fit for purpose...

[johnnyh]

Evening all,

Just seeing if I have a hope in hell really

I received a SMART Lunar R2 from ChainReactionCycles on Friday, and today it go its first outing as I left work to cycle home.
I hadn't turned it on as it was day light, but placed it in the clip and thought "nice"

Off I go, and then disaster, I get to the A36, and there is a "crack sound" behind me. I pulled over to the curb and looked back, couldnt see what it was a first, so checked the bike over.
What I found was the light gone... so I headed back along the road to see where it was and found bits of broken plastic and could see one of the batteries. Am guessing run over by lorries and cars.

So, here I am, no rear light, suspecting the clip broke and thus wasnt fit for purpose, but with nothing to show for it - I wasnt about to wander around the road picking up bits of plastic.

I sent a mail to ChainReaction stating I believe the plastic clip to have failed, and that it wasnt up to the job, or perhaps it was just the one I received that was faulty.

Do I simply take this on the chin and take the £18 hit, or do I have a case for a replacement?

Thoughts?

Cheers

Johnny

 

[gaz]

Depends on your financial position, if you can afford to spend about £18 then just take it on the chin and get another one.
How ever I would be inclined to look at a different model after one has already broken

 

[Matthew_T]

Have a go at getting a replcement. Explain that it was the first time you had used it and it should be able to withstand the forces a road produces. State that numerous vehicle ran over it as it had fallen out.

Also mention that it is a legal requirement to have a rear light whilst in low light conditions, which the weather must have been changing to (at some point of the day). Just do a bit of bullshitting and say that the weather was beginning to dim (unless it was anyway). Say that you were afraid to ride home without the safety of a rear light and state that you need one ASAP as you commute every day (to and from wherever).

The worst thing they can do is decline to give you a replacement. In this case, return to the crime scene, find the bit of the light that attaches to the mount, and have a go at seeing if it stays in. If this doesnt work then collect all the bits and take a photo of them. Then simply send it back to CRC and just buy another light from somewhere else (also mention to CRC that you will take your business elsewhere, they might change their minds then.

Just have a go at getting a replacement, if not then no biggie, just get another one.

 

[johnnyh]

cool, my thoughts were I should at least inform them and see what they are prepared to do.

Shouldn't think there would be anything left to go back and pick up - A36 out of Bath is pretty busy and I am 15 miles away at home, so chances of finding much of anything in the morning are pretty slim.

As for my financial position... well I can get another, but really feel I shouldnt have to do so if that makes sense.

Hey ho, life innit!

 

[CopperCyclist]

Of course you have a case for a replacement. The fact the lights now a few fragments is due to its failure! ChainReaction could refer you back to he manufacturer, depends how good their customer service is!

Let us know the outcome

 

[johnnyh]

Of course you have a case for a replacement. The fact the lights now a few fragments is due to its failure! ChainReaction could refer you back to he manufacturer, depends how good their customer service is!

Let us know the outcome

ok, will do.

Sent them a mail last night but as yet nothing back bar the "thank you for your email" automated reply.

 

[lukesdad]

I had the same thing happen with the same light. Earlier in the year. I just put it down to experience and wont buy another smart light.

 

[johnnyh]

OK, heard back from ChainReactionCycles, and thought I should share it here.

A nice email saying sorry for my bad experience and that they have raised a new order for a replacement that should be with me soon.

I am absolutely delighted, how about that for customer service!

So thank you to Simon and ChainReactionCycles, top top job!!!

 

[Angelfishsolo]

OK, heard back from ChainReactionCycles, and thought I should share it here.

A nice email saying sorry for my bad experience and that they have raised a new order for a replacement that should be with me soon.

I am absolutely delighted, how about that for customer service!

So thank you to Simon and ChainReactionCycles, top top job!!!

I was just about to post that in my experience Chain Reaction Customer Service is amazing. Great news.

 

[Matthew_T]

brill! see what responses you can get from one email.

 

[davefb]

lets hope the new one doesnt suffer the same fate

 

[johnnyh]

lets hope the new one doesnt suffer the same fate

reckon I might add something to stop it falling in the event it fails... safety net? parachute?

 

[potsy]

My Smart lights seem very secure in their mounts but I still like to put an elastic band or similar over them as a safety net.
Well done CRC.

 

[MossCommuter]

could refer you back to he manufacturer, depends how good their customer service is!

Not that it's relevant now considering the outcome but no they couldn't; your contract is with the retailer.