Did I just get ripped off by a very well known Bike shop?

skyvelolover · 06-09-2013 09:48PM #1

Hi guys,

I'm a long time lurker here but first time poster here, so please be gentle!

So basically I'm looking for some help/advice here.

First off, some background;

I decided recently after years of wanting to do so to get myself a bike. I've always been into endurance sports and was quite a good runner when I was younger. I'd probably consider myself to have a bit of talent when it comes to endurance sports, but chances are that's just me! I'm 26 now and as unfit as I've ever been, but changing that swiftly. I'm 6 foot and roughly 80KG, I'll drop down by about 10KG after about 8 weeks training. I wanted to get a bike to start cycling for fitness, getting to and from work and eventually building up to competing.

So I decided to buy a bike. I used the bike to work scheme to help fund me here, I spent the full 1000 euro. I was willing to put about 300-500 towards it also. This is the part where I should have came here looking for advice, what to buy, how much etc. But I didn't. Instead I decided to just go with a very well known bike shop in Dublin and trust their guidance. Possibly complete naivety on my part, but there you go.

So I go to the shop, I tell them I'm looking for a road bike for training and also commuting. We run through a few choices, I explain my budget and also explain that I not only want a bike, I want basic gear that I'd need too. The problem here is, I'm a newbie and don't know what I need. So that nice chap explains I'll probably need pump, bidon, helmet, pedals and a lock. Oh, and a bike. I explain I may need puncture proof tyres, as the roads around me are pretty much always covered in glass and other nasty stuff of that nature. He says that's no problem.

So the bike I went for was a Giant Defy 2. The dude just tells me I'm a large, I presume he knows what he's talking about so I go along with it. Looks like a nice bike, apparently has good brakes and gears, happy days! Price is 849 euro. He tells me I can use the rest of the money on the BTW scheme to pay for gear, and he'll throw in 80 euro worth for free too! Brilliant!

I was willing to buy shoes and other gear on the day, like I said I wanted to spend a good bit to keep me happy for a while.

So, I go to collect my bike a few weeks later. The guy I was talking to isn't in, so somebody else helps me out. He rolls out my bike, it looks so good and shiny! I mention then the extra gear I was promised and he literally says nothing. I tell him I need a helmet and he grabs one and lets me check if it fits. It does. He says, "There you go, your standard 60 euro helmet. Enjoy the bike!".

At this point I notice my bike has no pedals on it. I question him, his response is that they don't usually supply the pedals. WTF. I say I need pedals to cycle, so he goes over to a display bike and takes the pedals off them and puts them on my bike, they're the ones you slide your feet into. He says they're perfect for me. I also question the tyres on the bike, which look very fragile and used. He says, they'll be grand for you. And that's that.

So for my 1000 euro I got a bike at 849, helmet at 60 and pedals for the rest. Never mind the rest of the gear, but i can't help but feel those pedals shouldn't have costed that much? Am I wrong?

Also was promised free service after x amount of weeks, they won't answer my emails and I can't phone them from work. They only open during my working hours. I've tried to contact them so many times now but no reply. What can I do here?

Since they apparently won't help me, maybe you guys can. I have a few questions.

Did I get ripped off?
Do I need a pump?
Are the stock tyres fine?
I presume they need to use the bike to make sure it's safe, does this explain the used tyres?
New pedals shoes and cleats, help me, what goes with what, I just need entry level, please recommend some for me! Willing to spend roughly 150 euro here, will that cover them?

Any help is very much appreciated,

Thanks in advance!

Briando · 06-09-2013 10:21PM

I cant speak on what happened between you and the shop etc.

But do not skimp when getting a lock if you are in a city. Use at least 2 and not cable locks are they will be cut in seconds and your bike will be taken.

There are some good threads here on locks, do a search of the forum and read them, watch the videos of the scum robbing bikes and become aware.

Regarding tyres there are a few that provide good puncture protection.

For example Continental Gatorskins.

For pumps, most cyclists have a track pump, one of the ones you put on the ground and pump, rather than the little small hand held pumps since its hard to pump road tyres up properly with a hand pump.

You'll get lots of good advice here on the forum, well mostly good

skyvelolover · 06-09-2013 10:26PM

Thanks for the reply.

Regarding locks, I bought a basic one. My bike will either always be in my apartment, under me or when in work it will be in an underground locked carpark with 2 separate security doors with permanently manned security desks between the security doors.

Any advice regarding shoes? I searched the forum but there's so many posts!

redmaxi · 06-09-2013 10:28PM

In a word - yes. Typical practice of Irish bike shops when they see a newbie coming. I have heard loads of stories of being promised all sorts when doing the deal but not honoring anything when it comes to the crunch.
When I was buying my first clipless pedals and shoes years ago the Gentleman working at a very well known bike shop in Cork city sold me tri shoes, I didn't know the difference and didn't mention tri to him at any stage - what a bunch of Langers 90% of them are.

Squidgy Black · 06-09-2013 10:29PM

On the bike front, I think that's probably a really good price for the Defy 2, I see one up for 1000 euro on mycycles.ie.
As for the pedals, all bikes tend to be shipped without pedals so if it was straight out of the box I wouldn't be surprised. A lot of higher end bikes are sold with the assumption that the owner will be using his own preferred clipless set up.

Which pedals did you get in the end? What you're looking for anyways are Road shoes, with 3 holes on the bottom of them for the cleats. You should have gotten the cleats with the pedals. The pedals probably weren't 90 euro to be honest. Get the make and model and we should be able to tell you.

You definitely need a decent pump, that's for sure. You'll be looking to have your tires around 100 psi minimum.

Tires, they're probably brutal stock ones anyways, better off changing them for something nice like Continental GP4000s.

Busted Flat. · 06-09-2013 10:29PM

skyvelolover wrote: »

Hi guys,

I'm a long time lurker here but first time poster here, so please be gentle!

So basically I'm looking for some help/advice here.

First off, some background;

I decided recently after years of wanting to do so to get myself a bike. I've always been into endurance sports and was quite a good runner when I was younger. I'd probably consider myself to have a bit of talent when it comes to endurance sports, but chances are that's just me! I'm 26 now and as unfit as I've ever been, but changing that swiftly. I'm 6 foot and roughly 80KG, I'll drop down by about 10KG after about 8 weeks training. I wanted to get a bike to start cycling for fitness, getting to and from work and eventually building up to competing.

So I decided to buy a bike. I used the bike to work scheme to help fund me here, I spent the full 1000 euro. I was willing to put about 300-500 towards it also. This is the part where I should have came here looking for advice, what to buy, how much etc. But I didn't. Instead I decided to just go with a very well known bike shop in Dublin and trust their guidance. Possibly complete naivety on my part, but there you go.

So I go to the shop, I tell them I'm looking for a road bike for training and also commuting. We run through a few choices, I explain my budget and also explain that I not only want a bike, I want basic gear that I'd need too. The problem here is, I'm a newbie and don't know what I need. So that nice chap explains I'll probably need pump, bidon, helmet, pedals and a lock. Oh, and a bike. I explain I may need puncture proof tyres, as the roads around me are pretty much always covered in glass and other nasty stuff of that nature. He says that's no problem.

So the bike I went for was a Giant Defy 2. The dude just tells me I'm a large, I presume he knows what he's talking about so I go along with it. Looks like a nice bike, apparently has good brakes and gears, happy days! Price is 849 euro. He tells me I can use the rest of the money on the BTW scheme to pay for gear, and he'll throw in 80 euro worth for free too! Brilliant!

I was willing to buy shoes and other gear on the day, like I said I wanted to spend a good bit to keep me happy for a while.

So, I go to collect my bike a few weeks later. The guy I was talking to isn't in, so somebody else helps me out. He rolls out my bike, it looks so good and shiny! I mention then the extra gear I was promised and he literally says nothing. I tell him I need a helmet and he grabs one and lets me check if it fits. It does. He says, "There you go, your standard 60 euro helmet. Enjoy the bike!".

At this point I notice my bike has no pedals on it. I question him, his response is that they don't usually supply the pedals. WTF. I say I need pedals to cycle, so he goes over to a display bike and takes the pedals off them and puts them on my bike, they're the ones you slide your feet into. He says they're perfect for me. I also question the tyres on the bike, which look very fragile and used. He says, they'll be grand for you. And that's that.

So for my 1000 euro I got a bike at 849, helmet at 60 and pedals for the rest. Never mind the rest of the gear, but i can't help but feel those pedals shouldn't have costed that much? Am I wrong?

Also was promised free service after x amount of weeks, they won't answer my emails and I can't phone them from work. They only open during my working hours. I've tried to contact them so many times now but no reply. What can I do here?

Since they apparently won't help me, maybe you guys can. I have a few questions.

Did I get ripped off?
Do I need a pump?
Are the stock tyres fine?
I presume they need to use the bike to make sure it's safe, does this explain the used tyres?
New pedals shoes and cleats, help me, what goes with what, I just need entry level, please recommend some for me! Willing to spend roughly 150 euro here, will that cover them?

Any help is very much appreciated,

Thanks in advance!

Name the shop.

Squidgy Black · 06-09-2013 10:33PM

Busted Flat. wrote: »

Name the shop.

Don't. Generally it's fairly shíte when people call out the shops on here and they can't defend themselves.

Beasty · 06-09-2013 10:36PM

Busted Flat. wrote: »

Name the shop.

As already mentioned by _Tyrrell_ - don't.

Busted Flat. · 06-09-2013 10:37PM

Beasty wrote: »

As already mentioned by _Tyrrell_ - don't.

Then what is the point of this thread.

uberwolf · 06-09-2013 10:40PM

Busted Flat. wrote: »

Then what is the point of this thread.

reassurance for the op?

Wishbone Ash · 06-09-2013 10:41PM

I'm open to correction but isn't the shop obliged to submit a detailed breakdown of bike,accessories etc. for acceptance prior to supplying the bike. I assume they gave you a copy too.

As has been said, bikes don't usually come with pedals - although most shops will stick on a standard pair unless you specify the type you wish to have.

skyvelolover · 06-09-2013 10:43PM

There is no point naming the shop. I mistakenly presumed that the shop was a big well known one so they'd help me and they wouldn't rip me off.

@_Tyreell_

Thank you, that advice helps me a lot.

The pedals are just pedals that you don't clip into, like your foot rests on them except a strap comes across the top of your foot, does that make sense?

So 100psi, I'll look into getting new tyres.

I looked around and apparently that is a good price for the bike so regardless if the pedals were not 90 looks like i still got a decent deal I think!

Beasty · 06-09-2013 10:43PM

Busted Flat. wrote: »

Then what is the point of this thread.

The OP saw no need to mention it and _Tyrrell_ has already provided a reason for it not to be posted.

Now if you have a question concerning moderation PM the mods or report the post - do not respond in thread

helimachoptor · 06-09-2013 10:44PM

Going by your username, you should speak to the chap who organises the sky Velo cycles (there's one Sunday!)

skyvelolover · 06-09-2013 10:46PM

The bike shop doesn't need to quote all of the gear, merely a bike model and their price. So I had a defy 2 quoted on paper at 1000 with a loose verbal agreement for the gear included.

The point of the thread is reassurance.

Also, very important question.

Any bike shops in Dublin near the city centre that won't rip me off if I go looking for shoes and gear?

helimachoptor · 06-09-2013 10:47PM

Get your gear from wiggle, your company has a decent discount option there

RossieMan · 06-09-2013 10:47PM

Those pedals are about 15-20 euro, just to add to this.

you still probably got a decent deal, as long as they do your first service for you.

letape · 06-09-2013 10:48PM

Sorry to hear of your experience OP. Pretty common I expect and like a number I have heard.

As previously said, you should have gotten an itimised receipt for the money you were spending. You should drop in and ask for it to understand what you were charged for.

skyvelolover · 06-09-2013 10:48PM

helimachoptor wrote: »

Get your gear from wiggle, your company has a decent discount option there

They do?

Sunday morning 9am?

helimachoptor · 06-09-2013 10:49PM

Indeed, check out the transport hub on the intranet for details

skyvelolover · 06-09-2013 10:50PM

letape wrote: »

Sorry to hear of your experience OP. Pretty common I expect and like a number I have heard.

As previously said, you should have gotten an itemised receipt for the money you were spending. You should drop in and ask for it to understand what you were charged for.

Although as I said I think I have gotten a good deal my one issue is with them not giving me what they said they would! I would have paid for it if they didn't say they would give it to me it has put me off shopping there tbh

mp31 · 06-09-2013 10:51PM

OP... did you get a receipt from the original sales person listing all the items? If not then try and talk to the original sales guy who sold you the bike and the accessories.

pelevin · 06-09-2013 10:53PM

Does the above info equate to 90 euros for ordinary pedals? I'd say you should certainly be looking to go back, hopefully find the first guy you dealt with & complain/explain. I'd say, never mind being taken advantage of, I'd imagine that's basically an illegal sale. That sounds a disgrace.

skyvelolover · 06-09-2013 10:54PM

No receipt for the items mentioned, I just took it as it was a stand thing to throw the gear in, thought nothing of it when it wasn't listed, as i said just presumed that it was the norm to throw in some freebies!

Idiocy on my part.

redzerredzer · 06-09-2013 10:55PM

Bring everything you got up to the shop.
Ask for the manager.
Tell him exactely how you feel and ask him if he is happy that you got a fair deal for your €1000.

Mistakes happen but every shop will want to make sure you are a happy customer.

Pm me the shop

skyvelolover · 06-09-2013 10:55PM

pelevin wrote: »

Does the above info equate to 90 euros for ordinary pedals? I'd say you should certainly be looking to go back, hopefully find the first guy you dealt with & complain/explain. I'd say, never mind being taken advantage of, I'd imagine that's basically an illegal sale. That sounds a disgrace.

Correct, 90 euro for ordinary pedals with straps.

I can't contact the shop for the life of me, I shall be dropping in next week though when I'm off.

skyvelolover · 06-09-2013 10:57PM

redzerredzer wrote: »

Bring everything you got up to the shop.
Ask for the manager.
Tell him exactely how you feel and ask him if he is happy that you got a fair deal for your €1000.

Mistakes happen but every shop will want to make sure you are a happy customer.

Pm me the shop

I'd rather not mention the shop name as I said. Won't make any difference if I do!

letape · 06-09-2013 11:05PM

skyvelolover wrote: »

Correct, 90 euro for ordinary pedals with straps.

I can't contact the shop for the life of me, I shall be dropping in next week though when I'm off.

The pedals are worth less than 20.

As someone posted, you should call in and ask to speak with the manager and explain your feelings and experience.

A friend of mine had a similar experience and in the end just gave up. He was fed up trying to contact the manager and the sales person. He also had endless problems with his bike - i helped him with them.

Hopefully it will be better for you.

skyvelolover · 06-09-2013 11:10PM

letape wrote: »

The pedals are worth less than 20.

As someone posted, you should call in and ask to speak with the manager and explain your feelings and experience.

A friend of mine had a similar experience and in the end just gave up. He was fed up trying to contact the manager and the sales person. He also had endless problems with his bike - i helped him with them.

Hopefully it will be better for you.

Ok, so pedals were overpriced. But bike was good price so not all bad.

Only problem with the bike is a bit of noise when in big gears, rattling or something i think, which is why I wanted to arrange the service!

Doesn't seem to affect performance at the moment.

Cee-Jay-Cee · 06-09-2013 11:42PM

I'd go back to the shop and speak to the person you spoke to the first time and explain what happened.

The chain noise in the big ring on the back and front is normal and is called cross chaining, generally you shouldnt use the big ring back and big ring front at the same time, and same goes for the smallest ring on the front and the back.

Ride the bike for around 200-250 kms and then bring it back for a service, cables stretch when theyre brand new and they should tighten/tension everything up for you again on the first service (which is generally free)

Dotsie~tmp · 06-09-2013 11:53PM

I wont bother commenting on the service you got.

Did I get ripped off?
Well no, you got a defy 2 for the price i paid for a Defy 3. Not bad

Do I need a pump?
Yes. 2 actually.
Here is your track pump http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-joe-blow-sport-ii-track-pump/
Here is your portable one ( i cant recommend this enough, 120psi on the road is easy) http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-mountain-morph-pump/

Are the stock tyres fine?
Garbage. Get two of these. Cheap light and strong! http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bontrager/race-lite-hardcase-tyre-ec001737

New pedals shoes and cleats, help me, what goes with what, I just need entry level, please recommend some for me! Willing to spend roughly 150 euro here, will that cover them?
Your pedals (comes with cleats) http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-pd-r540-spd-sl-sport-pedals/
Your shoes cheap but good http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-r10-road-cycling-shoe/

Also. Get spare tubes, repair at home and swap out on roadside. Repair kit. All this plus some basic clothes will see you motoring do NOT use those stock tyres, they will break your heart. You have a good bike, you dont need to use those guys but I would expect a service.

Did I just get ripped off by a very well known Bike shop?

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