Shop is refusing to refund bicycle?

Physicskid9 · 25-01-2021 5:31pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Fair play. Listen, regarding the difficulty, it gets easier, a lot easier, the more you do the journey.

You stated 6k taking 50 mins. Thats an avg speed of 7.1kph. I would honestly find it difficult to go that slow even going uphill. A bit of background, I'm not far off 50, smoker for wayyyy too long and obese. Believe me when I say you will get a hell of a buzz out of cycling, especially when you feel yourself starting to get fitter and the journey easier.

When I climbed back on to the bike after a near 20 year gap, I was SLOW and incredibly unfit. It was torture, but very quickly things started to turn around to the point that I ended up selling the car and I now survive off walking, cycling & public transport for my mobility and I've never been healthier. Not saying I'm fit, I'm a long way off that, but a 10km walk or a 40km cycling appeals to me a lot more than the thoughts of sitting in a car to do the same journey.

Take this for what it is, an opportunity to do something mundane (commuting) in a more beneficial manner.

Oh and get good, breathable, quick on/off, rain gear. Something that will pack away somewhat smallish for carrying around. It'll make the worst downpours just a minor inconvenience.

Fair play, do you use the padded shorts? Find the seat very uncomfortable but I'm assuming that gets better with time too.

mikeecho · 25-01-2021 5:32pm

mfceiling wrote: »

I bought a bag of crisps and I ate a few of them but I didn't like them. Why won't Tesco take them back?

You probably have a better chance of getting a refund on those circumstances.
In aldi they'll take back the crisps if you're not entirely satisfied.

As for the bike.. go on outta that.. on yet bike

Physicskid9 · 25-01-2021 5:32pm

dahat wrote: »

Same as any other office based job or any job for that matter.

You asked

weldoninhio · 25-01-2021 5:33pm

Physicskid9 wrote: »

I will give the cycling a go for awhile now as it looks like I won't have a choice.

The more you do it, the easier it'll get. You just have to keep at it.

07Lapierre · 25-01-2021 5:38pm

Physicskid9 wrote: »

Fair play, do you use the padded shorts? Find the seat very uncomfortable but I'm assuming that gets better with time too.

Yes, use padded shorts... most modern bike saddles are designed with Padded shorts in mind.

25-01-2021 5:42pm

Physicskid9 wrote: »

Fair play, do you use the padded shorts? Find the seat very uncomfortable but I'm assuming that gets better with time too.

I've thought about getting them many times but usually only remember it while I'm about 1 hr into a long spin lol, I usually forget about them after I get off the bike.

I manage fine without them for the most part but probably will invest in a pair at some stage.

Before covid I was seriously thinking about getting into bike touring and had picked up 2 bags for kit, a small tent etc. If I ever get the chance to do that (post covid) then yes I will likely need to invest in a pair of padded shorts.

To be honest, the biggest issues I had were related to keeping hydrated and fueled. I found it incredibly difficult to get that right on longer (40-60km) spins. But I'm guessing that comes with practice.

NickNickleby · 25-01-2021 5:44pm

Physicskid9 wrote: »

It ends up being a 12k commute every day and I find I'm exhausted by the time I get to work, not to mention the cold and rain. I just don't think it's practical in this country and there are no amenities for cyclists.

From Artane to Dundrum is about that distance. I got cheesed off with the car journeys getting longer and longer, and some time in my forties, unfit and a smoker, I got up on my teenage son's bike and tried out the bicycle. Because the bike was a tiny bit small for me, it was a killer. Got a proper sized "town and country " bike which I loved. After a few months, was so used to it that I loved it. Great stress buster after a sh!tty day (of which there were many). Now, I NEVER cycled for the pleasure of it, simply as a means of transport. In about 15 years of cycling I had two skirmishes, white van man an an artic. In both cases my awareness and reactions saved me. My view has always been "its no good being in the right if you're flattened". My journey took me 55 minutes when I started out. got it down to about 42, and ONCE did it in 39, but nearly had a heart attack.

Keep the bike, use it, it'll get easier, and you'll be surprised how safe cycling actually is, but remain alert. AND with the right gear, the weather won't matter. Finally, you'll always be able to know how long it'll take to get to work. Another stress reliever.

Good luck, persevere.

25-01-2021 5:45pm

Physicskid9 wrote: »

Yeah but I was hoping to return the bike and they could refund my employer. I really don't want to be making payments for a bike I won't use.

cannot be a genuine request.

You are suggetsing that shops take products back after they have been used and because the buyer simple decided that they wont bother using it anymore.

FYI 6km is pretty short. Im overweight and on my feet 12 hours a day, I manage to cycle 10km return. Theres no way I could justify such a short drive to work outside of terrible weather conditions.

When I worked further away, 16km each way I admit the bike hibernated in the winter. it was just too miserable but honestly, after a while the fitness will improve and on a nice summer evening you will enjoy the cycle home much better than sitting bumper to bumper going nowhere

grogi · 25-01-2021 5:47pm

Physicskid9 wrote: »

I recently bought a giant content bike using the cycle to work scheme. Had intended on commuting but unfortunately now realise that it's not practical to do so.

You can still use it to cycle after work, right?

Physicskid9 wrote: »

The shop refuses to allow me to return the bicycle despite the fact it's only been cycled three times.

So it is a used bike now. Worth probably 70% of what a new one was.

Would it be possible to get my employer to stop making payments to the store from my wages?

No. The bike has been paid in full already.

qb123 · 25-01-2021 5:51pm

Physicskid9 wrote: »

It ends up being a 12k commute every day and I find I'm exhausted by the time I get to work, not to mention the cold and rain. I just don't think it's practical in this country and there are no amenities for cyclists.

I can understand why this would put you off, but think it's worth persevering. Your fitness levels will build up over a few weeks to the stage where you'd find to quite easy. To start, maybe cycle slower so that you're not as tired when you get to work. The weather is something you just get used to, generally a question of having the right gear - there's many threads on the cycling forum about proper gear and designing logistics for work.

Paul_Mc1988 · 25-01-2021 5:56pm

qb123 wrote: »

I can understand why this would put you off, but think it's worth persevering. Your fitness levels will build up over a few weeks to the stage where you'd find to quite easy. To start, maybe cycle slower so that you're not as tired when you get to work. The weather is something you just get used to, generally a question of having the right gear - there's many threads on the cycling forum about proper gear and designing logistics for work.

How would a 6k commute put anyone off... for a fit cyclist its 10 -12 minutes. For a really really unfit cyclist its 20-30 minutes... even that's a short commute time

Physicskid9 · 25-01-2021 5:56pm

What about tyres, is there specific one for sub zero temperatures?

25-01-2021 6:02pm

Physicskid9 wrote: »

What about tyres, is there specific one for sub zero temperatures?

Personally, and its just me, I wouldnt cycle if I thought the roads were going to be slippy with ice.

07Lapierre · 25-01-2021 6:10pm

Paul_Mc1988 wrote: »

How would a 6k commute put anyone off... for a fit cyclist its 10 -12 minutes. For a really really unfit cyclist its 20-30 minutes... even that's a short commute time

The current weather conditions would put anyone off cycling into work.

positron · 25-01-2021 6:11pm

Physicskid9 wrote: »

I will give the cycling a go for awhile now as it looks like I won't have a choice.

Fair play.

I understand there can be N number of issues with cycling that one didn't realise before actually buying and riding the thing. It could be a bad junction or blind turns, narrow roads, awful traffic, a major hill or even be anti-social neighborhood that you have to cycle thru. These could be seriously challenging for someone who is not used to cycling trying to deal with it in one go.

I think all good points have been made already - perhaps try and get used to cycling by doing it over weekends when you are not under pressure. And within weeks you may feel more comfortable to commute and feel less tired when you get to work / home. Also make sure the bike is good fit - and you invest in some basics like padded shorts, warm gloves and rain protection - and good lights.

If nothing works, you can easily sell it on here / adverts etc. Plenty of demand for good bikes. Best of luck in any case!

TheAnalyst_ · 25-01-2021 6:12pm

Are you out of your mind? What a question.

25-01-2021 6:13pm

Physicskid9 wrote: »

That's not how I would run a business but I guess most don't see that way.

You wouldn’t last long running a business the way you want to.

qb123 · 25-01-2021 6:16pm

Physicskid9 wrote: »

What about tyres, is there specific one for sub zero temperatures?

No. You need to wait until temperatures move up a bit so that icy patches are gone. So tomorrow on should be ok.

smacl · 25-01-2021 6:18pm

Physicskid9 wrote: »

What about tyres, is there specific one for sub zero temperatures?

I run ice tyres over the Winter. Heavier and a bit slower but do the job well in icy conditions. For 6k each way they'd be grand, less than 20 minutes each way at a rather modest pace.

NeuralNetwork · 25-01-2021 6:24pm

There's a common misconception that retailers have to take unwanted items back. They don't.
A lot of them do accept exchanges or returns just to encourage repeat business, especially places like clothing retailers.

However, they're under no obligation whatsoever to do so unless the item is fault and even then they can offer remedies like repair.

jimmycrackcorm · 25-01-2021 6:35pm

07Lapierre wrote:

CU? Credit Union? I can see how you'd be tired after a days work and a 12k cycle!

It's 6k each way. Which should only take 25 minutes max even when unfit. That's going about avg 15kph.

Op has actually given the reasons against cycling that demonstrate he needs it.

grogi · 25-01-2021 6:59pm

Physicskid9 wrote: »

You probably haven't a clue what kind of work is done behind the scenes.

OMG. You must be a half-blood teacher... They do a lot of work that nobody sees as well.

CramCycle · 25-01-2021 7:08pm

MOD VOICE: To all posters, particularly the infrequent ones to the cycling forum. Snide and stupid remarks will be deleted and the poster banned going forward. I think the poster has had the original question answered but will leave the thread open for more general advice for them but I have better things to be doing than monitoring this.

07Lapierre · 25-01-2021 7:14pm

jimmycrackcorm wrote: »

It's 6k each way. Which should only take 25 minutes max even when unfit. That's going about avg 15kph.

Op has actually given the reasons against cycling that demonstrate he needs it.

I know. I should have put a

at the end of my post.

SouthWesterly · 25-01-2021 7:19pm

So the op thought could hand back a bike which he used To a shop who couldn't sell it as new and would be at a loss of revenue.
He would then pocket the money his employer forked out and make a profit as the deductions have tax relief inbuilt.
I can see how that wouldn't work.

8valve · 25-01-2021 7:24pm

OP; you've probably had enough of a roasting at this stage, so here's my advice (I work in a bike shop).

The bike you have is a very popular/sellable make/model.

New models of this bike are thin on the ground, even for bike shops, due to pandemic related shipping/global production difficulties.

I'm assuming, given that it's only been used three times, that it's less than a year old?

Some bike shops, especially those that carry lots of secondhand stock, will buy bikes for cash, provided you can supply legitimate receipts/proof or ownership...maybe drop by with the bike all shiny and ask if they're interested? If you don't ask, the answer is always 'no'.

Your bike, which is now secondhand (regardless of use/mileage) is now worth 75-80% of retail price when new...if it's only a few months old.

Selling privately and pricing accordingly, is also an option.

lawrencesummers · 25-01-2021 7:26pm

Kimbot wrote: »

Well tell us what business you open and we will try buy something off you and get a complete refund after using it a few times.

Sex toy shop?

8valve · 25-01-2021 7:27pm

lawrencesummers wrote: »

Sex toy shop?

Ewwww!

Zen0 · 25-01-2021 7:47pm

OP, this is the toughest time of the year for cycle commuting, so don’t be put off too much by the weather. It is easier in the summer. You don’t have to cycle every day. And I wouldn’t recommend cycling in icy conditions. Fifty minutes to do 6k is quite slow. Make sure you’re not making it more difficult by ensuring that the bike is set up properly for you. In particular, make sure the saddle is at the right height. Also, make sure your brakes aren’t rubbing. You should be able to lift either wheel up and give it a spin which should keep going for for a bit under its own momentum.

CramCycle · 25-01-2021 7:59pm

At the OP, if the spin is too long and you have a car, drive half way and pull the bike out of the boot. I know lots of people who do this, great way to beat the traffic on the last stretch and gives you the choice to not follow through if you don't feel up to it.

Wishbone Ash · 25-01-2021 8:00pm

Physicskid9 wrote: »

Work in a local CU

Physicskid9 wrote: »

We're run off our feet with covid, staff out sick, working from home etc. Hiring young graduates who wouldn't work on batteries to cover them. It's just been hectic.

While it may be hectic in your opinion, spare a thought for those actually at the coalface of this pandemic. It's not as if you are running out of ventilators and body bags at the credit union.

sham58107 · 25-01-2021 8:06pm

OP Okay so we have established shop wont take bike back. As for others comparing your speed/times don't mind them, they are all in Tour De France this year.

This is too be honest a very bad time to start out cycling ,cold wet,frost,ice snow
go by car till evening get longer warmer, and then try odd day on bike and enjoy your ride do not kill yourself regarding time or speed you will get used to it and just enjoy the outdoors and health benifits.

BTW is it mountain bike or road ?
shorts will help or different saddle.

Keep bike and enjoy and get fitter.

blackvalley · 25-01-2021 9:42pm

Something seriously amiss with this post .OP appears not to have researched in any way the distance he was hoping to cycle .
Also seems like has no idea of how the bike to work scheme works .
Although working in a financial industry it appears as if there is a lack of knowledge about value for money , second hand value and sale of goods.
Down to the issue of cycling itself if the figures are correct the OP is cycling as another poster said @ approx 4.4 MPH which is fast walking pace .
Perhaps if the OP has decided that cycling is not his thing then walking might be an option for the distance. A great way to get fit and you wont need as much equipment .
Or perhaps this tread is just one big Troll.

CramCycle · 25-01-2021 10:42pm

blackvalley wrote: »

Or perhaps this tread is just one big Troll.

MOD VOICE: Report posts, don't call it out in thread. Closed for tonight.

Shop is refusing to refund bicycle?

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