Handlebars coming loose - some advice please

[calsidbrown]

HI. I recently bought a new bike from a well known high street bike retailer. After just using the bike a few times my 8 year old son had a serious accident on it.. The handlebars become loose from the front wheel and the bike suddenly turned 90 degrees whilst he was steering straight. He came off and broke his arm. I have spoken to the retailer who told me that if it didn't come loose on the 1st time he rode the bike then it can't work loose after a few times. Being no expert I don't know if this is true. Has anyone experienced this or has any expert advice on if this can come loose if not tightened correctly?

 

[wisdom]

In my opinion and its from experience if they are tightened correctly they shouldnt come loose certainly to the extent you described
Hope your son gets better soon.
I would be Tempted to get some legal advice maybe trading standards could advise you.

 

[Smokin Joe]

It obviously wasn't tightened enough when it was first assembled. You need to chase this up.

The term "Well known High Street retailer" brings up a few possible names, who was it?

 

[mrandmrspoves]

Modern type handlebar fittings (A head) are easy to assemble and adjust - but they tend to be made of light alloys, which makes it very easy to strip the threads if over tightened. Consequently Most manufacturers specify a torque setting which will be tight enough to ensure that parts don't work loose - but not so tight as to strip the threads. Anyone who claims to have any mechanical knowledge should understand that parts that have not been torqued up tight enough can work loose due to vibration.
This definitely sounds like it's time to talk to a solicitor - apart from because your son deserves some compensation, because if this shop is not challenged it is only a matter of time before their carelessness results In someone else being injured or even killed.