A bad experience with Evans Cycles and Trek Bikes

[e-rider]

So, I bought a Trek 1.7 Road Bike on-line from Evans Cycles (RRP £925)and was told I'd have to collect it from London Victoria - I live in Norfolk but OK, make a day of it.

Collected the bike and what a mess. The gears and brakes had not been set-up. The saddle was pointing up at about 30 degrees. The rear wheel was 'buckled' (or 'not true', according to Evans) the frame was scratched as were both cranks and the rear mech, and the carbon seatpost had lovely zigzag scratches on it. Worst of all, the handlebars had not been tightened - dangerous or what.

The bike itself was also disappointing. The bottle cage bosses were wonky and one was loose in the frame, the welding around the BB was poor and messy and most of the stickers were off line. According to Trek, when I told them about these issues, they were all within their standards (6 degrees for bottle bosses and up to 10mm for frame decals). Am I too fussy?

How they had the nerve to hand this bike over to me like that I just don't know.

Anyway, I got a refund and enjoyed seeing Big Ben.

What about a Focus Cayo 105? Any good?

 

[RabbitFood]

look here my friend

http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=39623

 

[Tynan]

That's a shame,well done for posting for the education of others, that just about puts the final nail in the coffin of Evans in my opinion

 

[ianrauk]

That sounds outrageously poor on behalf of both Evans and Trek

 

[HelenD123]

Did they refund your train fare as well?

 

[blazed]

That's a shame,well done for posting for the education of others, that just about puts the final nail in the coffin of Evans in my opinion

How about all there happy customers? There are going to be horror stores for large companies, Evans are no worse than any LBS.

 

[Bigtwin]

Evans are no worse than any LBS.

Are you serious?

Any LBS that sent out bikes like that would be gone in no time.

And Evans charge like a bull on speed for everything.

 

[e-rider]

I used the car and there was no mention of covering the petrol costs! I was just happy to get the money back and it was a big investment. I'll certainly never considering buying from Evans again.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Are you serious?

Any LBS that sent out bikes like that would be gone in no time.

And Evans charge like a bull on speed for everything.

How I wish that were true in these parts. Of course they wouldn't sell such a bike to one of their regulars in their inner circle but Joe and Jane Public are welcome to enter the LBS quality lottery any time they want...

 

[Tim Bennet.]

I live in Norfolk .. . .

Have you tried a more local LBS than London?
Does Fat Birds still exist in Hunstanton? Seemed pretty good when I visited.

 

[e-rider]

Yes, I called all local Trek dealers and none of them had this bike in the size I wanted. I thought it would be a simple case of going there once and job done!

 

[wafflycat]

So, I bought a Trek 1.7 Road Bike on-line from Evans Cycles (RRP £925)and was told I'd have to collect it from London Victoria - I live in Norfolk but OK, make a day of it.

Collected the bike and what a mess. The gears and brakes had not been set-up. The saddle was pointing up at about 30 degrees. The rear wheel was 'buckled' (or 'not true', according to Evans) the frame was scratched as were both cranks and the rear mech, and the carbon seatpost had lovely zigzag scratches on it. Worst of all, the handlebars had not been tightened - dangerous or what.

The bike itself was also disappointing. The bottle cage bosses were wonky and one was loose in the frame, the welding around the BB was poor and messy and most of the stickers were off line. According to Trek, when I told them about these issues, they were all within their standards (6 degrees for bottle bosses and up to 10mm for frame decals). Am I too fussy?

How they had the nerve to hand this bike over to me like that I just don't know.

Anyway, I got a refund and enjoyed seeing Big Ben.

What about a Focus Cayo 105? Any good?

That'll serve you right for veturing to Forn Parts to buy a bike!

Seriously - no need to go to Forn Parts, as there's several LBSs you can have a decent choice of bike from.

Pedal Revolution in Norwich stock Trek and several other brands. They are at 63/67 Bethel Street.Then there's Specialised Cycles (my favourite LBS) on Connaught Road in Norwich. Small premises mostly parts, accessories and serviving, but have a selection of high end bikes and folders and will also make a bike to your spec from their range of frames etc. MrWC got a bike made there using a Kenesis Racelight T as the basis and they made a quite lovely job of building up a bike for him.
Then there's Fat Birds in Hunstanton - expect the hard sell approach if you go there though. Back to Norwich there's John Borwell in Spencer Street. Then there's Uncle Mick Madgett's Magic Emporium in Diss - well worth a visit. I cannot, though, recommend Paul's Cycles in Dereham.

Seriously - bad luck on Evans - can't say it surprises me though. Go local!

 

[e-rider]

Yes, I tried Pedal Revolution but they didn't have the bike I was interested in and couldn't get it. And yes, Specialized cycles is also my favourite bike shop in Norwich, shame they have very few bikes.

 

[gaz]

That evans is whack, all the fixie messengers go their and use the tools. i never go in there.

 

[Twanger]

I bought a bottle of chain oil there today. They were quite nice. That's what the Victoria Evans is for.