Angry almost-newbie - need to vent!

[hilldweller]

Last time I was on a bike was 9 years ago. Bought and paid for a new second-hand bike just before Christmas, bike was couriered from a bike shop in another part of the country, arrived with a broken fork (courier damage, not the bike shop trying to rip me off), and nearly four weeks later the courier company and their insurer still haven't got their act together, I've still got a broken bike that I'm not allowed to get fixed as they want to collect it and send it to the other end of the country to assess it, they seem incapable of sending someone out to collect it, the assessment will apparently take three weeks to 'process' , and then they'll send it back to the bike shop where it started from!!!!! So given that it'll be close to four more weeks and another three journeys during which the useless couriers might damage the bike further, I've asked the bike shop for a refund and the only person who can make a decision on that is away until next week. So I can't even go bike-hunting at the weekend Meanwhile the 100k ride I was hoping to do in April is looking increasingly unachievable given the need for as much training time as possible I am so mad

And I don't even know what to look for if/when I do get the refund. Finding a second-hand bike that looked like the right bike at the right price took several weeks. A brand new bike would presumably be a quicker option and would obviously have some advantages, but would mean more money for a lower quality bike.

Rant over.

[smilingcat]

Hi,

That's really terrible. I'm really sorry to hear of the mishap with your bike. You don't have to stop ranting. Venting sometimes is good. Just remember when dealing with courriers, try not to let your emotion get to you. I'm sure some of them are trying to help even though it may not seem that way. Sometimes, I want to yell at customer service too and its not easy to stay collected so I fully sympthize with your plight.

As for your 100k ride in April. is it near the beginning of the month or end of the month and is it a easy 100k not much hill or is it a moderate 100k with some hills. If its toward the end of the month, I think you can still be ready. May not go as fast, but I'm sure you can get your stamina up to doing it. Cross train by jogging uphill and walking down, weights, and don't forget to to do upper body training. Try to get your work out up to an hour to help with your endurance. Don't bother with speed or power. Just work out at a moderate level for longer period of time. This way, your body will be ready to handle a 4 hour-ish exercise, the 100k ride.

If you need to rant again, don't hesitate. I wish they get their act together and for a happy ending.

sincerely,
smilingcat

[crazycanuck]

Hey Hilldweller!

Certainly is one **&$&$&$ frustrating event & certainly hope the couriers/bike shop sorts themselves out! I know i'd be tearing my hair out! You'd think being a small country, enzed couriers would be a bit more on the ball. If you're dealing with NZ post though...

A thought in the meantime..are you able to visit a health club & use a spin bike? I know it's not economical but it's a thought..What about going to a pool?

If you do need to purchase another bike, what about SUB ones? They seem pretty econmical.

[cylegoddess]

So sad about cycle!
I agree.I have a SUB zero and its great! I want a good carbon one( of course!) but they are not so expensive( mine was 1600 Australian), and then you have cylce to general ride on( that wont get stolen) and a good cycle when you finally get your one fixed. ( if you can afford it). I love my bike. Its not flash but it has a carbon fork.The brakes and cogs are ok, not the best but decent.

[redrhodie]

Why do they need the whole bike, if just the fork is broken? I'd put a new fork on, and send them back the broken one, with the bill for the replacement, and labor costs for the repair. That way, you can start training for your ride.

Your LBS should be able to help you find a new fork that will work.

[tulip]

Such a bummer and so frustrating. I hope you get it resolved pronto. Spinning is a great way to get in and stay in shape, and I second that suggestion. My YMCA has spinning classes and do not require long term contracts like some gyms do (so you can stop when you get your bike).

For other people who may be looking to buy bikes online, this is a huge reason not to. Support your local bike shop and buy local. The service you get in return is way worth any extra money (usually minimal) that you pay.

best of luck to you!