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pm124
09-09-06, 02:22 PM
Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to re-post here what I have on the Dahon forums. It's tempting to purchase a bike at a discount from a non-local dealer, but I learned my lesson the hard way. Brands Cycle offers the Mu SL for $899. I went and bought one, and had a terrible experience. First, the store is an hour outside of NY City where I live and ride, so I meant business when I found a Mu (they are hard to find) and at a discount. The purchase transaction took 2 hours, and other sundry problems with the purchase. But the front office staff were very helpful and nice, so I don't want to complain about that.

A while after returning home, I noticed that there was a ding in the fork. The derailleur was also difficult to adjust. I think it took a hit to the side while in the box because there are no evident scratches. I tried to call, and they said the manager would call back, but that something like this could have been my fault, so they probably won't replace it. Called again, they assured me a manager would call back. It's now been 8 days, and no word from any manager.

Folks, I would gladly now pay the $100 to have bought it locally. Think of it as an insurance policy. Get to know the folks in your bike store and make sure you can trust them!

Looking for problems with Brands Cycle: Key words: Consumer complaints, problems, bad experiences.

pm124
09-09-06, 02:24 PM
Here are the photos:

megaptera
09-09-06, 06:15 PM
It seem that this is the same business as ebay id bikestuffguy.

Kenal0
09-09-06, 06:46 PM
Contact Dahon direct and explain the situation. Maybe they think better of their customers.
kenal0

geraldatwork
09-09-06, 07:48 PM
I live on Long Island and find Brands to be a very reputable place. Although I have never had to "call" then on something that may of been defective or their problem. Firstly I purchased a bike from BikesDirect which I would assume would piss off any LBS. But I have brought in the bike for minor adjustments which they have done on the spot, because I told them I needed to ride. (They have about a dozen mechanics during the busy season) I have also brought the bike in a couple of times for a quick touch up on a wheel which they did right away. I purchased a pair of shorts which I tried on in the store but when I took them home decided I didnt like how they fit. They no questions asked let me exchange them for a less expensive pair and gave me the difference. I always find the sales people helpful when I am looking for items like gels, tubes, or CO2 cartridges. In the past I have purchased inexpensive mountain type ($300) bikes for my wife and two kids and they came perfectly adjusted, although I had to come back in a few days for them to assemble the bikes. They also offer like most LBS free adjustments for 6 months. Again I have never had a "grey area" situation where it might be hard to determine who actually was at fault.

pm124
09-10-06, 10:19 PM
Thanks everyone.