Push bike fault - injury claim

firsttimebuyer92

Hi, I purchased a bike in November 2016 from a well known bike shop. The bike was used under 10 times, maybe even less than 6 times, then in April 2017 during a ride around town a failure with the gears happened causing the chain to come off and lock in the rear detailer solid.

This led to me coming off the bike and fracturing my wrist and being signed off work for 4 weeks with the need for possible physiotherapy.

The shop in question offer a free 6 week check on their bikes which I admit I didn't take it for. However, after the incident, I rang the store and asked if they would check check the bike over for any faults and service the bike since I missed the service. I was asked how much I used the bike, which I replied I've used it less than 10 times since I bought it. To which the staff told me I didn't really need the service unless the bike was being used a lot.

I told them what had happened and they said they will check the bike at a fee and any repairs could be expensive.

Fast forward after dealing with head office who are actually very helpful and understanding, I get my bike checked at the local store. I return later that week to be told they weren't sure what was fixed on it but suggested the issue could have been because the back wheel not being on right. Suggesting we had put it on wrong. Anyway my partner rode the bike home after they had checked it and said it was all okay, mid way home the chain did the same thing. Luckily he didn't come off like I had and pushed it home.

We got an independent bike mechanic round to carry out a full service and the following was found:
Gear set up - both set screws loose - set up issue from new
Brake rota not true - likely after fall
Wheel spokes loose - likely after fall.

I'm yet to speak with head office again but I'm disappointed the store passed the bike as safe when it appears they haven't even looked at the bike.

I wasn't too bothered about even putting a claim against them, I just wanted to bike checked and repaired, but after this I'm actually really disappointed with the store.

I'm asking really to see if I have a chance at a claim against the company for faulty set up even though I missed the 6 week service, as the bike was used very little and even informed by the staff we didn't need the service.

Thank you for your time and sorry for the long post.