Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.Winter76
06-20-07, 08:48 PM
I recently purchased a used bicycle from a LBS (Lifesport on Pembina for those of you in Winnipeg). It's a 2006 Marin Lucas Valley Compact. The previous owner had taken it to South America and it has a few scratches on it. The front chain ring seemed OK if dirty and a little worn and the chain was very very heavily greased, I guess to protect it from South American roads. The LBS owner offered to give me the new bike Warranty on it (3 years parts and 25 years Frame), and free tune ups every spring so I bought it.
I'm a heavy guy (120kg) and almost right away I heard some funny noises coming from the left crank arm when I stood and pedalled really hard. Well that was two weeks ago and on Monday the left crank arm suddenly got very loose and I was actually able to pull it off with my hands. I was on my way to the bike shop anyways because the chain seemed to have a mind of it's own when it was in the middle of the cassette.
The shop owner was a little suprised to see me so soon but he was very gracious and took the bike in. I came back today and WOW, they replaced both crank arms, the bottom bracket and both chain rings! The bottom bracket on the bike alone costs in the range of $150-$200 since it's the external type, the cranks and chainrings are another $90. Needless to say any profit they may have made on the bike is gone. All with no complaint or comments from them, jsut very friendly and courteous service.
And the chain with a mind of it's own? It's back under control and all is good. I have no qualms recommending Lifesports as a great store who really stands behind their bikes, even used ones!
I'm a heavy guy (120kg) and almost right away I heard some funny noises coming from the left crank arm when I stood and pedalled really hard. Well that was two weeks ago and on Monday the left crank arm suddenly got very loose and I was actually able to pull it off with my hands. I was on my way to the bike shop anyways because the chain seemed to have a mind of it's own when it was in the middle of the cassette.
The shop owner was a little suprised to see me so soon but he was very gracious and took the bike in. I came back today and WOW, they replaced both crank arms, the bottom bracket and both chain rings! The bottom bracket on the bike alone costs in the range of $150-$200 since it's the external type, the cranks and chainrings are another $90. Needless to say any profit they may have made on the bike is gone. All with no complaint or comments from them, jsut very friendly and courteous service.
And the chain with a mind of it's own? It's back under control and all is good. I have no qualms recommending Lifesports as a great store who really stands behind their bikes, even used ones!