New headset bearing and freewheel hub... bikes 3 months old!

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Wigsie

Nincompoop
Location
Kent
So I bought a Specialized Roubaix last year, got stolen bought another (whole different thread), and finally got it just before Christmas, now I have ridden it in pouring rain once and that's about it, done 300 miles on it and given it a proper hose pipe wash three times (no different to any other bike of mine (they are all just cheaper!), reported a creaking to LBS and they have said i need a new headset bearing and freewheel hub and said its down to me cleaning wrong, so likely to cost me £100 + labour!

if spending £2000+ for a bike and use for dry 250 dry miles / 50 wet I don't expect to be repairing it! the guy even said "you obviously look after it, looks new!" because its 3 months old... its IS new!

Rant over... Should I be complaining more or is it really my fault for spraying my bike with water?
 

mjr

Comfy armchair to one person & a plank to the next
Is it just a gushing hose or do you have one of those pressure nozzles? I hear they can wash the grease out (and most new bikes don't let you refill the grease) but I've never done it! I sometimes use a bucket to wash the bike and sometimes a small spray can (garden plant waterer).
 

sight-pin

Veteran
I would think riding in rain would throw up more water and being mixed with road grit would be worse than a wash down with a standard hose, although using a pressure washer wouldn't be good.
 

mjr

Comfy armchair to one person & a plank to the next
I would think riding in rain would throw up more water and being mixed with road grit would be worse than a wash down with a standard hose, although using a pressure washer wouldn't be good.
Probably, but if you have mudguards on, how's it going to get thrown into the headset or hubs at pressure?
 

ianrauk

Tattooed Beat Messiah
Location
Rides Ti2
Agree with @User

And even using a hose to wash your bike shouldn't cause it any problems.
I've been hosing down my bikes for more years then I can remember with no problems.
 

sight-pin

Veteran
Probably, but if you have mudguards on, how's it going to get thrown into the headset or hubs at pressure?

True, But does the OP have mudguards fitted? and to be honest, i don't use them myself. I don't see the point in having quite a high spec racing bike as the Op has only to fit mudguards, may as well just buy a hybrid imo
 

GrumpyGregry

Here for rides.
True, But does the OP have mudguards fitted? and to be honest, i don't use them myself. I don't see the point in having quite a high spec racing bike as the Op has only to fit mudguards, may as well just buy a hybrid imo
I confess that, a couple of weekends ago, when our group has stopped for the umpteenth time, on a bone dry day, so that the heath robinson arrangement of after-thought mudguards on a fellow's high-end Spesh could be adjusted, I did allow myself to mutter, darkly, as ride leader

"Why the chuff didn't you just buy a bike that takes proper mudguards in the first place?"
 

mjr

Comfy armchair to one person & a plank to the next
Seeing as it was dry, you should have suggested he take them off and strap them to the rear rack ;-)

I admit that I don't see the point of "high spec racing bikes" that are unsuitable for riding in rain (don't take any guards well - shouldn't that be part of a high spec?) :-) but I also don't really understand groups that mutter about chances to stop and look around for a minute :-)
 

cyberknight

As long as I breathe, I attack.
My headseat bearing on the commuter have needed greasing twice over winter , but were talking all weathers all winter and i dont think they were new when i got the bike .
On a new build i would doubt they should have the same issues .
 
OP
OP
Wigsie

Wigsie

Nincompoop
Location
Kent
Thanks all... Gut feel was right... Not washed any differently to any of my other specialised bikes...

Spesh are actually pretty active on social so a bit of a moan there may get some attention!
 
As some have indicated. Its hog wash. Take it to another LBS. Don't tell them what this LBS said. Or call the dealer where you bought the bike. We are talking about a Roubaix, not some cheap stuff. Even £150 bike from Decathlon does not do this.
 
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