Born again newbie! Issues with new bike

[Ticktockmy]

I note you say you could not get the saddle low enough, that would make me think you have the wrong size frame, as the saddle would in most cases be roughly set level with the handle bar stem, If you have had to lower the saddle right down this would put you into a very poor riding position as your handle bars will be set high in comparison. Regarding the clunky Suspension that is one of the things that really only you can adjust as you ride until you find the correct settings, as only you will know how the suspension handles in relation to your body weight and riding position. With regard to you gears also being clunky, as you are already a MTB rider and used to the gears fitted to your other bike, It might well be that thus far you are unfamiliar with the unworn drive chain/Chainset/Cassette rear Mech.

 

[Ticktockmy]

Typical Halfords - decent hardware put together by semi trained chimps.

TBH it's probably best to just take the bike to a decent LBS and get it sorted. It may cost you £20 or so, but will be quicker than waiting for halfords to do a half decent job.

I have never had problems with with Halfords cycle mechanic's I have used them when I have not had time to do my own service, and never had any problems, where they do fail it seem is at weekend when they have spotted teens in the shop who think they know everything, but know jack shoot, but that seems the norm for most stores at weekends when they can get away with paying peanuts to young teen staff.

 

[WozzaTT]

I have never had problems with with Halfords cycle mechanic's I have used them when I have not had time to do my own service, and never had any problems, where they do fail it seem is at weekend when they have spotted teens in the shop who think they know everything, but know jack ****, but that seems the norm for most stores at weekends when they can get away with paying peanuts to young teen staff.

Yeah, I'm not sure what to think about the Halford's mechs. Plenty of horror stories around but then, as we know, people are less likely to post on internet forums if they're happy with something.

 

[Big Nick]

You can only take as you find I suppose re Halfords

In my experience all 3 bikes that people I know have bought from them have had build/set up issues ranging from gears not set up to pedals falling off

 

[Madmidwife]

Thanks for all your input guys - lots of food for thought, I have to say it was a teen who helped me chose my bike - it actually only came down to a choice of 2 in the shop, he didn't know the frame size, but said it seemed right when I rode it round the car park! He Saud I could take the bike away there and then as it had already been set up for another customer but they changed their mind or something??!! I really wish I had spent more time reading up about bike buying. Collecting it Sunday - if I am not happy I am rejecting it!

 

[Globalti]

Just reject it anyway and go to a good bike shop, which needs your business more than Halfrauds. Walk in and announce that you want them to fit you then sell you a bike and take it from there. Best to do this at a quiet time when you can get the attention of the owner or salesperson.

When I retire I'm going to open a bike shop for beginners, no experienced cyclists will be allowed; all I'm going to do is fit bikes to beginners and make sure they go away satisfied.

 

[Flipside]

Just got my new Boardman mx comp, had it not been through cycle to work scheme I would have walked away as their customer service was appalling, bike has been in 4 times for gears to be adjusted. However to be fair after I put an online complaint in the staff have been very helpful and accommodating. I also found there is staff who are good at what they do and take interest in trying to resolve the issue at hand. Allot depends on when you go as we'll, with my own local branch it's just opening mid week and not Saturday lunch time

 

[Ticktockmy]

Thanks for all your input guys - lots of food for thought, I have to say it was a teen who helped me chose my bike - it actually only came down to a choice of 2 in the shop, he didn't know the frame size, but said it seemed right when I rode it round the car park! He Saud I could take the bike away there and then as it had already been set up for another customer but they changed their mind or something??!! I really wish I had spent more time reading up about bike buying. Collecting it Sunday - if I am not happy I am rejecting it!

Ohhhh dear, I can see the problem now, you really need to talk to the manager about the lack of info, knowledge and advice from the sales staff, to sale a bike that has been set up for another customer is just such bad practise and not have the knowledge of the frame size of the bike. I can understand now why other people if they have had the same problem, have no confidence in Halfords.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

I haven't bought a bike from Halfords so I can not really comment, but I have found the staff at our local to be helpful when needed. I go to my LBS and i feel I am been talked down too, is this because I ride a Viking.

 

[Madmidwife]

Globalti - I am going to reject it! They just rang to say there is a problem with the forks and they can't get the parts to repair it!!!! I said I wouldn't accept a repaired brand new bike anyway! He said they are ordering a new one - I said don't bother!!!! Going in on Sunday to ask for my letter of collection and going elsewhere! Are you retiring next week. At all??????
Flipside - interesting to see you have had the same issues!
Ticktockmy + Nigelnaturist - whilst I have had mixed experiences with staff, one chap seemed to know his stuff and w very helpful - I just have no confidence in them or the bike! The little cards they give out asking you to go online and say if they have wowed you are sitting in my office - glad I haven't done it yet!!!!

 

[Nigelnaturist]

@Madmidwife it's the same everywhere though some people are helpful because they enjoy what they do others just see it as a means to an end.