Chain Reaction Cycles - Service Query

[Littgull]

Would appreciate any advice re: the following:

I had a new bike delivered on Thursday this week following my online order with Chain Reaction Cycles. Due to other commitments I haven't had the opportunity to unpack from the box and assemble the bike until this afternoon (Saturday). I was disappointed to find the bike has come with no pedals and one of the rear mudguard stays is bent inwards. Also there is no owners manual. Bike is a Tifosi CK7 Winter audax.

I've gone on the chainreaction website which explains all the procedure about queries/faulty and return goods and also gives a contact tel number. Unfortunately the tel number is only available Mon - Fri.

Can anyone advise if it is the norm for new bikes ordered online to be sent without pedals and no owners manual(as there is nothing on their website that explains this)? Also, would you regard the 'bent inwards' rear mudguard stay as something almost inevitable during packing and just manually straighten it out yourself? I was keen to get out riding the bike tomorrow but wouldn't want to jeapordise any returns entitlement and would obviously need to purchase suitable pedals.

Thanks in anticipation of some advice.

 

[youngoldbloke]

Yes, maybe, and yes. Think it would be reasonable to report the bent stay, and expect a relacement, but straighten it yourself in the meantime. Are you sure nothing else in that area was damaged? Pedals are usually ordered separately, as they are a very personal choice - Flat, Toe clips, or clipless - SPD or SPD/SL ...... Have bought bikes that came with and without owners manuals, and TBH have not found them very useful. You can find all the information you need online, and specific to the components fitted, too.

 

[ColinJ]

A lot of bikes come without pedals fitted. I prefer that, because often if they are fitted, they aren't the type you want to use so you have paid for something that you don't want and end up buying replacement pedals anyway. I'd actually say the same thing about saddles too. Why pay £5 extra for a bike with a crappy saddle that you will throw away and replace with a comfortable one?

Since you are going to have to buy pedals, I'd have a think about what type you want, rather than just buying the first pair you see. I'd recommend either double-sided SPD type (but then you have to buy SPD type shoes too), or buy the type that are SPD one side and flat the other so you can wear either conventional shoes/boots or SPD shoes when you are riding.

I wouldn't be bothered about the lack of a user manual. I've had bike manuals before and never bothered to read them. A lot of the time, they just seem to be a way for the manufacturer to satisfy their legal obligations. Make sure the quick releases are done up, that  the brake blocks aren't worn out, don't ride into potholes or jump off things on your bike, that kind of stuff.

That bent mudguard stay would irritate me for a few minutes, but then I'd shrug my shoulders and just bend it back. Okay, it shouldn't be like that, but within a couple of rides you will probably have done more damage to the bike yourself leaning it against a fence or something. It's not a huge deal, though you would be within your rights do complain about it. Would you really want to send the bike back for that? Perhaps CRC will offer you a little sweetener if you complain, but I wouldn't bother.

I'd just get on with enjoying my new bike!

 

[accountantpete]

The lack of a Manual is probably down to the fact that shops use different components to make up a bike - you can get the same bike with a Campag Veloce groupset for example. Other than the wheels and groupset there is not a lot they can say anyway.

Re the lack of pedals - there are none on the bike on the CRC website and anyway as the others have said they are usually such cheap crap that they fall off after a week or two anyway.

 

[Littgull]

Many thanks for your relplies and helpful advice which I will follow up on - much appreciated.

Feeling reaasured now.