bad bike service

[joanna]

Basically, have just paid quite a bit to get my bike serviced - collected it tonight and cycled the 10 miles home. Realised almost towards the end that they hadn't tightened the headset - so the handlebar stem is completely loose. I'm sure it could have been really dangerous - I was completely oblivious to it not being tightened until I looked down and saw that the handlebar was way out of alignment with the wheel, so I got off and checked to see how loose it was, and deciding it was unsafe to carry on - I walked the rest of the way home.

So, do I take my bike back to the shop to tell them - or shall I just fix the problem and forget about it?

 

[xpc316e]

We are all capable of making mistakes, so I'd take it back and see what they say. If you get no satisfaction, then boycott them. In any event i'd learn how to look after it myself; tools cost little, and you'll never again have such an experience.

 

[billy1561]

Not all of us are capable of diy on the bike maintenance side of things. Take it back and see what they have to say.

 

[Banjo]

Definitely take the bike back to get it checked over .At the very least it will hopefully make them take more care in future.

 

[Rouge Penguin]

At least get a refund. That's a rookie error.

YouTube the DIY service, the first outlay on tools should be less than the cost of service and then on its easy.

 

[Globalti]

To make such a fundamental error can only mean that the mechanic was distracted, wasn't taking care and failed to check the bike before handing it back to you. All three mistakes are unforgivable in a mechanic. Take it back, ask to speak with the manager and kick up a hell of a fuss; it will teach the careless mechanic an important lesson. You could have been killed!

Oh, and start learning to maintain your own bike. You will do the job properly and you will learn how to fix it on the road. A bike is a simple machine and there's nothing on it that can't be repaired, maintained or replaced with simple tools.

 

[cd365]

I would ask for the full cost of the service to be refunded since they potentially put your life in danger.

 

[Banjo]

Re refunds etc if they have been good up to now maybe its better to keep them on side rather than make a big fuss. Hoipefully they will remember your reasonable approach and be reasonable with you in future.

Leaving the stem loose is unforgivable and needs them to be told . Any sensible manager will offer you a sweetner anyway. Of course you could mention that you have asked for advice on the biggest cycling forum and have up to now not mentioned them by name....

 

[biglad]

Good service is as much about how they rectify mistakes as it is about them not being made in the first place. If the shop have always been cool with you then let them know that the mistake has been made, but don't kick off, give them the benefit of the doubt and see how they rectify it mate. Whether you believe someone needs a kicking or not, I would suggest it is important that the store know that the mistake has been made regardless of whether you pursue it as a complaint or not. But thats just my 2p's worth, I'm glad you got home safe anyway!

 

[mickle]

As was discussed on a recent similar thread - failing to tighten the stem is quite possibly the most dangerous thing a bicycle mechanic can do.

It's entirely appropriate that you be very very pissed off.

 

[theloafer]

hi joanna
take it back and ask then nicely to put it right...this site might be of use to you though.. http://bicycletutor.com/

larry

 

[sabian92]

That's terrible, and I'd definitely go back and raise hell. That could have ended up with you dead or pretty injured.

What's the world coming to? This happens to you, and I actually got a GOOD service from Halfords. Couldn't have done a better job.

 

[Jezston]

If they haven't done something as fundamental as that, what else have they cocked up?

Take it back. Don't be polite. Raise hell. Demand satisfaction.

 

[mickle]

Though polite tends to work better no matter what the complaint. At least to start with.

 

[joanna]

Thanks for your responses. The main thing is that they see the error of their ways - so they don't do it again. Next time the cyclist might not be so lucky. I got the train this morning with my bike to take it back to the shop - a hassle, but worth it as I was determined that they saw what they had - or in this case - hadn't done. Now at least I've got my bike back in working order for a lovely cycle home