Halfords Bike Hell - Advice Please
Comments
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Zerotails99 wrote:So much BS in this thread. The drive train comes properly installed when you buy a boxed bike. It's not just bikes, there are many other goods that are sold which requires installation. That does not mean the seller is absolved of his responsibilities. Some stores won't sell you boxed bikes for that very reason.
No, they don't. That's why suppliers verify/correct as required according to a pre-defined checklist.- - - - - - - - - -
On Strava.{/url}0 -
I blame Wiggle :twisted:~~~~~~Sustrans - Join the Movement~~~~~~0
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NapoleonD wrote:I'd sent an angry email of complaint to Wiggle.
I didn't ever buy anything from Wiggle and I sent them an angry email - in green text. That'll show 'em good'n'proper.
OP had bad luck possibly (not possibly not) caused by his own tinkering. Tough luck - the instant you fiddle with something that you're hoping someone else will take responsibility for you're on a hiding to nothing. The fact that Halfords apparently made a goodwill offer is exactly that - a goodwill offer.0 -
DesWeller wrote:Zerotails99 wrote:So much BS in this thread. The drive train comes properly installed when you buy a boxed bike. It's not just bikes, there are many other goods that are sold which requires installation. That does not mean the seller is absolved of his responsibilities. Some stores won't sell you boxed bikes for that very reason.
No, they don't. That's why suppliers verify/correct as required according to a pre-defined checklist.
I have never come across any boxed bike which required me to install the drive train components. That's the bike builders job. From the consumers point of view it is irrelevant what this suppliers checklist contain.
If selling boxed bikes to the layman is unsafe then they shouldn't sell it. Which is why a lot of retailers don't.0 -
Man Of Lard wrote:NapoleonD wrote:I'd sent an angry email of complaint to Wiggle.
I didn't ever buy anything from Wiggle and I sent them an angry email - in green text. That'll show 'em good'n'proper.
OP had bad luck possibly (not possibly not) caused by his own tinkering. Tough luck - the instant you fiddle with something that you're hoping someone else will take responsibility for you're on a hiding to nothing. The fact that Halfords apparently made a goodwill offer is exactly that - a goodwill offer.
He did what the end user was suppose to do with a boxed bike. That's not tinkering.0 -
Zerotails99 wrote:He did what the end user was suppose to do with a boxed bike. That's not tinkering.
No, an end user is supposed to get the shop to build and PDI it - he expressly went against those recommendations and in doing so took responsibility for any loss incurred as a result of the failure.
Halfords/Boardman should have provided a bike that was fit for purpose, so if a part was at fault then they would be liable for replacing that part and if that part would have passed unnoticed on their PDI then they would be liable for the resulting damage. If a part was incorrectly set up then they would be liable for setting it up correctly, but its too late for them to do that now - he denied them that opportunity.
And unless he followed the Halfords PDI checklist then he is reponsible for anything that resulted from riding the bike without a standard checklist item being carried out that may have prevented the damage from occuring. If he had allowed them to follow their standard and recommended procedure then incorrect setup or faulty part may have been spotted and rectified at the appropriate time i.e. BEFORE riding.
If he can prove that a part was faulty but would have still passed Halfords standard PDI then he might have recourse. Other than that, they made a more than reasonable offer of compromise. If its something that is covered on their PDI then it is his fault that the PDI was not carried out and his fault that the bike was ridden in that state.0 -
apreading wrote:Zerotails99 wrote:He did what the end user was suppose to do with a boxed bike. That's not tinkering.
No, an end user is supposed to get the shop to build and PDI it - he expressly went against those recommendations and in doing so took responsibility for any loss incurred as a result of the failure.
Halfords/Boardman should have provided a bike that was fit for purpose, so if a part was at fault then they would be liable for replacing that part and if that part would have passed unnoticed on their PDI then they would be liable for the resulting damage. If a part was incorrectly set up then they would be liable for setting it up correctly, but its too late for them to do that now - he denied them that opportunity.
And unless he followed the Halfords PDI checklist then he is reponsible for anything that resulted from riding the bike without a standard checklist item being carried out that may have prevented the damage from occuring. If he had allowed them to follow their standard and recommended procedure then incorrect setup or faulty part may have been spotted and rectified at the appropriate time i.e. BEFORE riding.
If he can prove that a part was faulty but would have still passed Halfords standard PDI then he might have recourse. Other than that, they made a more than reasonable offer of compromise. If its something that is covered on their PDI then it is his fault that the PDI was not carried out and his fault that the bike was ridden in that state.
No amount of disclaimers will absolve a retailer from its statutory obligations. Halford are worried about being sued for personal injury hence their 'good will' offer. If they agreed to meet the entire repair it could be seen as acceptance of liability.
Going back to the OP. How would have this PDI have prevented the derailleur coming off after 30 miles?0 -
The Halfords PDI calls for, amongst other things, ensuring that the mech and hanger are properly secured. I've got one in front of me.- - - - - - - - - -
On Strava.{/url}0 -
The fundamental question is whether the OP was competent enough to know how to assembly the bike and determine whether the bike was fit to ride. The over-riding evidence is that he wasn't and is trying to blame Halfords / the bike / components for his incompetence. Anyone with bike shop mechanic experience would know that boxed bikes still need to thoroughly checked and almost always, additional adjustments required.Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..0
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Origami02 wrote:Sounds to me as though either some foreign body such as road debris or an errant arm warmer has jammed the chain in the derailleur cage so that the pull on the chain from above the jam simply ripped the derailleur off and carried it over the top into the wheel.
+1
This has happened with me when it fell out the back pocket of my jersey and tried to thread itself through the derailleur and cassette. Luckily I was going slow at the time so when the back wheel locked up, I didn't come off the bike.
Was an expensive 2 seconds and I was in the middle of nowhere too.
I'm careful not to stuff too much into the back of the jersey now."The Prince of Wales is now the King of France" - Calton Kirby0 -
Halfords supply bikes boxed or assembled for free. Zerotails99 is correct, though he should probably give up trying to educate the clueless.
Assembling a bike as per the instructions does not give the retailer a get out if there is a defect. Nobody here can say what caused the crash and until someone independent examines it all we have is one side saying it was a defect and the other saying it was your fault.
It may well have been the OP's failt, it may well have been a defect, the fact that it was supplied self assembly is irrelevant. The issue is establishing the cause.0 -
OP it's your fault. You took the bike, put it together and it broke.
However, If it were me I would argue from every conceivable angle for my refund or replacement.
Not carrying out the PDI does not absolve them from any and all responsibility for their product, it just makes it harder for you to prove there was a fault at their end. Also, if they admit liability you could claim compensation from their dodgy workmanship (not attaching the mech properly - which is why they have a PDI :roll:).
Did they explain to you (anywhere or at anytime) that if you took delivery of the boxed bike without them carrying out the PDI that that would void any warranty/refund should the bike prove faulty?Food Chain number = 4
A true scalp is not only overtaking someone but leaving them stopped at a set of lights. As you, who have clearly beaten the lights, pummels nothing but the open air ahead. ~ 'DondaddyD'. Player of the Unspoken Game0 -
Is this still going. The OP has long gone and has probably given up cycling preferring, instead, to spend his time making Meccano models which for some strange reason keep falling down.0
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Did they explain to you (anywhere or at anytime) that if you took delivery of the boxed bike without them carrying out the PDI that that would void any warranty/refund should the bike prove faulty?
would get a retailer nowhere given that there is no basis in law to make such a claim.0 -
I've read my way through this thread - and I'm quite surprised at how hostile the responses have been.
Here is a chap who is clearly at one with matters mechanical, competent with a spanner and kind enough to offer to make the bicycle himself.
It then failed, despite the fact that he was happy with his work. This suggests that any cause or fault for his mishap lay with the manufacturer or retailer.
I find myself in a similar position and my sympathy lies with the OP here, not with the retailer.
I bought a bicycle some years ago - not my first, so don't accuse me of being a fad cyclist. All went well for some time and I even took it back to the shop for services.
All seems (at first glance) to be going well still... but I've noticed that the castellations around the rim of the large metal disc between the pedals are now starting to resemble seaside waves. The chain occasionally seems to stutter and slip as I pedal - and remember I am no novice.
I am assuming that the disc between the pedals on which the chain turns is a key component and that its continued function is required in order for the bike to be used as intended. At my last service (no more than 20 months ago) no mention was made of this part somehow becoming deformed or worn away.
It will not be a surprise to the engineering-minded reader that the part has foreign-looking writing on it. It looks like 'Campogiolo' or similar. Not British, anyway. Probably inferior.
I shall be doing as the OP did and returning my bicycle to the shop. While there, I will also mention that I've had to pump up the tyres almost three times a year. It is time for cyclists to fight back against the wicked hegemony of modern retail.0 -
I've read my way through this thread - and I'm quite surprised at how hostile the responses have been.
Here is a chap who is clearly at one with matters mechanical, competent with a spanner and kind enough to offer to make the bicycle himself.
It then failed, despite the fact that he was happy with his work. This suggests that any cause or fault for his mishap lay with the manufacturer or retailer.
I find myself in a similar position and my sympathy lies with the OP here, not with the retailer.
I bought a bicycle some years ago - not my first, so don't accuse me of being a fad cyclist. All went well for some time and I even took it back to the shop for services.
All seems (at first glance) to be going well still... but I've noticed that the castellations around the rim of the large metal disc between the pedals are now starting to resemble seaside waves. The chain occasionally seems to stutter and slip as I pedal - and remember I am no novice.
I am assuming that the disc between the pedals on which the chain turns is a key component and that its continued function is required in order for the bike to be used as intended. At my last service (no more than 20 months ago) no mention was made of this part somehow becoming deformed or worn away.
It will not be a surprise to the engineering-minded reader that the part has foreign-looking writing on it. It looks like 'Campogiolo' or similar. Not British, anyway. Probably inferior.
I shall be doing as the OP did and returning my bicycle to the shop. While there, I will also mention that I've had to pump up the tyres almost three times a year. It is time for cyclists to fight back against the wicked hegemony of modern retail.
You had me right up to the 7th paragraph. I was thinking this guy can't be serious 
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I've read my way through this thread - and I'm quite surprised at how hostile the responses have been.
Here is a chap who is clearly at one with matters mechanical, competent with a spanner and kind enough to offer to make the bicycle himself.
It then failed, despite the fact that he was happy with his work. This suggests that any cause or fault for his mishap lay with the manufacturer or retailer.
I find myself in a similar position and my sympathy lies with the OP here, not with the retailer.
I bought a bicycle some years ago - not my first, so don't accuse me of being a fad cyclist. All went well for some time and I even took it back to the shop for services.
All seems (at first glance) to be going well still... but I've noticed that the castellations around the rim of the large metal disc between the pedals are now starting to resemble seaside waves. The chain occasionally seems to stutter and slip as I pedal - and remember I am no novice.
I am assuming that the disc between the pedals on which the chain turns is a key component and that its continued function is required in order for the bike to be used as intended. At my last service (no more than 20 months ago) no mention was made of this part somehow becoming deformed or worn away.
It will not be a surprise to the engineering-minded reader that the part has foreign-looking writing on it. It looks like 'Campogiolo' or similar. Not British, anyway. Probably inferior.
I shall be doing as the OP did and returning my bicycle to the shop. While there, I will also mention that I've had to pump up the tyres almost three times a year. It is time for cyclists to fight back against the wicked hegemony of modern retail. You had me right up to the 7th paragraph. I was thinking this guy can't be serious
The 7th?....had his card marked by the 2nd.......OP at one with matters mechanical......my @rse!
I did read the whole thread but wish I'd gone straight to the end0 -
Halfords supply bikes boxed or assembled for free. Zerotails99 is correct, though he should probably give up trying to educate the clueless.
Assembling a bike as per the instructions does not give the retailer a get out if there is a defect. Nobody here can say what caused the crash and until someone independent examines it all we have is one side saying it was a defect and the other saying it was your fault.
It may well have been the OP's failt, it may well have been a defect, the fact that it was supplied self assembly is irrelevant. The issue is establishing the cause.
The issue is responsibility and proof of cause. The OP signed a disclaimer so Halfords would not assemble the bike using a trained mechanic and a pdi list. If they had not done this they would have had a stronger position. Seeing as they are not a trained mechanic that makes things worse. Then they have to prove cause of failure which they again failed to do. Given this halfords offered them a very good deal to resolve the issue which they should have taken.0 -
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things are not quite as they seem.
http://www.theguardian.com/money/2015/may/31/caught-in-a-cycle-of-frustration-with-halfords
You may find that link was already posted hence the thread revival.I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles0 -
[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19622615#p19622615]SloppySchleckonds[/url] wrote:things are not quite as they seem.
http://www.theguardian.com/money/2015/may/31/caught-in-a-cycle-of-frustration-with-halfords
You may find that link was already posted hence the thread revival.
SO the Guardian agrees with the majority of posts here,
your fault in the end by not getting them to put the bike together, thus the onus was then placed upon you to ensure the bike and all fittings were in a good working order.---
Sensa Trentino SL Custom 2013 - 105 Compact - Aksium Race0 -
I think Halfords should be congratulated for the generosity of their goodwill gesture.
Hopefully others will learn that if you turn down a free bike build and component check and you sign a disclaimer absolving the retailer of any liability as a result of you failing to adequately set the bike up, then bleating about the consequences of your lack of checks on internet fora is unlikely to garner much sympathy.Boardman Elite SLR 9.2S
Boardman FS Pro0 -
I think you will find that the OP left the building some time ago having not rx'd the support he was looking for:
Joined:
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Probably moved on to another forum, perhaps gardenbirds.com, etc., to see if he can rally the world to his futile cause.0 -
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They didn't say it was your problem because you assembled it yourself, they said you have to prove that the failure was a manufacturing defect and that a claim (over what was on offer) might be risky at best. I'd agree with that. Arguing that they should cover more than that already offered would have been high risk and given the offer to settle, this could have left the OP with court costs exceeding the offer.
The advice to let the shop do the build was good generic consumer advice.
IMO a mech hanger failure would be hard to prove even if they had assembled it as they'd have said - you must have bent/bashed it.0
