Did I get ripped off?

lawrence281 · 15 May 2017 at 17:41

I usually service my bike every now and again and it's just for gear calibration.
But after 2 years of owning my b-twin 520 sora, it needed a new chain, casset. That's it. It was worn, and stretched out and middle part of the pedals were looose-ish.

Took it to halfords and I got charged £132 for it all to be done with the parts included. First time doing a full service with new parts, so im unaware of the prices elsewhere. But thought halfords gold service for £80 labour included for everything was a good price.

IS IT?

Is somewhere relatively cheaper I could have went?

Shamrock · 15 May 2017 at 18:03

Everybody gets caught out by servicing costs when they first get into cycling.

It's worth investing in the basic tools you require and doing it yourself by watching YT vids, much cheaper. Certain specialist things are still best done by the Pros but I wouldn't ever go to Halfords/Evans for anything maintenance related.

lawrence281 · 15 May 2017 at 18:58

Shamrock said:
Everybody gets caught out by servicing costs when they first get into cycling.

It's worth investing in the basic tools you require and doing it yourself by watching YT vids, much cheaper. Certain specialist things are still best done by the Pros but I wouldn't ever go to Halfords/Evans for anything maintenance related.

Why wouldn't you go to them? Who would you suggest ? Also I'll invest in tools soon just needed bike done ASAP for work.

Shamrock · 15 May 2017 at 19:13

Look for independent bike shops in your area and check reviews. Halfords and Evans are to cycling, what Currys and PC World are to electricals.

I would aim to be self-sufficient though in the long run.

Vonhelmet · 15 May 2017 at 19:14

A local independent bike shop will usually give a better service for less money.

Replacing a chain and cassette could be done for £40 in parts at most, once you've tackled the outlay for tools. Bottom bracket is another £10 or so, if that's what you mean by the bit in the middle of the pedal.

Saying that, the gold service allegedly involves totally stripping down the bike and rebuilding it from the frame up, including taking the wheel and headset bearings apart and servicing them, which is no small job, so if they have done that then it's not such a rip off.

lawrence281 · 15 May 2017 at 19:45

Vonhelmet said:
A local independent bike shop will usually give a better service for less money.

Replacing a chain and cassette could be done for £40 in parts at most, once you've tackled the outlay for tools. Bottom bracket is another £10 or so, if that's what you mean by the bit in the middle of the pedal.

Saying that, the gold service allegedly involves totally stripping down the bike and rebuilding it from the frame up, including taking the wheel and headset bearings apart and servicing them, which is no small job, so if they have done that then it's not such a rip off.

Yeah it's exactly what they've done, this post makes me feel better. It is a lot of work haha.

Mr-White · 15 May 2017 at 20:17

Depends on the bike, can cost £200 to service just the shocks

MacRS4 · 15 May 2017 at 20:57

Depends what's included in the service too. I just spent 140 quid on having my Cannondale CX serviced - they did a great job. Properly stripped and cleaned everything - it's now good as new.

...which is a bit of a surprise as the poor thing had had a surprise interface with a canal.

Indigo · 15 May 2017 at 23:15

I took my bike to be serviced at Cycle Republic (owned by Halfords) a couple of weeks ago and in all fairness they did a good service on the bike and it rides like new now. I don't mind doing odd jobs myself but a full going over I'd rather get someone else to do it.

mattyg · 15 May 2017 at 23:27

Mine goes to leisurelakes bikes for a full hit at the start of the MTB season.

neil_g · 16 May 2017 at 20:06

Definitely learn to diy. Helps if you ever break down on a ride too.

jpaul · 17 May 2017 at 13:49

Interesting - noticed Evans have a similar service plan
https://static.evanscycles.com/prod...-pages/Servicing/Servicing_pricelist_2016.pdf

need to convince yourself they will do a thorough job, but maybe not unreasonable -

does not say if cleaning/lubing front/rear mechs(&dismantle jockey) and callipers is part of it ? I guess not
(do they typically have parts degreasers or dish-washers ? -but would not want to strip grease from rear mech return spring)

SILVER SERVICE £60
Recommended every 3 to 9 months, depending on use. Excludes cost of parts. Bronze service plus
WHEELS
• Hubs and rims checked for damage and wear
• Bearings checked for free movement and adjusted (if applicable)
• Wheels trued and spokes tensioned
HEADSET
• Checked for free movement and adjusted as necessary
BOTTOM BRACKET
• Checked for free movement and adjusted as necessary
DRIVE TRAIN (chain, cassette and chainset)
• Removed, cleaned, checked for wear and re-lubricated
BOTTOM BRACKET
• Checked for effective operation and adjusted

GOLD SERVICE £110
Full strip down to frame and forks. Recommended every 12 to 18 months, depending on use. Excludes cost of parts. Silver service plus:
FRAME & FORKS
• Frame cleaned and checked for alignment and damage,
threads cleaned and checked
• Frame and disc mounts faced (if applicable)
WHEELS
• Hubs disassembled, cleaned, inspected and reassembled
HEADSET
• Removed, cleaned, regreased (if applicable), refitted & checked for
movement (replacement fitted if necessary)
BOTTOM BRACKET
• Removed, cleaned, regreased (if applicable), refitted & checked for
movement (replacement fitted if necessary)

varkanoid · 24 May 2017 at 17:59

When I got my bike (from Halfords - travel to work scheme) the gears were not 100% right so I took it back for them to re-align as it was free. Guy spent 30 minutes on it and I could see he was messing about and could not seem to get it right. When I got it home the gears were worse than before. Took it to a cycle shop in Leeds charged me £5 and sorted the gears out.