Shearwater Missile
Veteran
Reading the OP it reminded me of my first dropped handlebar bike which I had from new in 1972 as a 13 year old. It was a new Raleigh Olympus which I rode home the 13 miles or so from a one man bike shop in Stowmarket who had been in business for years. That bike I cycled miles on and never had to check anything except brakes, a bit naive perhaps. When I left the shop to cycle home I did`nt even think about checking anything. I put my trust in a man who knew his job. I am sure there are still good mechanics out there and of course this goes for car mechanics also. You put your trust and life in their hands. I am sure Halfords are not unique and sad that perhaps they are given such bad reviews. At the end of the day it comes down to staff attitude and training.