Can I demand my money back from Halfords?

[Beaker39]

I woudlnt say it comes in the unfit for purpose category, however you either unfortunately have a poor functioning components or the people are incapable of setting it up right. There is one more tangent that is the user not riding the bike properly (my work buddy whom I ride with I have seen torturing his poor trek) which can and does happen.

As we cant examine the bike we are just guessing. If I was in your shoes I would offer halfords a chance to redeem themselves once more and ask for a boardman road bike which doesnt offer disc brakes and see how you get on with that.

The same thing crossed my mind a few times as I am fairly new to this sort of thing but I made sure I read up on gear changing and the like and I think I am doing it right.

TBH I would probably try the road version instead but a bit dubious to their capabilities. I am going to Halfords tomorrow so I will see what they say.

 

[fossyant]

Muppet Mechanics I am afraid.

 

[Beaker39]

Just thought I would post an update of how I got on........

After lots of backwards and forwards with Halfords customer service where they basically said they would only repair I did seek legal advice. It turns out that if I had taked my bike back to the point of sales as opposed to a different branch then I would have been entitled to a full refund. Sounds crazy to me as it is the same company but anyway I compromised with a brand new replacement. Instead of sticking with the Hybrid I changed to the Road version and so far everything has been perfect .

Also found a mechanic in Halfords who is a true cyclist and certainly appeared to know what he is doing. All well that ends well.......for now!!

 

[Garz]

If I was in your shoes I would offer halfords a chance to redeem themselves once more and ask for a boardman road bike which doesnt offer disc brakes and see how you get on with that.

anyway I compromised with a brand new replacement. Instead of sticking with the Hybrid I changed to the Road version and so far everything has been perfect .

Very happy for you mate!

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Just thought I would post an update of how I got on........

After lots of backwards and forwards with Halfords customer service where they basically said they would only repair I did seek legal advice. It turns out that if I had taked my bike back to the point of sales as opposed to a different branch then I would have been entitled to a full refund. Sounds crazy to me as it is the same company but anyway I compromised with a brand new replacement. Instead of sticking with the Hybrid I changed to the Road version and so far everything has been perfect .

Also found a mechanic in Halfords who is a true cyclist and certainly appeared to know what he is doing. All well that ends well.......for now!!

Utter bull***t!
Nevertheless, if you are happy then all is cool.

 

[RedBike]

Just thought I would post an update of how I got on........

After lots of backwards and forwards with Halfords customer service where they basically said they would only repair I did seek legal advice. It turns out that if I had taked my bike back to the point of sales as opposed to a different branch then I would have been entitled to a full refund. Sounds crazy to me as it is the same company but anyway I compromised with a brand new replacement. Instead of sticking with the Hybrid I changed to the Road version and so far everything has been perfect .

Also found a mechanic in Halfords who is a true cyclist and certainly appeared to know what he is doing. All well that ends well.......for now!!

The quality of the people they have doing the repairs varies dramatically. There are some compitent mechanics in Halfords but all too often you'll have had the bike built by the 16yr old saturday boy who would rather be on the motor section.

 

[Beaker39]

The quality of the people they have doing the repairs varies dramatically. There are some compitent mechanics in Halfords but all too often you'll have had the bike built by the 16yr old saturday boy who would rather be on the motor section.

I insisted that he build the bike for me also. He also talked through the whole bike with me and came with me to the car park to make sure i was happy with everything. He also said as cables start to stretch and things may need minor adjustment to have a go myself and if I get stuck to bring it back or even call him at the store and he will try and help me over the phone If I liked.

So it appears I am finally getting the support and service that anyone should get from a seller. It's a shame that I had to complain so much to get it but Halfords do seem to have redeemed themselves!

 

[515mm]

.
So it appears I am finally getting the support and service that anyone should get from a seller.

All these troubles from a ''bricks and mortar'' store. For shame. Can you imagine the struggle if you bought it from t'internet though?




Not that such places aren't valuable for the wee things that one's LBS don't have in stock when you want them *cough*

 

[Garz]

Apparently any of their high end bikes like the boardman range should get the top attention as they dont want complaints from the flagship sales. It's easy to bash the halfords staff but enforcing 'quality' onto the younger I dont care generation will be a daunting task for any manager.

Still it didnt bother me purchasing one, quite the opposite getting me to check stuff over instead of relying on a shop mechanics trust. Also doesnt mean all LBS' are exempt from carelessness/poor workmanship!

 

[Shorinjidude]

I bought a Boardman Hybrid. First was bought from Putney - great set-up and a nice guy doing it. That was knicked three wekes later. Next bought from St Pauls - set-up by an idiot (apparently on loan from a woolworths or something) Had a LBS re-check and they sorted it out. Actually it still wasn't that great. Went back to St Pauls and had a young guy check it out (there was also a pinging in the back discs) fella said it wasn't the discs but the wheel was off! He got me another one that day. and re-set the bike really well - better than the LBS. They seem unable to sort out the front wheel though. If the brake is good it rubs. After being taken out last week my gears were buggered! slipping on the middle to low cogs. Went on the web for research, tightened the cable and twisted some screws and this morning she is running like a dream!