What can I do about my bike?

Question

I bought a bike last August 4th on the hardware store know as Canadian Tire (Ontario, Canada). The bike seemed to perform well until today when the derailer somehow twisted itself and is now colliding with the chain, not to mention the fact that the back tire seemed to be slightly dismounted as well.

When I bought it the original price was CA$299.99 but I only payed CA$120.00 because it had the word "MAY" painted on both sides in an unremovable red paint (the bike's blue). I accidentally caused a couple of scratches on the handle which do not alter performance but makes it look used. They're now on sale at CA$149.99 but I would need the money back from the first bike and I don't trust the store anymore. I could try to give it back but 32 days have passed (you can only return items 30 days later) and there's the scratches to wory about. Selling it on eBay is a possibility but again there's the scratches and paint to deal with which would devaluate it's value seriously.

I also tried repairing it myself but as hard as I tried I just can't. I'm not sure how expensive the reparation could be and I'm not willing to spend more than CA$80.

Answer 1

You got what you payed for..... let this be a lesson to all dint buy bikes from places other than real bike shops one there standards for builds are far less (I know cause Ive been contracted to do builds for them when there 14 year old wanna be mechanics get behind) and 2 after the sale your pretty much on your own unless you want that 14 year old knows nothing mechanic to work on your bike and "fix" it pay the money get a real bike from a real shop and you won't regret it. Some of these bikes my shop wont even touch because of liability issues (some of the so called full suspensions ....death trap?).Had to add this after seeing Jodi D's comment Canadian made is crap ???? how bout a big FUCKYOU!! ever heard of Devinci ???or Norco only 2 of the Best brands ever I'm guessing by your ignorance your an American with a university degree. Just a word to the uneducated none of Canadian tires bikes are made in Canada all of them are Taiwanese welded you wanna harp about shity workmanship talk to them they are the single biggest producers of Crap in the whole known universe aside from your mouth.

Answer 2

The Shimano Tourney and Acera series rear derailleurs are available in the clamp-on (extremely cheap bikes) and screw-on varities. They will repair both the damage and inherently lousy shifting performance of that bike's shifting system. From $12 to $22 $USD is the cost of that grade of derailleur and they work very well.

A bike store can make the install and adjustments for you. You may wish to observe how a rear derailleur is to be adjusted as adjustments are a hazard of every derailleur system regardless of price.

It is quite normal for even the finest quality rear wheel to need a truing adjustment from 30 to 90 days after purchase. Most people don't notice until the rim cracks, wheel rubs the brakes, or a spoke becomes noisy. Anyway, that service is usually more or less than $25 $USD and is to be found at the bike store.

Returning the bike to the store is perhaps the best option. Just don't mention or advertise the scratches! Then you could purchase a bike that isn't toy quality. Sorry to say it that way, but bikes that come from toy departments are toy quality. After you get your money back, go to the bike store for an adult quality bike.

Either case, I'd recommend a trip to the bike store.

Answer 3

Derailer suddenly 'twisting itself' says to me it was a (sorry) cheapo part to start with. As does the price you paid.

There is a world of difference between a mass produced bargain bike and a quality brand, i.e. Cannondale, Trek, Wheeler, Specialized. The bargain ones usually do fall apart in a short time, and repairs nearly always cost more than the original price!

I'd cut your losses by either sticking on the cheapest derailer you can find (shouldn't be more than 30 Canadian, incl. labor), and selling for whatever you can get, or giving the thing to charity as is. A kid might get some use out of it by salvaging a derailer from another junked machine.

Sorry to be so frank, but I've had some experience with these issues.

Answer 4

First mistake, buying a bike at CT if you are over 12 years old. They are mass produced, and put together by people that have no idea what they are doing. It sounds like money is an issue, so try your local bike shop and see if they do monthly payments. You will have a much, much, much better bike, that will last you a long time, and can get regular maintenance done cheaply. As for selling it...you probably won't get anything for it on e-Bay. Try a Swap Shop. They take goods and give you money for them. You won't get a lot, I'm guessing maybe $50.00, but it's better than nothing.

Answer 5

I wonder if the derailleur adjustment didn't cause the derailleur to collide with the spokes on your rear tire? If the low-gear limit screw wasn't adjusted properly during assembly at the store, it's actually fairly easy for the derailleur to get thrown into the spokes when shifted into the lowest gear (largest cog). This should be fairly evident involving a specific (and memorable) incidence while riding, and damage to the spokes should be obvious as well as the derailleur. It's manditory that those who assemble bicycles at stores make sure that the limit screws are adjusted correctly. Department store bicycles are often assembled by people who, relative to specialty bicycle shops, don't have as much experience with assembly and adjustment. If you suspect that the low-limit screw on the derailleur wasn't adjusted properly, the dealer/assembler is at fault, and this should supercede any 30-day return policy the store may attempt to impose. Might be worth a shot to take it back.

Answer 6

With all the damage that the bike has encountered---the bike should be brought to a qualified bike mechanic---or some tech wizard within your area. Some replacements are imperative---rear derrailleur for one---use a good SHIMANO LX or use GRIP SHIFT twist shifters ( they have for 8/9 speed cogs available )if the components match ---then the repair would be helpful! Would had advised you to buy a 'ZION' 660 frame ( 249 bucks at Jenson USA ---www.jensonusa.com ) then buy ALL the components at Price Point ( www.pricepoint.com). Believe me....the hell you went thru WOULDN'T OCCUR and every single cent would be WORTH IT if you bought at reputable shops-----

Answer 7

They are on sale for a reason: the store is dumping their inventory in preparation for receiving a better model.

You really should spend more money on a better bike. Even if you go and buy this $150 bike, it will likely fall apart on you also, then you will be more money in the hole, with nothing to show. Suck up your loss, sell your bike in the classifieds (if you can - you probably won't get more than $30-$50 for it, if that) and save up for a better bike, bought at a bike shop.

Some things you can get away with buying at a general store or department store, but a bike is not one of them.

Answer 8

I think you feel bad enough about being taken on this deal. You may be able to fix it by getting a new rear derailleur from your local bike shop. This may lead to needing to buy a new rear wheel set and cassette...by the time you purchase all of this stuff, you may end up spending more than it's worth. Sorry about your misfortune...it probably looked cool and matched what you had in your pocket at the time. Better luck next time...

Answer 9

canadian tire is the worst place to buy a bike because all of there stuff is canadian made as well as over priced and the quality is crap. ever see that electric 21 speed bike they are selling for 999.00? it's not worth it. i would try a sport shop like source for sports, you'll pay more but atleast you know what your buying and you will have more than a 30 day warranty..

Answer 10

Well it obviously sounds like a department bike which never has parts that will last. I am surprised that they have lasted that long. I suggest you go to a local shop and see if they can adjust it or replace it with somthing that will work much better. My true hope though is that you will see a nice bike there and go for it instead of keeping the department bike.