Halfords Incompetence - Im Fuming!

buddy_club
buddy_club Posts: 935
edited May 2014 in MTB general
Hi,
Basically my Drive-train was in need of a freshen up so i took it to Halfords to get it a new Cassette and Chain fitted and to have it serviced because Halfords give me good discounts because of many issues i had before with a Carrera. The mechanic in there, who i had originally perceived to be a decent mechanic promised to have a check and service the brakes and gears. Already the bike was running smoothly, gears were shifting nicely and cleanly, no rubbing on the front derailleur and the brakes were going fine just a little bit iof rub on the front which i though the Halfords guy would fix. I picked it up again today and all seemed good so i just put it into the car - im kicking myself now because i should have checked that the issues were resolved. It appeared that nothing had been done to the brakes but i thought meh, no biggie i'll just adjust the caliper myself. I get home and just pedaling out of my road and the chain is already rubbing on the front Derailleur and on closer inspection i notice that the chain is loose! It is long for the tensioning spring in the derailleur to work and therefore is completely loose with no chain tension!

So i ring up the guy at Halfords, and he starts telling me that the chain is rubbing because i should only use the corresponding three cogs on the cassette in relation to the front cog, i.e: in gear 1 at the front i should use gear 1-3 at the back, in gear 2 at front i should use gear 4-6 at the back and in gear 3 at the front i should use 7-9 at the back - basically total Bo**ocks! So he says oh yeah you need to shorten the chain, luckily enough i actually have a chain tool but if someone didn't and/or had little knowledge of these things how would they be able to do it! And considering i just paid £25 for a service surely Halfords should sort out things like that!? Basically i cant ride it tonight now and im going to have to take it to halfords again tomorrow which is 20miles away! Total PITA.

I guess ive learned my lesson now - stop being a tight arse and get the job done properly! :(
Anything else i can do? Anyone else had a similar bad experience?
Framebuilder
Handbuilt Steel 29er https://goo.gl/RYSbaa
Carbon Stumpjumper https://goo.gl/xJNFcv
Parkwood:http://goo.gl/Gf8xkL
Ribble Gran Fondo https://goo.gl/ZpTFXz
Triban:http://goo.gl/v63FBB
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Comments

  • Colinthecop
    Colinthecop Posts: 996
    £25 for a service....?

    I'd be happy, I think my LBS charge £70.
  • buddy_club
    buddy_club Posts: 935
    £25 for a service....?

    I'd be happy, I think my LBS charge £70.
    Indeed, they took money off because I had all the issues with them before. I think my LBS is about £60, and I'll definitely be taking it to them next time.
    Framebuilder
    Handbuilt Steel 29er https://goo.gl/RYSbaa
    Carbon Stumpjumper https://goo.gl/xJNFcv
    Parkwood:http://goo.gl/Gf8xkL
    Ribble Gran Fondo https://goo.gl/ZpTFXz
    Triban:http://goo.gl/v63FBB
  • BigAl
    BigAl Posts: 3,122
    Learn to do it yourself

    £60 is more than enough for all the tools you'll need to complete the same sort of service
  • I totally understand! I went to the Scunthorpe branch and the sales assistant spoke to me like I was a complete moron, basically ignoring everything I said and just all around TERRIBLE customer service.

    He was using the typical sales tricks to try get me to buy a voodoo which was 200 over budget, but me being a sales person myself it fell on deaf ears.

    Once he knew I wasn't budging on my budget he lost all interest.

    I was so angry I told him to forget it and left without my carrera Vulcan.

    I've been reading nothing but bad things about halfords after care, once you've paid and your out the door they don't want to know.

    If my local go outdoors had any 20" calibre two two in stock I'd be happily riding now
    DVN
  • I started to learn to maintain my own bikes about 4 years ago. I now do everything myself (except truing wheels, that's next to learn). I would suggest you keep your eye out in lidl for one of their bike work stands and start to buy the basic tools you need they will pay for themselves in the long run.

    I can sympathise with the incompetence of Halfords mechanics (I'm sure there are good ones out there). I recently went over a (total novice) mates new boardman team FS and was appauled by how badly put together it was. They set his fork and shock up with 50% sag :shock: :shock:, stem was dangerously loose, both brakes rubbing, gears consistently misaligned, they even threaded the pedals the wrong way leaving his chainset totally knackered :shock: :shock:.
    He brought the bike to me saying how much he regretted buying it, I thought "Hummm...... that's strange they get great reviews". We kicked off and they replaced the cranks (needled to say I fitted them) and now he absolutely loves the bike and rides like a champ.

    The long and the short..... use your LBS or learn to do it your self! :P :P
    Yeti SB66c 2013
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    I suggest a series of strongly worded letters to the Mail.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • or get in touch with crime watch?
    Yeti SB66c 2013
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    use your LBS

    But why would an 'LBS' be any better?
  • buddy_club
    buddy_club Posts: 935
    cooldad wrote:
    I suggest a series of strongly worded letters to the Mail.
    Indeed, considering my history with Halfords it would definitely make front page ;)
    Framebuilder
    Handbuilt Steel 29er https://goo.gl/RYSbaa
    Carbon Stumpjumper https://goo.gl/xJNFcv
    Parkwood:http://goo.gl/Gf8xkL
    Ribble Gran Fondo https://goo.gl/ZpTFXz
    Triban:http://goo.gl/v63FBB
  • buddy_club
    buddy_club Posts: 935
    I totally understand! I went to the Scunthorpe branch and the sales assistant spoke to me like I was a complete moron, basically ignoring everything I said and just all around TERRIBLE customer service.

    He was using the typical sales tricks to try get me to buy a voodoo which was 200 over budget, but me being a sales person myself it fell on deaf ears.

    Once he knew I wasn't budging on my budget he lost all interest.

    I was so angry I told him to forget it and left without my carrera Vulcan.

    I've been reading nothing but bad things about halfords after care, once you've paid and your out the door they don't want to know.

    If my local go outdoors had any 20" calibre two two in stock I'd be happily riding now
    It really annoys me their total lack of decent customer service.
    Framebuilder
    Handbuilt Steel 29er https://goo.gl/RYSbaa
    Carbon Stumpjumper https://goo.gl/xJNFcv
    Parkwood:http://goo.gl/Gf8xkL
    Ribble Gran Fondo https://goo.gl/ZpTFXz
    Triban:http://goo.gl/v63FBB
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    I blame Halfords.
  • buddy_club
    buddy_club Posts: 935
    I blame Halfords.
    I blame wiggle
    Framebuilder
    Handbuilt Steel 29er https://goo.gl/RYSbaa
    Carbon Stumpjumper https://goo.gl/xJNFcv
    Parkwood:http://goo.gl/Gf8xkL
    Ribble Gran Fondo https://goo.gl/ZpTFXz
    Triban:http://goo.gl/v63FBB
  • ilovedirt
    ilovedirt Posts: 5,798
    As the others have said, learn to do it yourself, it's not difficult.
    Production Privee Shan

    B'Twin Triban 5
  • buddy_club
    buddy_club Posts: 935
    ilovedirt wrote:
    As the others have said, learn to do it yourself, it's not difficult.
    I will definitely next time, just need a few specific tools.
    Framebuilder
    Handbuilt Steel 29er https://goo.gl/RYSbaa
    Carbon Stumpjumper https://goo.gl/xJNFcv
    Parkwood:http://goo.gl/Gf8xkL
    Ribble Gran Fondo https://goo.gl/ZpTFXz
    Triban:http://goo.gl/v63FBB
  • ilovedirt
    ilovedirt Posts: 5,798
    Aye, can pick them up from crc pretty cheap. The only bike-specific tools I have are a chain whip, cassette tool, bb tool, spoke key and quick link pliers I think. Not much you cant do with them, and your normal garage tools.
    Production Privee Shan

    B'Twin Triban 5
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    I've had just as ad service from an LBS and much better from some Halfords.....

    Brake rubbing is a fact of life, probably nothing will stop it.

    Chain being too long is inexcusable.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    The Rookie wrote:

    Chain being too long is inexcusable.

    That's if it actually is and is better than too short.
  • zx6man
    zx6man Posts: 1,092
    The Rookie wrote:

    Chain being too long is inexcusable.

    That's if it actually is and is better than too short.

    Bet he just fitted it out of the box without taking links out :-)
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    buddy_club wrote:
    on closer inspection i notice that the chain is loose! It is long for the tensioning spring in the derailleur to work and therefore is completely loose with no chain tension!

    SNIP

    So he says oh yeah you need to shorten the chain, luckily enough i actually have a chain tool
    I'm happy to take BC's word for the events and that it was too long.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • buddy_club
    buddy_club Posts: 935
    zx6man wrote:
    The Rookie wrote:

    Chain being too long is inexcusable.

    That's if it actually is and is better than too short.

    Bet he just fitted it out of the box without taking links out :-)
    He said he measured it to the old one, which is strange because the old one was fine in terms of tension.
    The Rookie wrote:
    buddy_club wrote:
    on closer inspection i notice that the chain is loose! It is long for the tensioning spring in the derailleur to work and therefore is completely loose with no chain tension!

    SNIP

    So he says oh yeah you need to shorten the chain, luckily enough i actually have a chain tool
    I'm happy to take BC's word for the events and that it was too long.
    :lol: Thanks
    Framebuilder
    Handbuilt Steel 29er https://goo.gl/RYSbaa
    Carbon Stumpjumper https://goo.gl/xJNFcv
    Parkwood:http://goo.gl/Gf8xkL
    Ribble Gran Fondo https://goo.gl/ZpTFXz
    Triban:http://goo.gl/v63FBB
  • Superdon
    Superdon Posts: 48
    Keen to learn at least the basics of servicing a bike without having to use halfords!

    Are there any good how to's, start to finish, that I can follow?
  • buddy_club
    buddy_club Posts: 935
    Park tools website has loads mate.
    Framebuilder
    Handbuilt Steel 29er https://goo.gl/RYSbaa
    Carbon Stumpjumper https://goo.gl/xJNFcv
    Parkwood:http://goo.gl/Gf8xkL
    Ribble Gran Fondo https://goo.gl/ZpTFXz
    Triban:http://goo.gl/v63FBB
  • iwilldoit
    iwilldoit Posts: 710
    I started to learn to maintain my own bikes about 4 years ago. I now do everything myself (except truing wheels, that's next to learn). I would suggest you keep your eye out in lidl for one of their bike work stands and start to buy the basic tools you need they will pay for themselves in the long run.

    I can sympathise with the incompetence of Halfords mechanics (I'm sure there are good ones out there). I recently went over a (total novice) mates new boardman team FS and was appauled by how badly put together it was. They set his fork and shock up with 50% sag :shock: :shock:, stem was dangerously loose, both brakes rubbing, gears consistently misaligned, they even threaded the pedals the wrong way leaving his chainset totally knackered :shock: :shock:.
    He brought the bike to me saying how much he regretted buying it, I thought "Hummm...... that's strange they get great reviews". We kicked off and they replaced the cranks (needled to say I fitted them) and now he absolutely loves the bike and rides like a champ.

    The long and the short..... use your LBS or learn to do it your self! :P :P

    Talking of Lidl just been my local store stands £29.99 last week a couple left this week and now £19.99 so my week of indecision saved me £10 :D and learning to do my own maintenance is coming a long quite well.
  • Colinthecop
    Colinthecop Posts: 996
    At £19.99 i'd be buying the remaining stocks and flogging them on Ebay... 8)
  • kajjal
    kajjal Posts: 3,380
    Getting a replacement chain the wrong length is poor but front gear change adjustment is a more personal thing. Different people like to have different ranges of gears to use without rubbing. Best to learn to adjust your gears to your own needs, that way it fits your riding and most commonly used gears.
  • zx6man
    zx6man Posts: 1,092
    to add, my carrera doesnt rub in any gear
  • buddy_club wrote:
    Park tools website has loads mate.
    It is excellent. Also worth looking for stuff on YouTube, but ideally from trusted and competent sources (i.e. SRAMTech is good for the likes of Rockshox & Avid etc. plus some of the magazines) rather than a lad 'having a go' in his garage. Although you can view the latter for amusement / horror!
  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    Different people like to have different ranges of gears to use without rubbing. Best to learn to adjust your gears to your own needs, that way it fits your riding and most commonly used gears.

    Rubbish. I suspect most would accept some rubbing in the extremes: big/big and small/small, but you should be able to get just about everything else with no rubbing.
  • njee20 wrote:
    Different people like to have different ranges of gears to use without rubbing. Best to learn to adjust your gears to your own needs, that way it fits your riding and most commonly used gears.

    Rubbish. I suspect most would accept some rubbing in the extremes: big/big and small/small, but you should be able to get just about everything else with no rubbing.
    +1
    Watch the bike radar videos on front mech and rear mech setup there bang on that's how I learned and it really is only as hard as you make it just listen and learn.
    Unless your a nincompoop obvz. :lol:
  • buddy_club
    buddy_club Posts: 935
    Well in the end i just sorted it out myself, job done, no rubbing on any gears in the FD and also no brake rub, only thing is now i realized i didn't buy new rings for the front so the chain was slipping about under power! Oh well, back to CRC!
    Framebuilder
    Handbuilt Steel 29er https://goo.gl/RYSbaa
    Carbon Stumpjumper https://goo.gl/xJNFcv
    Parkwood:http://goo.gl/Gf8xkL
    Ribble Gran Fondo https://goo.gl/ZpTFXz
    Triban:http://goo.gl/v63FBB