Folding Bikes

[RecordAceFromNew]

Bit of a bummer, the gears don't work. Conveniently left that out of the listing. And the rear brake doesn't either, so it's going to have to have a visit to the shop. I'm still pleased with the bike itself, it's a nice colour and all that, but it's a bit disappointing that I'm going to have to shell out more than I had planned to.

Hi Taxing sorry to hear what you found. I don't believe their leaving the gear problem out of the listing allows them to list/sell it the way they have. In particular, the ad's standard condition specifically says:

"Condition: Used: An item that has been previously used. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or an item that has been returned to the seller after a period of use. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections."

and of course this serious imperfection, for a Raleigh Stowaway, was never raised. The bike was simply not fully operational.

If I were you I would make contact with the seller to reach a mutually acceptable solution. If that is not possible I would pursue the matter further with ebay through their Buyer Protection process.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Halfords have their Apollo 20" Folding Bike for £150 thats £50 off

Any comments (apart from the usual ones about Halfords)

I would avoid it, if only because it is ALL steel (seemingly except the rims!), so it is going to be heavy to carry, and to ride with no gears.

Since you are in Essex, Fudges in London is reputed to be a specialist on folders. I have no idea how good this is (although even this is quite heavy at 14kgs albeit with an alloy frame), but at least it has gears. Good luck!

 

[taxing]

Because I picked up the bike and paid cash, that's not a lot that eBay can do. It's a case of buyer beware, I should have checked the bike over before paying for it, but I'm a trusting soul. There are worse character flaws I suppose.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

the compass marine folder is a cracker for the money. £132 delivered to your door for the singlespeed. Rumoured to be a rebadged Dahon. Mate has one on his narrowboat. They do a 6 speed d'railer geared 16" wheel jobbie to for a bit more bunce.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Because I picked up the bike and paid cash, that's not a lot that eBay can do. It's a case of buyer beware, I should have checked the bike over before paying for it, but I'm a trusting soul. There are worse character flaws I suppose.

I am not sure if that is the case, if you read ebay's small prints, it says:

"
You paid with PayPal to the seller’s nominated PayPal account. (If have not paid with PayPal you should still enter your case as eBay will try, as set out below, to facilitate a resolution with the seller).
"

and further down

"
Other requirements for reimbursements from sellers:

• Sellers must have a valid reimbursement method on file with eBay at all times.
• Sellers agree to allow us to remove funds from their PayPal accounts to reimburse buyers. Sellers may change this reimbursement method by contacting eBay.
• Where PayPal is not the reimbursement method of a seller, we will require another reimbursement method.

For future seller unresolved cases, we will notify the seller and continue to charge the seller’s preferred method for any reimbursements made under the eBay Buyer Protection Policy. Changing a reimbursement method will not affect eBay’s use of a payment method on file for other purposes (such as payment of your eBay fees). If sellers do not provide eBay with a valid reimbursement method, we may collect amounts owed using other collection mechanisms, including retaining collection agencies. We may also take one or more of the steps listed in the section below (Failure to comply – consequences).

"

In any case, there is no harm to approach the seller with the problem. He/she may well be happy to make good either because it is the right thing to do, or to protect his/her feedback record, etc.

 

[taxing]

I'm not really interested in causing conflict with the seller over £38. Yesterday I set about the bike with some oil and a tub of rust remover, and after some fiddling the gears seem to be working (though I haven't given it a test ride yet), so I'm hopeful that the bike will run properly now anyway.