Hybrid problems after 4 months - advice needed

WilcoYHF

I got an Apollo Hybrid Bike from Halfords in September (I know I shouldn't have got it from there but my old bike was stolen and I needed a cheap one quick). I've been on a good few longish cycles since, 80k being the longest. I took off today with the aim of heading up the Cruagh road from Ranelagh, around the back of the Dublin mountains to Johnnie Fox's and back. However when I got to Rathfarnham when I heard quite loud squeeking as I pedalled. I decided it would be best to turn back and not get stuck in the mountains but that annoyed me a bit so I turned back around to keep going but a kilometer or so later the noise got worse and I had absolutely no confidence in getting the bike back in one piece after a trip up the mountains. It sounded as if the bearings in the pedal axle had gone.

Now the last time I was out on the bike about a week back was a very wet day and on inspection the bike had quite a bit of rust on the pedal axle and in another few places see pics below. I keep the bike indoors so would not expect there to be rust after four months. I'm know you pay for what you get and hoped to get a year out of the bike before I upgrade to a good road bike. With this happening after only four months after purchase it's only going to be downhill from here so I would like to get a refund from Halfords (I have the receipt).

What does everyone think do I have grounds for a refund. What are the chances of it happening, I'm not too optimistic.

velo.2010

Looking briefly at the Halfords bikes I see the Apollo hybrids go for as little as e150-e190. Is is one of these you have? If so and your doing 80km spins then your putting in the performance that your bike can't quite match! Thats to say you need a better bike for what you can do.

Sorry to hear about the stolen bike and I can understand not having the funds to buy a decent hack straight away. I think regular maintainance is the only way for a bike like that to stay useful. Sounds though that you just rode the bike and put it away after use. Again, understandable because of its value - why bother cleaning a cheap auld bike! Thats your issue though if you go back to the shop and look for a refund. Its been used and just been left with the rain soaking into the cheap parts and starting to rust.

If you can flog it on and maybe consider a second Trek/Giant if and when you get a few bob together. I've seen them go for e300. Better quality, more suited to what your doing on the bike etc. However you do need to maintain it!;)

WilcoYHF

It was €220 I think. I feared I might not have been maintaining it too well all I've been doing after a cycle is wipe it down. I still wouldn't expect it to rust after 4 months.

velo.2010

WilcoYHF wrote: »

I still wouldn't expect it to rust after 4 months.

Last 4 months have been the wettest for the last 12 I would think! The rain washes off any of the factory grease/lube. Cheap un-anodized metal parts will develop a coat of rust soon enough. Sure even roadbike parts will rust if not looked after.

If you can get some degreaser and spray the affected parts then give them a coat of grease or lube to keep them smooth running and kept the moisture out. The coat of rust shouldn't be too bad and might come off if given a rub with something coarse.

Transporting

They have been gritting roads also, that grit/salt will eat into parts and accelerate rusting if not washed off after every spin

WilcoYHF

Thanks Velo will do. In fact I left one part out about 500m from home the sound stopped and I began pedalling smoothly again. I'll clean it up and head out again tomorrow my confidence in it is very low though.

victorcarrera

WilcoYHF wrote: »

It was €220 I think. I feared I might not have been maintaining it too well all I've been doing after a cycle is wipe it down. I still wouldn't expect it to rust after 4 months.

If that's all you paid for it it is not worth your while bringing it back unless you skipped the Halfords free first service.
A little surface rust on the parts you have shown is not serious and just reflects the quality of metal in those parts. Give them a wipe of an oily rag to prevent it getting any worse.
The squeaking noise is probably from the bottom bracket or one of the pedals, so try to find the source.
You have a cup and cone bottom bracket there and from my experience of them they need regular adjustment and are prone to failure in or after wet conditions as they do not have water seals.
A quick fix might be to put the bike on its side and get some oil into the pedals and BB and block up the BB axle with grease to keep the water out.

iverjohnston

Hi Wilco,
Can of WD40 or similar wouldn't go amiss, I think. But in your 2nd photo the welding looks a bit suspect, check them all when you get a chance.
Cheers,
Nigel.