HELP: Halfords Kids Bike Policy

wingman83

Hi
I've bought a 24' kids bike for my son couple of weeks back.
My son was complaining about front break being very stiff since the day we bought it. I thought it would resolve itself as it was a new bike. But it only became worse.
So I took the bike to halfords today and explained them. They had a look and said that my son would have crashed and damaged the wheel which caused misalignment in the wheel.
He was just riding the bike only in our cul-de-sac street in my watch. This problem was clearly there since we bought it. Therefore I would like to know what's my rights here. I'm still within 28 days return policy.
I would really appreciate your feedback.
Their policy says,
28 day returns policy

If you change your mind, we are happy to offer you an exchange or refund for any goods returned within 28 days of purchase. Items must be unused, in original packaging, in a saleable condition and with a receipt. Excludes special orders and gift cards. For credit/debit card refunds, the card and card holder must be present. This does not affect your statutory rights.

 Faulty goods

If the product is faulty, we may offer an exchange, repair or refund in accordance with your consumer rights. Please retain your receipt as proof of purchase. 

Nebulous2

The 28 days exchange doesn’t apply, as it clearly isn’t unused. 

Cheap bikes often have poor wheels, with badly tensioned spokes. They can buckle without crashing. They can be fixed fairly readily by ‘truing’ them. Did Halfords not offer that? 

That doesn’t really explain the brakes though. It maybe the cable isn’t right if they are stiff. A lot of children’s bikes have brake levers that are too big for the smaller hands that children have, but that would likely apply to both brakes. 

I doubt if you’ll get your money back, not without a fight. If it is simply that the rim isn’t straight they should true it for free. If there are clear signs of accident damage then you might struggle. 

wingman83

Nebulous2 said:

The 28 days exchange doesn’t apply, as it clearly isn’t unused. 

Cheap bikes often have poor wheels, with badly tensioned spokes. They can buckle without crashing. They can be fixed fairly readily by ‘truing’ them. Did Halfords not offer that? 

That doesn’t really explain the brakes though. It maybe the cable isn’t right if they are stiff. A lot of children’s bikes have brake levers that are too big for the smaller hands that children have, but that would likely apply to both brakes. 

I doubt if you’ll get your money back, not without a fight. If it is simply that the rim isn’t straight they should true it for free. If there are clear signs of accident damage then you might struggle. 

Thanks for your suggestion. I went to Halfords again today and told them to look at the break again. After speaking /arguing with 3 or 4 store guys, finally a guy came in and fixed it in 2 mins in front of me. The break wasn't fixed properly when they assembled the bike.. There was no issue with the rim or wheel.

Totally it was terrible experience. I've been shopping in halfords for many years and I will not be visiting them ever again.

Thanks again for your suggestion (truing) which I was going to ask them today.