New bike, many problems... Is this normal???
- Thread starter tudor_77
- Start date
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CopperCyclist
Veteran
Definitely don't settle. If it keeps going wrong, keep taking it back. Explain to them you understand that occasionally faults and problems happen, but it's how they are dealt with that matters to you. Say you appreciate them fixing it twice, but as that fault keeps developing, you would like them more to take alternative action so that the problem is fully resolved. Giant are a large brand, so even if they had to replace the bike completely I doubt they would worry much about doing so.
Cycleops
Legendary Member
- Location
- Accra, Ghana
It's true, they are a major brand and and they have a reputation to protect. I would take the bike back and maybe say you will leave it with them for a week so they can fully check it over. If further issues develop after that demand a replacement.
gbb
Squire
- Location
- Peterborough
New bike, new wheels equals sluggish IME.
Compared to your old bike it probably does feel sluggish. Its something most people dont realise but new hubs, new grease makes for friction. That will ease as miles are put in.
I fitted Fulcrum 5s to one of my previous, well used, well bedded in bikes. The first thing I noticed was how slow it felt...terrible. I took out the wheels and spun by hand, the rotated a few times then rolled to a stop. I did the same with my old wheels, they spun and spun.
Ok, I'm going to have to be patient and let them free up...like hell. I brought low friction cartridge bearings and fitted them, the result was instantanious.
I know thats not the answer for some, I am impatient, give it some time, they will free up and roll much better.
Compared to your old bike it probably does feel sluggish. Its something most people dont realise but new hubs, new grease makes for friction. That will ease as miles are put in.
I fitted Fulcrum 5s to one of my previous, well used, well bedded in bikes. The first thing I noticed was how slow it felt...terrible. I took out the wheels and spun by hand, the rotated a few times then rolled to a stop. I did the same with my old wheels, they spun and spun.
Ok, I'm going to have to be patient and let them free up...like hell. I brought low friction cartridge bearings and fitted them, the result was instantanious.
I know thats not the answer for some, I am impatient, give it some time, they will free up and roll much better.
OP
OP
tudor_77
Veteran
Thanks for all the replies, very helpful indeed! I will pop the bike back to them and see if I can get it resolved once and for all or a replacement. Do you think I should settle for a replacement headset? Is it possible for a faulty headset with these issues to cause permanent damage to a carbon frame? I like the bike (when it functions properly) and would ideally prefer to keep it but if there is any chance of damage to the frame then I think I would need to push for a full blown replacement (if thats even possible at this time of year when Giant are getting rid of the 2014 stock to make way for 2015's line-up).
Seriously though, thanks for all your input
Seriously though, thanks for all your input
migrantwing
Veteran
Take it back, tell them (as you've mentioned) that you appreciate their fixing the bike but, after fixing it 2 or 3 times now and the problem is still there, ask for a replacement headset and a full check over the bike. Tell them that's what you want and if the problem occurs again, you will be wanting a replacement bike or full refund.
Cycleops
Legendary Member
- Location
- Accra, Ghana
Presumably it was checked prior to delivery by the dealer so if it had loosened in such a short time there is a good chance there is an underlying cause, maybe a fault. You can understand the OPs reluctance to accept it as perfect.
Sort of, but a bike isn't a car. It's pretty simple. There are only a few possible explanations. They aren't tightening the top nut and stem. The steerer tube is broken. Or the headset is wrong, or assembled incorrectly. If it sits together ok I think we can discount the last option, so taking off the stem, looking at the tube and reassembling yourself would at least satisfy you that nothing was crazily amiss.
Cycleops
Legendary Member
- Location
- Accra, Ghana
Fair enough, but this is a brand new bike! Do you really want to take it apart when you should pushing the responsibility back on the shop?
OP
OP
tudor_77
Veteran
Yes its not difficult to retighten myself and have done so several times to correct torque. but why would anyone accept a bike that needs to be retightened after every single ride and with a headset that made a ghastly crunching sound every time you ride out the saddle? It is obvious that there is a fundamental defect with the headset. Seems foolish to buy a bike which is faulty then try and fix it yourself when it is covered by warranty. This has been taken back to the dealer twice already over the faulty headset and once over a faulty seatpost clamp which was replaced.
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Same with my Fulcrum 7's. When new, they felt dead smooth, but you could feel there was some resistance compared to my old cheapy wheelset. I just noticed the other day when changing a tube that spinning the axles by hand it feels like there is a lot less resistance than when new. Presumably it's just excess grease and brand new seals adding the extra bit of resistance until everything beds in.
Well, since you've checked their torquing of the bolts there's obviously something wrong with the star nut (or expanding thingy if the steerer tube is carbon), or the steerer tube is broken somehow. I'd reject the bike. Tell them if they can't fix the headset properly in two attempts then you don't want it. Get your money back as it is unfit for purpose.
