I don't want to constantly beat on Halfords, because people do have good experiences with them, but I would always recommend an LBS to a friend if they asked. I think that this is a very important, and often overlooked subject if you are zipping down a hill at 20/30 mph, are you sure that the last person who worked on your bike remembered to tighten your QR skewers and didn't accidentally spray your braking surfaces with GT-85? I do agree with your point about management not understanding the intricacies of the pedal cycle and subsequently the associated training and experience requirements. When I left (was BikeHut Specialist), they promoted one of my staff that had only been there for about 3 months and did not have a clue. I last worked for them about 5/6 years ago now. Sorry about the wall of text, I may have gone a bit off topic, but good luck! The other issue that you are going to be up against at this time of year is that every Tom, Dick and Harry has just dusted off their bike from the shed and discovered it doesn't work so bike shops get inundated with bikes and can afford to pick and chose what they take a bit more. Otherwise, would you be able to go down at the weekend to the ones with the early closing times? I would have a look at the Park Tool website in their "Repair Help" section to give you an idea of what you're up against, and then turn up at the LBS, walk in with your (clean - don't annoy them with dog shit on the tyres) bike and talk to someone about the problems you're having before asking if you can leave it with them. Your mech/frame/hanger may be bent (can normally be straightened with special tool or worst case replace mech/hanger).The chain may be old/worn and there is a lot of lateral freedom which allows it to not engage (new chain, almost certainly new cassette).Dirty/old cables causing friction (replace cable inner and outers).The gear problems may simply be down to(I don't know the condition of your bike, I'm putting the most common problems out there):
#Halfords bike workshop how to
The odds of your local Halfords having a person that understands how to build wheels and why things like spoke tension is important are slim. With regards to your issues, I would definitely try and go to an LBS, especially with the loose spokes. One place put me through the Cytech training courses to make sure I was up to scratch.Īnother advantage to the LBS is that they will normally have much more of the specialist tools that are sometimes essential to doing the job properly. Once I became reasonably competent, I then started working for a number of LBS's where the quality of some of the mechanics was far higher. The other problem with Halfords, is that because they are everywhere, the quality of servicing is inconsistent and it is difficult to find worthwhile reviews because of this.
#Halfords bike workshop manual
I bought myself a Haynes manual and taught myself in the evenings on my own bike. The issue with Halfords was that there wasn't any structured training for staff. I started my bike shop career at Halfords when I finished school, I knew very little about bikes (could change an inner tube) and sadly, my managers knowledge was about the same. Wow, sorry you've had such a bad experience. Rear gears are shifting intermittently at best, mostly not shifting at all, into the highest gear/smallest cog, I also have a couple of loose spokes on the rear wheel and both wheels need truing. If not, are there any bike shops that people would recommend in the Wolverhampton/Black Country area? My only preference is that they keep most of their elitism at the door as I've had a couple of bad experiences with bike shops in the area telling me older bikes are only fit for the scrap heap, or insinuating I haven't spent enough to deserve their custom. Called up a couple of the local bike shops in my area, and they are either closed when I finish work, or they have told me my bike is too cheap and I should get it serviced at Halfords instead.Īre Halfords as bad as their reputation suggests (most reviews seem to be from 2009/10) or are they ok now? Stolen Bikes in the UK (run by /u/stolenbikes88)Īny other suggestions, just shoot a PM my way and I'll put it up.Īfter being off my bike (Barracuda RS200) for far to long it needs a good service. See this thread for details.Ĭycle.Travel (Maps, Guides an route planning)
#Halfords bike workshop plus
(Image memes run the risk of being deleted )Īn editable map of cyclist-friendly pubs and cafes in the UK, plus cycle shops. r/ukbike FAQ, /r/ukbike Wiki, /r/ukbike RulesĪll topics related to cycling in the UK are welcome here!
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