The LBS Story from start to finish

[gb155]

I have just uploaded the full tale of woe to my blog

http://gazzasblogs.blogspot.com/2009/07/complaint.html

Now I am considering sending it to Trek, Should I ? or should I just let it drop now ?

Its a pretty big read but I would appreciate your thoughts on this one.
Cheers

 

[Will1985]

Trek won't be interested unless the problem is specifically with the frame and even then I'm doubtful. Your contract is with the LBS, who in turn deal with the distributor and/or the manufacturer.

Gear slippage is probably down to a poor assembly/tuning by the LBS.
If factory wheels are breaking up, get some 36h handbuilts.

Last thing, find a new LBS where the staff care.

 

[upsidedown]

I get the feeling that a lot of LBS have more work than they can cope with just now, probably a combination of the time of year and the C2W scheme. It's the same old story of wanting your money for the sale then abdicating all responsibility afterwards.

I always find the mention of Trading Standards focusses the attention.

 

[gb155]

Trek won't be interested unless the problem is specifically with the frame and even then I'm doubtful. Your contract is with the LBS, who in turn deal with the distributor and/or the manufacturer.

Gear slippage is probably down to a poor assembly/tuning by the LBS.
If factory wheels are breaking up, get some 36h handbuilts.

Last thing, find a new LBS where the staff care.

Factory wheels have been fine on all other bikes I have had/have

 

[MacB]

that's just poor service, I go to my LBS and I get gears tweaked etc FOC, yet I haven't actually bought a complete bike from them recently. Though prior to me getting into cycling I had bought all our family bikes there.

 

[gb155]

Sorry for your woes. Echo Wills comments above and in addition learn to service your bike. This will save no end of trouble with the lbs in future not to mention saving you a fair bit of money.

I can do most jobs but the spokes were a bit beyond me, I didnt want to mess with the gears for fear of being blamed for causing the problem myself.

Agree with you and will that Trek probs wont bat an eye lid though.

 

[gb155]

I get the feeling that a lot of LBS have more work than they can cope with just now, probably a combination of the time of year and the C2W scheme. It's the same old story of wanting your money for the sale then abdicating all responsibility afterwards.

I always find the mention of Trading Standards focusses the attention.

Yeah that sounds about right to be fair.

 

[gb155]

that's just poor service, I go to my LBS and I get gears tweaked etc FOC, yet I haven't actually bought a complete bike from them recently. Though prior to me getting into cycling I had bought all our family bikes there.

Nice, Maybe I need to move then

 

[Brains]

Get yourself a decent LBS (and buy Zinn and the Art of bike Maintenance book)

 

[HJ]

...
I always find the mention of Trading Standards focusses the attention.

Also The Sale of Goods Act 1972 which states that goods must be fit for purpose for which they were sold...

 

[HLaB]

I found out my lbs shop wasn't that local after all, its about 50 miles (80km ?) away but the service in that was great I think its the best lbs I've been in. I was in to buy a new bike and scoosh was having at some bars, the manager started to adjust both our bikes.

Back to the OP about all I think you can do is vote with your feet and go elsewhere like you've already done.

 

[eldudino]

I found out my lbs shop wasn't that local after all, its about 50 miles (80km ?) away but the service in that was great I think its the best lbs I've been in. I was in to buy a new bike and scoosh was having at some bars, the manager started to adjust both our bikes.

Did you go to Billy Bisland's? I have meetings at an architect's office near there regularly, might pop in if it's that good!

 

[HLaB]

Did you go to Billy Bisland's? I have meetings at an architect's office near there regularly, might pop in if it's that good!

Yip, I was pleased with the welcoming nature before I even said who I was and what I wanted to buy; its worth a visit.

Oh and a minor point a wee girl wanted a sparkly seat and pink wheels he (Neil) made sure she got it

 

[Bman]

Also The Sale of Goods Act 1972 which states that goods must be fit for purpose for which they were sold...

Indeed, I would be tempted to ask for a full refund.

They would then think twice about messing you about!

 

[HJ]

I found out my lbs shop wasn't that local after all, its about 50 miles (80km ?) away but the service in that was great I think its the best lbs I've been in. I was in to buy a new bike and scoosh was having at some bars, the manager started to adjust both our bikes.

Back to the OP about all I think you can do is vote with your feet and go elsewhere like you've already done.

I should have gone after all, with hindsight the front hub probably would have lasted another 50 miles. Instead of which I went to Bicycle Works, who did a great job as usual...

I did ask them about upgrading a few components but they suggested that a new bike might be a better idea, which is an odd response as they don't actually sell bikes...