issues that are manufacturing faults with minimum fuss ... once it's been established if it is ... :)

    Good advice thanks. I'm with you on that if I've been reckless I'm happy to pay. You don't expect this on a £650 bike with high spec gear.

    I get the impression at Halfords they aren't always 100% clued up with experienced bike repairers so may not even consider you wise comments re: diagnosis.
  • gazza1000
    gazza1000 Posts: 35
    Imposter wrote:
    gazza1000 wrote:
    I can't prove it wasn't in an accident but neither can they.

    which is why pursuing a warranty claim will be pointless.

    If you don't buy a ticket you don't win the lottery.... :D
  • danowat
    danowat Posts: 2,877
    To be honest, I reckon most bike shops would quibble at that, but don't let that stop another attempt to demonize Halfords :D

    Crank arms don't just break (unless you are bashing out a few thousand watts!), especially after 15 months, you must have done (or someone else) something, the bike might have falled over or been hit without your knowledge
  • gazza1000
    gazza1000 Posts: 35
    Navrig wrote:
    I doubt that you will be able to prove categorically that it was a fault with the crank and I suspect that if you want to be dogmatic and do so it will cost more than the price of a new crank. You'd need to get 3rd party opinions, perhaps from a metallurgist.

    I'd play the sympathy card and try to get H to offer a free replacement or at least a discounted replacement.

    Thanks Navrig the only card I have to play is the independent bike dealer (who will put his opinion in writing for free). Speaking to consumer direct they have told me to get this and put a case in writing if they won't budge quoting the sale of goods act. Halfords say all claims have to go to the supplier but that are happy to act as an intermediate (as they should).
  • gazza1000
    gazza1000 Posts: 35
    danowat wrote:
    To be honest, I reckon most bike shops would quibble at that, but don't let that stop another attempt to demonize Halfords :D

    I know you guys love a bit of Halfords bashing :D
    It did surprise me the bike shop guy said he would cover this (obviously just one opinion).

    Crank arms don't just break (unless you are bashing out a few thousand watts!), especially after 15 months, you must have done (or someone else) something, the bike might have falled over or been hit without your knowledge

    I remember having a slip on the ice going at 3mph but nothing serious. It's kept secure so this would be hard (but not impossible) but surely there would be other evidence of such a collision. I do go over cycle tracks in various conditions but would expect the bike to handle this (the terrain doesn't get rough just the odd bumpy path/stones as you'd get on the road)

    I have had a few problems since the start with this bike (gears always playing up or jamming/brakes constantly need adjusting) but nothing major. My previous bike a beautiful Trek 7.6FX had not one problem in two years hard riding. God I miss that bike :(

    I was tempted to try a road bike though at a cheaper price after the Trek was stolen :(
  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    gazza1000 wrote:
    Halfords say all claims have to go to the supplier but that are happy to act as an intermediate (as they should).

    Halfords can say what they like about claims - at the end of the day, they are responsible for the goods they sold you. Your claim is with them - not their supplier. That applies to all shops ...
    £650 may not be an expensive road bike, but it should be fit for purpose and the cranks are not really a consumable - not like cassettes/chains & brake pads ...
  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    gazza1000 wrote:
    I remember having a slip on the ice going at 3mph but nothing serious.
    Did you hit that crank on the ice?
  • gazza1000
    gazza1000 Posts: 35
    Slowbike wrote:
    gazza1000 wrote:
    Halfords say all claims have to go to the supplier but that are happy to act as an intermediate (as they should).

    Halfords can say what they like about claims - at the end of the day, they are responsible for the goods they sold you. Your claim is with them - not their supplier. That applies to all shops ...
    £650 may not be an expensive road bike, but it should be fit for purpose and the cranks are not really a consumable - not like cassettes/chains & brake pads ...

    Yes exactly you would expect it to last for the majority if not the life of the bike.

    As far as the impact I couldn't say I seem to remember getting my foot down so would have been very minor. But surely this is an expected part of a cycles use? Fair enough a crash/fall at speed would damage any bike. Granted it's a road bike not a mountain bike but still....

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