Exactly 2 months ago I bought a pair of LG T-Flex MTB shoes from a bike shop that is literally on my doorstep. I know the owner and we get on pretty well, and over the past couple of months I have tried my best to support his business as best I can in buying various odds and ends from him. His shop is pretty new, only been around for a few months, and rather than supporting the bigger corporates, I always try to support "the little guy". So, on 06 June 2014, I popped into his shop to see whatshoes he had as I was looking for a replacement pair. Saw the LG T-Flex shoes, tried them on and they felt great, therefore went ahead with the purchase. At the USN Cup held at Avianto this past weekend, slipped my shoes on, and proceeded to buckle them up and make final adjustment only to end up with the ratchet part breaking off. My shoes a never tight on my feet, always leave a little room, especially as Saturday seemed to be like a hot day and ones feet would swell. So, take the shoes back, and the owner takes down my details and says he will order one for me. Today, have still not heard anything from him, so decide to pop past the shop. New ratchet system has not been ordered and he can only help me with a pair of SIDI ratchets which work just fine. So not being phased about too much about the brand of buckle, I agree to take the SIDI ones, to which I am then told they cost R50.00? Really??? Now not to drag this out any longer, I voiced my opion on wanting to charge me R50 for a new buckle, which in my view should not have broken after two months? I am then told that these things are made to break and that there is no "warrenty" if you like on this type of thing - and I need to part with R50 for the SIDI buckle, or pay a lot more the original LG one which he will order. I expalined my logic by saying that that makes about as much sense as buying a new bike, and two months later I come back cause the rear stay has snapped for example - what then, does the same logic of "these things are made to break" apply, and that I would need to cough up for a new frame? Yes I know this may be a bad example due to certain circumstances, but I think you guys get my drift. Anyways, I eventually said that here is R50 for the SIDI buckles, and consider it the last R50 that he will see from me again. So, my question to my fellow hubbers, am I being daft / unrealistic in expecting them to replace the buckle at no cots to me? I can post pics if needs be, the shoes and buckles are practically brand new? It really is not about the money, its the principle of the matter. I would really love to hear what you guys, and maybe even what one of the FiT guys here on the hub have to say in this regard. EDIT: Once I have heard back from everyone, I will either eat humble pie or name and shame.....