After buying a new bike, a situation often arises when it is necessary to return it or exchange it for another model. It happens in two cases - the bike did not fit according to some parameters (size, color, etc.), or some shortcomings came to light during operation. These are two completely different cases, in the first one we change (return) a bike of the proper quality, in the second it is not the proper one.
The situations described above raise a lot of questions from buyers, it is not so easy to find answers to which on their own. If you do not know whether the law provides for the possibility of returning or exchanging a bike, we advise you to sort it out before going to the store. In this article, we will try to reveal the topic - what to do if the purchased bike did not fit or after its purchase there was a breakdown during the warranty period.
Exchange of a bike of proper quality
This is the most difficult situation that arises if the buyer does not seriously approach the choice of a bicycle and does not take into account its parameters and characteristics. This situation occurs, for example, when the bicycle does not fit in size and its further use is not possible. To understand this case and find out whether it is possible to exchange a bike for another, you need to refer to the law "on consumer protection". We will not bring full text of this law. Its essence is that the buyer has the right to exchange or return the product if it does not fit him in size, color or other characteristics, within 14 days.
Many, after reading this, go straight to the point of sale and demand an exchange for a similar product or a refund. But in the case of bicycles, this does not work. Since with an in-depth study of the law "On the protection of consumer rights", you can find out that not all products fit this law. So, certain technically complex goods of good quality from the list in the same law are not subject to return or exchange. The list of such products also includes bicycles. According to the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 55 of 01.19.1998, bicycles cannot be returned or exchanged for a similar product of a different size, shape, dimension, style, color or configuration. From which we can conclude that the choice of a new bike must be approached responsibly, since then it will not work to exchange it.
Exchange and return of a bike of inadequate quality
If in the process of using the bike there are technical problems or malfunctions associated with a manufacturing defect have been identified, then in this case the law "On the protection of consumer rights" will help us. The law states that goods of inadequate quality can be returned or exchanged during their expiration date, but this is if the warranty period is not provided for this product. On the bike, almost always, a warranty period is set, with certain conditions.
Bicycle warranty
Most manufacturers provide a warranty on their bikes. Terms and conditions for each company are different, but similar. So attachments usually has a guarantee of at least six months, and the frame of a year. Warranty conditions and places of warranty service are indicated in the passport. After buying a bike, you should study the conditions so that in the event of a warranty case, you will not be denied service.
As a result, we can draw a short conclusion - it is almost impossible to exchange or return a bike. The maximum that you can count on is warranty repair or exchange of the bike, if the defects of the bike cannot be eliminated. This applies to all bicycles, sports, teenagers, children and tricycles.
Our store works only directly with manufacturers or only with official distributors of foreign brands of bicycles, components and accessories. Therefore, we only sell original and certified products that have been thoroughly tested before sale. By purchasing bicycles in our store, you will not find fakes, defects and defects.
We also sell pre-assembled bicycles, which means that every bike is thoroughly tested by our experienced mechanics!
Despite this, there are cases of factory defects that cannot be detected when assembling a bicycle. They usually come to light during operation. Therefore, we give the following guarantees for each bike:
Frame - 1 year
For all attachments (not including consumables) - 6 months
T / O and customization of the bike in the first month after purchase is free!
Consumables include: tires, tubes, spokes, rims, cables, brake pads, transmission stars, etc.
The warranty covers manufacturing defects and hidden defects discovered during operation within the warranty period.
Exchange and return of goods can be carried out within fourteen days, not counting the day of purchase, without losing the presentation of the product (if the goods were not in use, their presentation, consumer properties, factory box were preserved.). ...
The procedure for contacting us in the event of a bike breakdown due to a factory defect:
- When buying a bike, you will be given a warranty card, which details the warranty period, service conditions, as well as the address and working hours of our service center.
- If a breakdown is found, you call us and agree on the time of bringing your bike to our workshop. The costs associated with the transportation of the product to the service center and back are paid by the client.
- In the service center, the master will make diagnostics and in case of confirmation of the defect, we will replace the units with manufacturing defects free of charge.
Bicycles are not subject to warranty service in the following cases:
- Normal (natural) wear of assemblies and parts (applies to all moving elements of the bicycle structure: bearings, as well as gearshift mechanisms);
- Consequences of an accident or road traffic accident (including falling on a bicycle, except in cases where the fall, accident or traffic accident is caused by a structural defect of the bicycle);
- Operation of a bicycle in an unintended mode (as a cargo transport of an exercise bike, as well as in any other way that does not correspond to the purpose of the bicycle as a personal vehicle);
- Neglecting treatment that led to a reduction in the resource or failure of the bicycle or its individual components;
- The consequences of improper assembly, adjustment, repairs carried out independently or by persons not authorized to carry out these works.
- Improper handling and care of the bike, i.e. violation of the rules of operation.
- Warranty obligations do not apply to cases of mechanical damage to the frame of chips paintwork or deformation of other components of the bike caused by mechanical or chemical stress.
- Warranty obligations do not apply to tires, tubes, wheel rims, shift and brake cables, drives, brake pads, chains, as well as front and rear transmission stars; breakage of threaded connections, deformation of the rim of wheels and sprockets (gears).
- In cases of hit rear derailleur in the spokes of the wheel, broken spokes.
- In cases where the owner intervenes in the design of the bike, replace components of his choice and modifications installed by the manufacturer without the consent of the manufacturer's service department.
- If the bike is used for stunt, sporting events, ramp jumping, acrobatic exercises or other similar particularly harsh operating conditions.
- The warranty is provided by the manufacturer, provided that the bicycle owner will timely carry out maintenance of the bicycle at an authorized dealer or in specialized service workshops authorized to carry out the necessary service work.
- Warranty obligations apply only to the first owner, since the bike is initially selected taking into account the anthropometric data of the buyer.
- Coverage of costs associated with the transportation of products is not included in the manufacturer's warranty obligations. In the event of a warranty case, the buyer must independently deliver the goods to the service center.
Attention: the buyer of the bike is solely responsible for personal injury, property damage or breakage of the bike (or its components) and any other damages in cases where the bike was used in competitive events. The list of those includes any kind of competition, both with an official status and without it: cross-country races, freestyle, frame jumping, downhill (including biker cross and dual slalom), road racing, bike orienteering, multisport racing with bike stages.
Maintenance and care of your bike:
Some basic types maintenance bikes can be carried out by its owner independently, they do not require special tools and special knowledge in addition to those set forth in this manual. Such work usually includes cleaning the bike, checking the safety of its assemblies and components, lubricating the chain, rear gears, derailleurs, etc.
Other types of maintenance and repairs must be carried out by qualified mechanics, using professional tools and in compliance with the special procedures established by the manufacturer.
Before each trip:
- Check all parts of the bike for safe operation. In case of defects or damage, immediately contact the shop mechanic.
After every long ride in harsh conditions, in the rain or after every 150 km. mileage:
- Clean the bike from dirt and lubricate the chain. Remember to remove excess oil, the chain must not look too greasy!
After every 250 km off-road or 500 km on the highway:
- Pinch front brake and rock the bike back and forth. If you feel any looseness, the steering column is most likely weakened, contact a mechanic.
- Raise the bike and roll the handlebars from side to side. If you feel jerky or jerky steering when doing this, your bike's steering column may be overtightened or muddy has gotten into it.
- Grasp the pedal and wiggle it about the axis. Repeat with the other pedal. If you feel looseness, contact a mechanic.
- Inspect the brake pads. If you notice signs of wear or the pads are not compressing the rim sufficiently, see a mechanic.
- Carefully check the control cables and their sheaths for external damage. If there are any splits, breaks or rust marks on them, contact a mechanic.
- Use your fingers to alternately pinch each adjacent pair of spokes on both sides of each wheel. Are all pairs the same to the touch? If you sense a difference, see a mechanic. Your bike's wheels may need alignment.
- Tighten loose connections.
- Check and make sure all threaded connections on your bike are securely tightened.
- Check your bike's frame and rigid fork (especially the pipe joints), handlebars, stem and saddle stem for deep scratches, discolored areas and cracks. All this can be a sign of the onset of destructive processes caused by stress or fatigue in materials and structures and indicate that the estimated life of the part is coming to an end and it must be urgently replaced.
After every 750 km off-road or 1500 km on a highway:
- Submit your bike for regular maintenance.
As discovered:
- If any of the brakes on your bike fail the bump test, stop using the bike and contact a mechanic.
- If the chain moves from gear to gear not smoothly and quietly, but with jerks and bites, the gear shifting mechanism needs careful adjustment.
Bicycle crash (fall):
- First of all, examine yourself for injuries, and, if any, seek immediate medical attention. Then inspect your bike for damage.
- After any accident or serious fall, the bike should be contacted by a mechanic!
Attention: Like any other mechanism, your bike is subject to wear and tear. Different assemblies have different lifespans and suffer differently from stress, stress and fatigue. If the service life is exceeded, any part can break suddenly and for no apparent reason, which can lead to serious injury or even death. Scratches, cracks, dents and discoloration are signs of fatigue indicating that a part is nearing the end of its useful life and should be replaced. This can only be determined with confidence by qualified mechanics. Therefore, refusal to provide a bicycle for maintenance or violation of its periodicity described in this section may result in the owner losing the warranty for the bicycle, lead to sudden breakdown of the bicycle, followed by loss of control, fall, injury or even death of the cyclist.
Bicycle safety
- Bike helmet... The most essential accessory that can save your life! Take it easy, donning a helmet should become a reflex before any bike ride.
- Headlights and reflectors... If you plan to ride in the dark, then you will need a headlight and at least a rear reflector. Don't skimp on this - it's your safety. According to statistics, all cyclists who got into serious accidents at night did not have active light signals. Also, you can purchase reflective bracelets for arms and legs.
- Cycling gloves... This accessory will protect your palms from chafing and save them when falling off the bike. This accessory is especially relevant for beginner cyclists.
- Velochki... Eye protection should not be neglected when traveling. The goggles will keep gnats, dust and debris out of your eyes during high-speed driving. Also, they will protect you from branches when traveling through the forest. In addition, you can count on them when you fall, because the glasses in such glasses do not break. Never use regular sunglasses that are not designed to protect your eyes in extreme situations - crashing, they can hurt your eyes!
- Bottle cage + Flask... When cycling, a person usually sweats a lot and needs to replenish the lack of moisture. Keeping the right amount of water with you to prevent dehydration is very important!
- Bike lock... And lastly, do not forget to take care of the safety of the bike itself!