:) = New Bike! :( = Halfrauds..

[mrs fry]

Whilst I was at work, my boyfriend took the bike back to Halfords and somehow managed to get it refunded. I don't know how, he doesn't do well in confrontational situations but he did it, waiting for him to get back from work so I can hear the story.

He then went to the bike shop in Coleshill where he got his and I have a hybrid that's road worthy being made for me for £199. Borrowing a bit of money off someone and means we're a bit low for money again, but I have a decent bike and that's the main thing.

And I was going to get tyres for my crapbike and all sorts.. Lesson learned - don't buy bikes from Halfords.

 

[MadoneRider1991]

Whilst I was at work, my boyfriend took the bike back to Halfords and somehow managed to get it refunded. I don't know how, he doesn't do well in confrontational situations but he did it, waiting for him to get back from work so I can hear the story.

He then went to the bike shop in Coleshill where he got his and I have a hybrid that's road worthy being made for me for £199. Borrowing a bit of money off someone and means we're a bit low for money again, but I have a decent bike and that's the main thing.

And I was going to get tyres for my crapbike and all sorts.. Lesson learned - don't buy bikes from Halfords.

which halfords did you get it form??

because i work at halfords and can inform you that the Traxs and cheap Apollos are bikes you should avoid,

but if the workers at halfords are good then the bikes should have been ok!!

may i ask what was wrong with your bike that made you take it back??

joe

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

Result!

That's good news, and will save you money in the long run, you won't need to patch it up with tyres to make the best of a bad lot, and with a suitable bike, you'll keep it up and save all those bus fares.

As for Halfrauds, there's good and bad - I liken it to PC world - sometimes you can get a good deal if you know what you are looking for, but don't rely on them for maintenance and don't believe everything the sales assistant tells you.

 

[Arch]

Wow, cool! You're on your second bike already!

Halfords, sadly, are a bit of a lottery. You know, they started as a bike shop, but then cars got in the way. Sometimes, they are fine, if they happen to have a proper bikie guy working there, but too often they are staffed by lads who'd rather be selling car bits. There are decent bikes to be had there, but you can't rely on getting the right advice. They are though, not so bad for things like tubes and lube and stuff, if they are convenient for you and you know what you want and don't need advice. I know of people being sold the wrong size of inner tubes - when they took the old one in as a example...

I know what it's like to be low on funds, every penny counts, but this bike will be better, last longer, and hopefully just make your life better, so see it as an investment.

 

[mrs fry]

which halfords did you get it form??

because i work at halfords and can inform you that the Traxs and cheap Apollos are bikes you should avoid,

but if the workers at halfords are good then the bikes should have been ok!!

may i ask what was wrong with your bike that made you take it back??

joe

Tamworth. The whole thing felt unstable, chain came off about 3 or 4 times and on a main road, gears kept slipping even after being "fixed" by them, brakes were loose. And yes - it was a Trax.

But hey, you learn from your mistakes.

 

[MadoneRider1991]

Tamworth. The whole thing felt unstable, chain came off about 3 or 4 times and on a main road, gears kept slipping even after being "fixed" by them, brakes were loose. And yes - it was a Trax.

But hey, you learn from your mistakes.

hahaha yh the lesson from that is to EVERYONE not to buy a trax bike!!

 

[potsy]

Well done to your other half whatever he did.I'm sure you'll find the hybrid much easier to ride,get a mirror on it and you'll be sorted.

 

[rh100]

That's fantastic news.

enjoy the new one.

 

[cyberknight]

Great News !!!


The cheap bikes are just that cheap !!nno matter where you buy them from

The carrera and boardman range are cracking bikes just depends on how good they guy behind the counter is , my local halfords is competent but i would rather do it myself or take it to my LBS as they offer great service, good advice and are at least as cheap as halfords if not cheaper .

Still take time to learn how to adjust stuff as it will stand you in good stead if heaven forbid you need to do a repair roadside,regular quick maintenance will make your bike last many a year .

Look on the forums for a guide as for what to carry tool wise, I would advise ...

Multi tool with allen keys /chain splitter
tyre levers
spare inner tube
pump

You can get stuff that inflates a tyre and puts goo in to seal a puncture if you get one and do not fancy doing a roadside repair, not tried it myself but worth a look .

 

[just4fun]

Bloody great news! you will have to keep us posted on your next ride into work and if you notice much change between your first and second bikes.
Enjoy your new bike.

 

[Bman]

+1 on the new bike!

We need pics and updates on how it goes!

Seems like you have the bug already!

 

[summerdays]

Well done - but many of the points about tyres etc might still be relevant - so keep the tyres pumped up, consider puncture resistant ones if you get them or really worry about getting them, get the seat height right etc.

 

[Muddyfox]

I'm really chuffed for you Mrs Fry thats great news

and well done to your boyfriend for being your knight in shining armour when you needed him to be

Simon

 

[BrumJim]

That is a big relief. I'm sure that I'm not the only one that was working out how to tell you that you had a pile of over-priced rubbish there, but without upsetting you and putting you off cycling for life.

You'll love the new bike - hybrid is much better for what you want, will be lighter, and you won't spend all your effort bouncing up and down on the suspension.

Rocky start - now on track, and two positives - your boyfriend did his bit with flying colours, and you now have a group of virtual friends to give you support.

Oh, and you now know the difference between a BSO (Bike Shaped Object) and a bicycle, and the benefit of a good LBS (Local Bike Shop).

 

[mrs fry]

=D Can't wait to pick it up.