Bike issue.

Bigvern68

New to the forum so please excuse any errors.
I brought a mountain bike in 2012 and used it for commuting and light off road. In 2013, during a service, I was told the bottom bracket needed to be replaced which I agreed to. In May this year the bottom bracket managed to strip all of the thread out of the frame thus rendering the pedals useless, this happened on a very fast stretch of road and could have led to serious injury. I took the bike back to the shop where I was told unless a new frame could be sourced from the manufacturer, the bike was scrap (cost £500 2 years ago!). In the process of their investigation they discovered the wrong size bottom bracket had been fitted, they told me they did not keep records of the work carried out that far back so I could not prove they were at fault. I got lucky and they managed to get me a new frame from the states but they now want £100+ for labour and additional parts. My question is where do I stand regarding this charge? I realise that I got lucky regarding the frame but still feel aggrieved to have to shell out anything when they are at fault. Any help greatfully received.

OlliesDad

Bigvern68 wrote: »

New to the forum so please excuse any errors.
I brought a mountain bike in 2012 and used it for commuting and light off road. In 2013, during a service, I was told the bottom bracket needed to be replaced which I agreed to. In May this year the bottom bracket managed to strip all of the thread out of the frame thus rendering the pedals useless, this happened on a very fast stretch of road and could have led to serious injury. I took the bike back to the shop where I was told unless a new frame could be sourced from the manufacturer, the bike was scrap (cost £500 2 years ago!). In the process of their investigation they discovered the wrong size bottom bracket had been fitted, they told me they did not keep records of the work carried out that far back so I could not prove they were at fault. I got lucky and they managed to get me a new frame from the states but they now want £100+ for labour and additional parts. My question is where do I stand regarding this charge? I realise that I got lucky regarding the frame but still feel aggrieved to have to shell out anything when they are at fault. Any help greatfully received.

Are you able to prove that they carried out the repair in 2013? Are they admitting that they did it?

Bigvern68

Thanks for the reply. I am unable to prove that they carried out the repair/service as I knew the engineer at the time and he knocked some £ off for cash hence no receipt. When they phoned me to say the bottom bracket was the wrong size they were unaware that they had carried out the initial work as that engineer had left, they were stunned when I told them! They have not admitted anything yet but I'm quite shocked they do not keep records of work carried out.

OlliesDad

Bigvern68 wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. I am unable to prove that they carried out the repair/service as I knew the engineer at the time and he knocked some £ off for cash hence no receipt. When they phoned me to say the bottom bracket was the wrong size they were unaware that they had carried out the initial work as that engineer had left, they were stunned when I told them! They have not admitted anything yet but I'm quite shocked they do not keep records of work carried out.

If the guy did it cash in hand I doubt it was even put through the till. If you can prove they did it then you would have a strong case. You could take them to court which would work on the balance of probabilities, but without proof you will struggle.

System

he engineer at the time and he knocked some £ off for cash hence no receipt.

It sounds like the engineer was doing it as a private job but using his firms facilities. Sticky ground. Firm can quite easily claim the original repair was nothing to do with them.

Bigvern68

Thanks to all for replying. I think I should just be thankful for the brand new frame (2014 model so prob £500!) and just swallow the labour charge. No real way of proving they were at fault now that engineer has left but had to ask. Thanks again.

Bigvern68

Just wanted to update this post as some (disturbing!) news has now come to light! Basically, the frame they sent as a replacement has a major design flaw and has been outright slated by everyone that has ever ridden/tested/brought one! The flaw is with the dropouts that allow the chain to be tensioned and has led to the rear wheel actually coming loose in some cases! :eek: It can also lead to the chain snapping and also damage to the Bottom Bracket which was the original problem and put me in this position in the first place!! Any ideas what my next move should be? The BS did me a favour by getting the frame replaced (and boy, did they let me know about it!) but, now I've read what I have, I just do not want it!!

k3lvc

Bigvern68 wrote: »

Just wanted to update this post as some (disturbing!) news has now come to light! Basically, the frame they sent as a replacement has a major design flaw and has been outright slated by everyone that has ever ridden/tested/brought one! The flaw is with the dropouts that allow the chain to be tensioned and has led to the rear wheel actually coming loose in some cases! :eek: It can also lead to the chain snapping and also damage to the Bottom Bracket which was the original problem and put me in this position in the first place!! Any ideas what my next move should be? The BS did me a favour by getting the frame replaced (and boy, did they let me know about it!) but, now I've read what I have, I just do not want it!!

Presumably wherever you read the revelations of the flaw in the frame will give a far better indication of what you should do. At the moment you have no 'retailer' for the frame fitted and presumably no paperwork to go with it.

If it's as bad as you say then is there either a class complaint/action or a recall from the manufacturer ?