Problem with work done on my bike

[elbow]

Hi,
I'm new here, just a quick question really about a problem with some work done on my bike by Halfords.
I took it in because the back wheel was wobbling (more than usual ) and the bike basically sounded like it was going to fall apart. They told me that the rear hubs were broken and the back axle may be, too. They said they'd fix all that and I also got a service too.
It was ok for a while but 3 weeks later and once again the back wheel is wobbling wildly and the bike is creaking loads.....exact same thing that happened last time.
I took it back this morning and told them I thought they had done the work wrong and I want it fixed for free. They reckon it might not be the axle this time (I'm 99% sure it is) and they'll have a look at it on Sunday.
I have no know how about bikes other than the basics, could anyone recommend me some things to say to them if they try to tell me it was something else the matter this time and charge me for the new "repairs"?
Thanks and hello

 

[Supersuperleeds]

It's probably not what you want to hear, but you may want to put it down to experience and go find a lbs to look at it for you.

 

[Mile195]

I'd say the same. You won't be on this forum long before you realise just what most cyclists think of Halfords. You have to remember that the same guys who man the bike-hut counter, are also expected to stock up shelves and fit baby seats for minimum wage. They are for the most part NOT professional bike mechanics.

Also, bear in mind that if your bike isn't a particularly expensive one, you can buy a basic own-brand brand-new wheel from Decathlon from about £20-£25. If the problem is definitely something to do with the back wheel (and not a cracked frame - though this is rare unless you've been really abusing your bike, or crashed it), then this may be a better option.

 

[numbnuts]

I can see the problem - Halfords

 

[stephec]

Can you post up an accurate description of the fault, see if anyone can help you?

 

[biggs682]

ask them if its ok to take some pics of damaged or worn parts so you can get another quote

it might be the new wheel or hub they fitted was like the original one poorly set up to start with and with little grease inside it

 

[accountantpete]

TBH it sounds like the rear spokes have been under-tensioned and simply worked themselves free.

I'd ask if the spokes have worked loose and if so can they re-true the wheel but also put some threadlock on the spokes to stop the nipples undoing.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Hi,
I'm new here, just a quick question really about a problem with some work done on my bike by Halfords.
I took it in because the back wheel was wobbling (more than usual ) and the bike basically sounded like it was going to fall apart. They told me that the rear hubs were broken and the back axle may be, too. They said they'd fix all that and I also got a service too.
It was ok for a while but 3 weeks later and once again the back wheel is wobbling wildly and the bike is creaking loads.....exact same thing that happened last time.
I took it back this morning and told them I thought they had done the work wrong and I want it fixed for free. They reckon it might not be the axle this time (I'm 99% sure it is) and they'll have a look at it on Sunday.
I have no know how about bikes other than the basics, could anyone recommend me some things to say to them if they try to tell me it was something else the matter this time and charge me for the new "repairs"?
Thanks and hello

If they had been messing with your rear axle last time then they must have been fiddling with the cones. If the locknuts aren't tight at least one of the cones will soon work loose. Only a little play at the hub would be enough to make the rim wobble wildly, dragging on the brake pads.

Is it under Halfords' warranty? If yes it is not obvious why you should have paid anything last time round (and probably this time too depending on what went wrong and why). If not why let them touch your bike?

 

[MontyVeda]

It's not just Halfords... the last LBS i took my bike to for a new headset fitting was returned to me with the headset fitted well (no complaints there).. but the back brake was loosened all the way out rendering it completely ineffective, and the front brake blocks so tight against the rim the wheel wouldn't rotate!.. they also managed to rotate the handle bars by 360 degrees, twisting the cables rather tightly around themselves before attaching the handle bar and didn't seem to notice that either... they're nice chaps and were very apologetic. But i think I'll buy a headset press next time and DIM.

 

[Andrew_P]

DIM.

There is the answer! I have tried mobile repairs and never really been total happy, even replaced loads of parts of a group set on advice and all it was a bent rear hanger. He wasn't even making any money from the parts as I was buying them online and getting to fit them.

So now I nearly DIM, either with help here or youtube and I am prepared to make mistakes and pay for them, good learning curve

Back to the question, get pictures or a written estimate. Then avoid Halfords.

 

[mrandmrspoves]

Anyone with even the slightest knowledge of bikes should be able to look at your rear wheel and tell you whether the problem is loose cones or loose spokes, or even loose axle nuts. This would take approximately 30 seconds to check. If the cones are loose there may be other damage to the axle or bearings which would not be apparent until the wheel is taken apart......
Most cycle repairs are straightforward with a small repair kit and a little advice from this site or Youtube. If you really don't feel confident enough to do it yourself, and cannot find a local cycle enthusiast to show you, then talk to other cyclists to find out what local cycle shops are reliable. Unfortunately Halfords have a poor reputation as they have not prioritised consistency. SOME Halfords stores have competent staff who are cycle enthusiasts.......but so do some butchers shops!

 

[elbow]

Hi, thanks for all the replies. : ) I'm not what I'd call a "proper" cyclist as such...so didn't realise the reputation of Halfords! However after talking to a few friends (and you lovely people) I now know that they have a terrible reputation among 100% of people who know anything about bikes....! Anyway, I took it back there because they had clearly f****d it up and I wanted it done for free. Got it back same day, cycled to work (all of 3 miles) and just as I was leaving work the axle snapped again. Cue an angry elbow stomping home pushing a bike with a wheel that is threatening to fall off at any minute.....needless to say I wasn't happy ; )
Anyway I'm going to go back there today, show them the bike, and just ask for my money back....there's only so many times I want to let them re"fix" it for free....! And just buy a new wheel as miles195 suggested!
Still, lesson learned, won't be stepping foot in that place again!

 

[akb]

What bike is it?

 

[Chris S]

What most people don't seem to realize until it's too late is that before Halfords can 'go the extra mile' they have to take you all the way.

 

[elbow]

akb.....it's an apollo highway.