Halfords , 10 months old and NOT a free repair?

[onlyhereonce]

Hi,

I bought a bike for my son on 27/9/12 so not even a year yet. The pedals are wobbling in the middle (crank im led to believe) so will need repairing.
Ive just called Halfords to book it in and have been told it wont be a free repair as its classed as perishable repairs , in other words its something that wears over time.
I argued that that wasn't fair as its not even a year old yet and something should last at least a year and as its in warranty it should be a free repair.
I was again told no and that it should be maintained regularly and if i haven't maintained it he's not suprised its broke. When i bought this i was not advised to maintain the crank , in fzct i wasnt told to maintain anything. The bike has been used but not overused so not battered.

Am i right in thinking that things like that should last a lot longer than 10 months and that im right in insisting a free repair?

Matt

Yes, but I'm skeptical about Halfords. DH bought a bike from them new, and the pedal fell off as he rode across the car park .

Ask to speak to a manager, not the first sales assistant you speak to, and say you're rejecting it as being unfit for purpose. If they disagree, ask them why they used an evidently faulty product on your DS's bike.

I spoke to a manager on the phone , he is the one who was quite cocky and said no way it would be free. Something is surely not fit for purpose if the crank fails within 10 months on a bike that hasnt been heavy used (the weather alone has kept it in the garage for weeks on end lol

I don't know the legal position but I got a bike from Halfords for my 19th birthday. I've not 'maintained the crank'. In fact, I have no idea what you're even talking about . However my bike is still going fine and I'm now 41. Regular maintenance to me means replacing tyres, oiling the chain, changing the brake pads. I'd be contacting head office if I were you.

"perishable" would usually apply to food items

here are Which magazine's guidelines to your rights as a consumer.

I would call in person, be firm and not raise my voice and if no joy explain that you don't feel happy with the product or service in store and that you'll therefore be sending a letter to Head Office (recorded delivery, obvs).

Ive just called head office and said its not acceptable. The chap i spoke to said he agrees and is calling the store to advise they should not be saying this to customers and that if they trry and charge on thursday when i take it in , to go to the store to pick it up and call him when im there and he will "sort it out". Crikey , a success story it seems.

Hurrah!

Excellent news.

Your local trading standards will have a list of certain items and the number of years it is deemed to last before any repairs needed. During this time the person/firm who sold it to you is responsible for repairing FREE. This is totally separate from the manufacturers guarantee.

There's a reason why Halfords is often called Halfrauds as they can be dire and are very dependent on who they hire. Any local, independent bike shop would take much better care of you.

However, I would say there is a little naivety as any moving mechanical part is a 'wear and tear' item (obviously). I would say a crank should last a lot longer than 10 months but is it completely shot or just in need of a service i.e. re-lubriating and tightening up? If this was something that was not particularly tight (same goes with the head set) then it will undoubtedly loosen over time and result in what you are describin OP.

In fairness to the bike, it could have been assembled perfectly but I don't know if it was an expensive model. If not then I know all too well how easy it is for kids to cause premature wear/tear.

I appreciate, as with cars, that most people are not mechanically minded but it really is worth checking over bikes regularly to make sure everything is running smoothly. Your child's safety is the important aspect and you wouldn't drive your car without getting an MOT/service so should do the same with a bike.

Glad to hear it's all been sorted out though.