Poor service at bike shops.

[wimpie]

My first topic: A tad long-winded but I had to get this off my chest.

 

Since I have been training for the Epic the miles on my bike have been clocking up and with that comes services. I try to take my bike to the same shop but it is not always possible.

 

An average service costs me between R1000 - R2000. A cost I am willing to incur but with that comes the expectation that it will be good.

 

During the last two months I have had shocking service (if you can call it that) at two prominent shops in Gauteng.

 

In the 1st instance (After Sabie) I was told that my bike is ready for collection. When I arrived, the wrong job card was on my bike and my bike was still untouched. The arrogant youngster did not want to give me the manager's number as he was on holiday.

 

Today I had a similar experience with a problematic rear hub. I was told it is ready for collection but it was in the same condition as when I dropped it off.

 

Point is - are there any quality bike shops in Gauteng who understands the value of good customer (& bike) service or are they all just chasing the money? 

[Weekend_Warrior]

I recommend you find one shop and stick to that shop u get to know them and they get to know you.

 

I also think R1000.00 - R2000.00 for a service on your bike is flippen expensive.

[idrive]

That's nothing, I've been waiting over a year to get a Sigma camera lens repaired!

[paulvs]

fk.. my last service was 1700.00

[Danger Dassie]

That's nothing' date=' I've been waiting over a year to get a Sigma camera lens repaired![/quote']

 

Is it a warranty repair? If not, don't waste time at Tudor, take it somewhere like ProCamera.

 

On topic though, Wimpie neither of those are acceptable, especially the first instance!

I've only ever had really bad service years ago at a bike shop in Edenvale.

At R1000-R2000, your services seem to be pretty damn expensive though, about the same as a frikin car!

danger dassie2009-01-06 14:37:56

[Mackie]

2 grand for a service?!? I think you getiing bent over! Unless you replace brake pads, saddle and tyres every service

[ViperSquad]

 

Wimpie, I don't know where in Gauteng you are, but I can recommend Centurion Cycles in Centurion. Jan has the best service I have seen thus far.

 

Grant Cycles in Centurion are also good.

TomTrek2009-01-06 16:38:10

[Guest Big H]

Wimpie, do they specify what they do for R1000 to R2000. At least they should replace things ets. Do they at least tell you what they do??????

 

Also name these shops. In this world being a gentleman does not really help. Hubbers are discerning shoppers and they should know if they are being run in.

 

Did you eventually follow the first matter up with the manager. Impertinence as such from that youngster should NOT be tolerated. People like him are BAD for the business.

[Johan Bornman]

Wimpie, I don't think you're telling us the whole story. That service surely includes several parts. Nowadays there isn't much to service on a bike, the bearings are all throw-away cartridges, the BB is a throw-away unit and the headset...ditto.

 

Shocks can be serviced, cables replaced and brake pads replaced.

 

Methinks your "service" included several of these parts too.

 

Nevertheless, learn to maintain your own bike. It's not difficult and satisfaction is guaranteed. If you are not technically inclined, get someone to teach you.

 

[Guest Big H]

You are so right Johan, I have seen many people, including my own Son, become "TECHNICALLY INCLINED" when the cost becomes more than they can afford. I think a "technical disability" is just another name for pure laziness!!!!!!

[Nialls101]

 

Your cables must be made of gold if the service cost that much. I'm sure a bike maintenance course will cost less than R1000.

 

You must have broken some expensive parts on your bike. Hope you have better luck this year.

 

 

 

Nanosec Nialls2009-01-07 00:09:44

[Paul Hunter]

So what and who is best to help us get more technically inclined.  I can do the basics like change brake pads and gear cables but have a hard time tuning front and rear derailleurs.

[Bike Mob]

 

You can buy a Parktool book and a serious tool kit for R2K and never need a service again.

 

All you need then is the spares....

 

Just think with all the money you save you can actually afford to upgrade when you replace, plus the upgraded parts *should* last longer!

 

Tarmac-GSTR2009-01-07 00:24:42

[GreyOwl3.0]

How much? Holy cr@p!

My car is still on motorplan, but my service detail reveals that my car is cheaper to service than your bike?!

Whoa!

[Daxiet]

 

Why not name the shops in question, poor service should not be honoured with silence. We understand that sometimes people slip up, but if they don't at least make an effort to restore your happiness they should be named and shamed.

 

I have the same issue here I have a only one shop to choose from, their techinical ability is not great and as such I have bought as many tools as possible to complete my own services, plenty how to's on the web, some with video clips. After a recent poor experience with having my MTB wheels trued, I have acquired a cheapish truing stand, yet another trade being learnt. DIY = controlling your destiny and possibly saving plenty cash and prevent unnecessary expense by having the LBS tell you certain parts need replacement when they don't.

 

So far I will give Grant Cycles a thumbs up on Customer Service, friendly/helpful bunch of guys. I have not however had any services done by them, so I can't comment on that. Linden Cycles also pretty friendly/helpful, but a tad too busy for my liking. Pricing at these 2 shops is also very resonable.

 

 

 

Daxiet2009-01-07 00:29:41

[Guest Big H]

So what and who is best to help us get more technically inclined.  I can do the basics like change brake pads and gear cables but have a hard time tuning front and rear derailleurs.

 

Contact www.yellowsaddle.co.za , our own mr bornman here on the Hub. You can also look at buying a good cycling repair book, the Big Blue Book on Bicycle Repairs by Park is a good reference. Thers is a new and revised  print now available. You would need tools to do your own work. I would advise to buy the tools as you need them. Be wise and buy the best you can afford. I have at least four scrapped chain tools because i was stingy. With the price wasted on those I could have bought a good semi professional tool.

 

Trust me it is easy to service your own bike. You will make mistakes but how expensive can mistakes on a bike really be. There is no computers or fuel injection systems to break!!!!!!

 

Servicing and maintaining your own bike IS NOT a dark art....... it is simple and easy if you really want to do it.