Halfords earning their nickname...

[mark st1]

I had the same grief with Helfrauds on my Boardman Road Race front mech band on bolt wasnt tightened and undid mid ride,took it back and i bike disappeared in to "the workshop" and was duly returned with an apology so i was quite pleased. However on the next ride cresting a hill the whole front mech went bang and throw the chain in between the frame and small cog chucking me off to boot. The bolt that holds the front mech had just snapped in half so god knows what they had tightened it up with ?

I sent off a snotty e-mail (got swmbo to write it as she leaves out the f'in and jeffin). Was given a free upgrade to the next bike up an apology from head office and a voucher to spend on accessories.

I like Boardman bikes however as stated on here taking it to a proper lbs to be set up is an absolute must !

 

[CopperCyclist]

Not doubting that Halfords are planks, but did he/you not check it before taking out for a ride?

No he didn't - like I said I think he was too excited about the new bike to do the right thing. Like many who buy from Halfords, he's new to this and probably wouldn't know a badly set up bike yet.

When he was in work, I showed him how to adjust the brakes, but there's little I could do for him with the stem and front mudguard issues, other than suggest it needs to go back.

 

[Mapster5]

I got my boardman from halfords took it back for 2 free services and one payed and not a problem at all think people seem to tag halfords with a generic useless tag without the full story some places such as my local one employ people who are actually into bikes some aren't

 

[Hip Priest]

I got my boardman from halfords took it back for 2 free services and one payed and not a problem at all think people seem to tag halfords with a generic useless tag without the full story some places such as my local one employ people who are actually into bikes some aren't

They should have the same high standards across all branches, but they don't.

 

[Mapster5]

Are all independent cycle shops perfect

 

[Paddygt]

To be honest, I would not know if what they sold me would be right for me. Like many others, I trust them to be fair and honest but I know that is being a tad naive to say the least. All I would do is check the wheel nuts were tight, I honestly would not know what to do other than that. As for fit and size, I just find this so bewildering there seems to be so much contradictory (to me) information about sizing. I am about 5' 10" with an inside leg of 29 inch but I have seen sizing charts that say I need anything between a 15" fame to a 20". They could sell me anything and I would have no idea.

 

[Hip Priest]

Are all independent cycle shops perfect

No, but all independent bike shops are independent, so standards vary. I'd like to think a chain store would have the same (or similar) standards throughout their branches.

Ultimately, Copper Cyclist's pal left a Halford's store with a bicycle that was dangerously faulty.

The fact that you got good service at your local branch would mean very little to him if his stem came off on a fast descent.

 

[Mapster5]

Surely if it was that bad a blind dog would see it wasn't fit to leave the shop though then if you've left the shop you've got a problem with proving who did the damage haven't you?

 

[DooDah]

If you like Boardman bikes, why not go to France on holiday, buy one from Wiggle shipped to your holiday destination (for about 200 pounds less than Halfords), then you will be fine. I live in France and did just that last May, paid 580 euros delivered for a brand new Boardman Race. Delighted with it and the service, apart from a seatpost bolt was threaded, but they sent out a new one and a 25 euro voucher for my trouble.

 

[Hip Priest]

Surely if it was that bad a blind dog would see it wasn't fit to leave the shop though then if you've left the shop you've got a problem with proving who did the damage haven't you?

Ha! Which branch of Halfords do you work at?

 

[Mapster5]

Been as I've been an electrician for 20 years I don't work at any branch of halfords maybe if you worked at yours the standard would be through the roof?

 

[Hip Priest]

Been as I've been an electrician for 20 years I don't work at any branch of halfords maybe if you worked at yours the standard would be through the roof?

No, it wouldn't. I'm not very good at setting-up bikes, but then I don't claim to be. Halford's do, and they frequently fall short.

 

[Mapster5]

I see you comment on people's posts when they have bike problems though don't you?

 

[Hip Priest]

I see you comment on people's posts when they have bike problems though don't you?

It depends. If it's something I can help with, or something I've had a similar experience with, then yes. If it isn't, then no. I'm still not sure what this has to do with Copper Cyclist's mate being given his new bicycle in a dangerous state.

 

[Mapster5]

Nothing on this post has helped him sort out the issue he shouldn't of left the store