New Bike Issues

[Sandro]

Thought I would try get some level headed advice before I lose my mind. I bought a brand new dual suspension about 6 weeks ago. R38k so hardly a Makro special. Bought online from local supplier in Cape Town, bike arrived and seemed all good, just needed to fit handle bars, wheels, pedals etc.

First ride bike seems ok in general but gears slipping terribly. Not the end of the world, sorted that out myself. When washing the bike after the second ride I noticed a lot of lateral play on the back wheel, everything seemed tight so I took the wheel down to the local bike shop where they told me the hub hadn't been assembled properly. Very strange but anyway I pay them for the work seeing as its not their issue of course.

I email the agent/manufacturer to tell them about this - more of a heads up because the bike was apparently not checked properly before being sent.

Not a word from either of them. Eventually I call the guys I bought it from and they say if I like i can send it to one of their mechanics to get the bike checked. Fair enough, but after realising they're about a 40 minute drive I decide to see how it goes with the bike before doing that seeing as it will probably need its first service quite soon anyway.

Last week I notice the play is back in the back wheel so my plan was to send it in after the holidays.

Today the chain snapped. After 310 km. This is a bit alarming, chains shouldn't just snap after such low mileage so am I just unlucky, or have I bought a bit of a lemon?

The reason I bought new was to avoid k@k like this but evidently it doesn't make a difference.

 

[Mike Dewing]

That’s not what you want from a new bike.. 

send back, demand refund, any problems just research and reference the CPA. That’s a lot of money, I’d be pissed..

[Eugene]

It's pretty clear it was not assembled properly before being sent to you. Do the 40min drive to the mechanic, it is worth the peace of mind. 

[GLuvsMtb]

Bypassing the bike shop with a direct online purchase usually has a price benefit, but the downside is that warrantee issues can be a ball ache. I get that not all bike shops deal with warranty issues as well as can be expected, but I’ve been fortunate historically with major issues like frame replacements under warranty being dealt with with little or no fuss by my lbs.