Angry almost-newbie - need to vent!

[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!

[hilldweller]

Thanks for the moral support and training advice I'm already gymming so will continue with that and other endurance type activities.

redrhodie - exactly! That's my question too, since the rest of the bike is undamaged and I'm sure they wouldn't want to write it off just because of the fork. It's just their stupid policy Since the couriers still haven't collected it I've asked the bike shop again if they can convince their insurers they only need the fork and I imagine they'll try, but insurance companies can be very inflexible. I'm very tempted to take it into the lbs and see if they can replace the fork, but that might invalidate the claim and then I'd be stuck with the cost of the replacement fork (carbon, so presumably not cheap).

This bike is a sub zero pro and apart from the poor broken fork it looks great. I think it's about 3 years old - some carbon and mostly 105 components. If I have to buy new rather than second-hand it may well be another sub, but a lower spec given the price difference between a 3yo bike and a new one. On reflection, it's probably just as well the bike shop hasn't agreed to a refund yet. I'm in a somewhat calmer frame of mind but still likely to buy the first bike I see at the right price if I had the money in my hot little hand, regardless of whether it fits or has what I'm looking for.

[badger]

this may not be feasible, but can you just swallow the damage and move on? is it worth it to let go of the bike when you can replace the fork hopefully inexpensively?

I know you've already spent your money, but most of the bike is there. You've spent weeks already scoping it out and found what you want. Maybe the next one you buy will cost you more anyways, so why not keep what you've got, replace the fork, and if they say they can't honour it for insurance anymore, then maybe you just have to factor that in as the overall cost of the bike? Who knows, they MAY still honour it. I'd say if they give you flack, maybe take them to small claims? seems odd that they would want to fork out money for shipping it three times across the country.

Sometimes you end up paying more to have what you already have... sucks, I know, but sometimes that's the best option.

Hope things work out!

[lunacycles]

I have had to deal with bike damage from couriers before. I ship bikes a lot. It can be very frustrating, drawn out, and in the long run, often futile.

You need to know it was insured and packaged properly. That is your LBS' job to provide that proof.

If you want your claim to be paid you need to be persistent. I hate to say it, but I think these companies hire people just to make the whole process of claims very difficult with the hopes that you will give up. Unfortunately, it is probably the bike shop that has to follow through more than you (assuming they were the ones who actually boxed it up and handed it the courier, and bought the insurance)

If the bike is otherwise okay, I'd probably let go of the claim. I don't know what kind of bike or what kind of fork you had, but a fork replacement isn't usually that big of a deal, and will get you on the bike again fastest. Your LBS should be VERY motivated to work with you on this, especially given the delay you've encountered after entrusting your bike to them, and it would be appropriate for them to offer you a heavily discounted fork if you request it.