Buying online

[IanSmithCSE]

Good evening,

I don't see how that would work, if you are returning it because the fit is wrong, provided it is in as new condition then there should be no problem. This is no different from trying on clothes and returning them. If the bike was scuffed and scratched, then yes, I could see an argument for excessive handling, but assembling a bike is the minimal necessary to determine usefulness.

The philosophy behind the original distance selling regulations was that a remote customer would be no worse off than a customer who bought in a store.

There was no intention to make that customer better off.

This is no different from trying on clothes and returning them....... If the bike was scuffed and scratched...,

Generally it is impossible to tell when clothes have been tried on,

Most shops don't have every model available as demo bike in every size, you can test whatever is available but they won't assemble a bike in your size and model just for you to test.

Being realistic it is highly probable that assembling the bike and doing a test ride to know that it doesn't fit without scuffs or scratches will not happen, so the bike will not be returned in as new condition.

A typical customer who bought this returned bike as a new item finding the tires showing wear from having been ridden, there is a scratch on the handle bars where they slipped because weren't tightened enough, marks on the rim from braking and wear marks on the chain ring will be on this forum complaining about being sold a second hand bike.

Bye

Ian

 

[flake99please]

Good afternoon



Nowadays it is the consumer contracts regulations 2013, as of Jun 2014 that governs returns period and this is 14 days after receipt of goods.

Yes you can return an item just because you feel like it.

BUT The supplier can charge you for "Excessive handling" which basically means more handling that you would have been allowed in the shop or any damage that you have caused.

Most bike shops wouldn't allow you to assemble a bike so this example seems like excessive handling to me unless the sites T&Cs say otherwise.

Bye

Ian

^^^This (in bold)^^^

 

[tom73]

Ring them up and discuss things - the size and their returns policy. They claim to be mail order specialists so returns are probably not unknown!
I know it's along way but if spending that much I'd take the trip up there. I went a similar distance up to Ribble a few years go to check out their bikes and had a basic jig-fitting in the shop (as was then), before ordering online.

If you can take a trip and see just as @youngoldbloke did I too had a day out and a visit to Ribble to get fitted sure glad I did bike fits like a glove.

I know its not always possible but if it is give it some thought maybe worth the hassle if you have to try and get it sent back.

 

[midliferider]

This is difficult.
For me, £2500 for a bike is a lot of money.
We all know that the size of the bike is very important. Small changes can make a big difference in comfort on long rides.
If I were you, I would not buy a bike for that price without trying it.

 

[PaulSB]

It appears you’ve set your heart on a specific bike at around £2500. A quick look at the Wheelbase website suggests it’s a good store. Why not arrange to go and view the bike, get fitted and bring it home.

Personally I can’t imagine spending that much without a serious face to face discussion with the supplier. £2500 online purchase sounds highly risky to me, too risky to consider viable.

 

[bikingdad90]

What about Evan cycles? They have a Focus Mares 1 Apex? The specs look similar apart from groupset.

 

[simonali]

The Lake District is, on a good day, a 6 hour drive and that's only if the roads are clear, which is unlikely. Anyone know of a nice B&B up that way?

 

[simonali]

There's a shop in Macclesfield, which is closer, that has a 2017 model in stock. I don't like the fact that they have bumped up the price and then reduced it back to the SRP, though. That's a bit naughty, innit. Only spec change between '17 and '18 models was the saddle, something that will likely be changed anyway. It went from a Fizik to a Prologo.

https://peakcyclesport.com/m1b0s23p1399/FOCUS-Mares-CX-Rival-2017

 

[vickster]

There's a shop in Macclesfield, which is closer, that has a 2017 model in stock. I don't like the fact that they have bumped up the price and then reduced it back to the SRP, though. That's a bit naughty, innit. Only spec change between '17 and '18 models was the saddle, something that will likely be changed anyway. It went from a Fizik to a Prologo.

https://peakcyclesport.com/m1b0s23p1399/FOCUS-Mares-CX-Rival-2017

Lovely part of the world for a weekend away . Obviously phone to reserve with a deposit before travelling

Surely pricing is the prerogative of the retailer based on a supply and demand?

Have you tried to get a deal on the 2018 locally, given the 2019 must be round the corner?

 

[simonali]

What about Evan cycles? They have a Focus Mares 1 Apex? The specs look similar apart from groupset.

Has a heavier wheelset fitted, too, which is what put me off a bit. I think the Rival model is the sweetspot in the range. Apparently the frameset retails for 2 grand on its own, so they're all pretty good value.

 

[Venod]

This will possibly be a mid £2000s purchase if I can't negotiate any discount, so I dread to think what Paypal will charge me in fees!

No paypal fees for buying.

https://www.paypal.com/uk/webapps/mpp/paypal-fees

 

[simonali]

Found this ad for a lightly used one nearby in (possibly) too big a size. I might sign up to ask the seller some questions...

https://www.onceridden.com/focus-bikes-mares-rival-1-5161

 

[youngoldbloke]

Found this ad for a lightly used one nearby in (possibly) too big a size. I might sign up to ask the seller some questions...

https://www.onceridden.com/focus-bikes-mares-rival-1-5161

Worth checking out - friend recently bought a carbon Trek Domane advertised as being used once only, and asked me to look it at it, and I am 99.99 % certain it was absolutely genuine.

 

[vickster]

Just make sure you get a copy of receipt - if it comes with lifetime servicing, that should be easy for the seller to obtain from LBS (even if original copy awol). Also check the service plan is transferable

Looking online, a 54cm should be good if you're 5'10 or thereabouts

 

[simonali]

I'm only 5' 8", which is why I was looking at the dealers who have a small in stock.