Question regarding return policy , adjustments etc.

[launchpad]

Years ago when I bought a bike back east the bike shop had free tuneups and free adjustments if you bought the bike from them. I've looked at several lbs websites and not seen anything regarding this. Is this just something they do back east (like put refrigerators in apartments when you rent one) or something that was phased out due to competition and slashing of profit margins? Do you know of any local shops that offer something like this? Also what are the typical return policies. I know two wheels one planet has 7 days or something which is adequate. I am a regular at the path and they have always been really cool with legit returns. Performance I hear has a good one but I prefer more local shops.

 

[RumbleOn]

Michael's Bicycles in Newbury Park offers lifetime tune ups if you buy from them. I do know about the return policy.

 

[g-dub]

My guess is that one man's "tuneup" is another man's "rebuild," so there is probably more ill will generated explaining that the new chain and the fork service will be extra, than good will generated by offering "free" compressed air and chain lube.

in my experience, if you bring your bike in with a minor complaint (i.e:quickly resolved in under 15 seconds) to the shop who sold it to you, the more agreeable shops will accept a "thanks!" in return. The look of embarrassment on your face at how simple the fix was is payment enough. "Adjusting the cable tension? why didn't I think of that!"

 

[skyungjae]

+1

I think it really depends on how you define "tuneup." I think every local shop offers some sort of free tuneup service for a certain amount of time. However, I feel tuneups do not include the cost of potential replacement parts.

As for returns, it seems like a lot of places are simply case by case. Plenty of shops do have demo bikes you can rent for a certain amount per day and use that money toward a purchase. I'm guessing that's reduced the need for a handful of returns.

 

[Earn Your View]

Performance has lifetime adjustments and an awesome return policy. I know the place isn't as popular on this site, but I bought a bike from them and I've been happy with their service for a long time now. I was confident about the bike I wanted, so the rental fees weren't an issue for me. I just took it in today because the crank had some play in it. The employee (or manager, I'm not sure) told me that the bike is under warranty for a year, so if the crank or bottom bracket needs replacement parts, they'll take care of it. No complaints here.

 

[Earn Your View]

Oh, and if you're a member, you get 10% back on your purchases, so let's put it this way, I haven't had to use cash for purchases there in a while.

 

[Innes]

Jenson has one basic tune up within a year and 60 day return policy on all products.


[h=3]Return Policy[/h]Jenson USA wants you to shop with confidence. That’s why we provide you with a “No-Hassle” satisfaction guarantee. If any item you purchase from us doesn’t meet your expectations, send it back within 60 days - we'll issue a full refund of the original purchase price (minus shipping charges) via the same payment method you used originally. Unlike much of our competition, we do not charge a restocking fee or penalty.
There are a just a few exceptions:

• For your safety, we do not accept returns on nutritional/food products.
• Custom-assembled products (a complete bike built of components you selected, a wheelbuild, etc)
• Computer software, DVDs, or other electronic media; and tools which have been opened may not be returned for a refund. Damaged or defective items may be replaced with the same title only.

If your purchase included any free promotional items ("free socks with shoe purchase", "free DVD with helmet purchase") don't forgot to include the freebie item with your return so we can issue you a full refund.

 

[jae2460]

Beware of the words "you need a new chain"... Unless your bike is shifting poorly and you noticed that before taking your bike into the shop, don't do it. Otherwise, you will be replacing your cassette and quite possibly a chainring or two.

There's no such thing as a free . They get you to bring your bike in, they tell you "you need a new " and possibly you wind up buying some tubes, a magazine, a new tire, etc., etc.

Nothing wrong with supporting / patronizing your LBS--you should, but just don't do it unecessarily. If you ride enough, there will be plenty of money to spend.

 

[velorider562]

You're deep into a ride, miles from the trail head and your chain starts jumping. You going to spend the next 2-3 hours walking out? Rather then depend on free tune ups for life, go learn the basics. A bike is a simple machine.

http://www.socaltrailriders.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?26-The-Workshop

 

[redwoods]

Beware of the words "you need a new chain"... Unless your bike is shifting poorly and you noticed that before taking your bike into the shop, don't do it. Otherwise, you will be replacing your cassette and quite possibly a chainring or two.

There's no such thing as a free . They get you to bring your bike in, they tell you "you need a new " and possibly you wind up buying some tubes, a magazine, a new tire, etc., etc.

Nothing wrong with supporting / patronizing your LBS--you should, but just don't do it unecessarily. If you ride enough, there will be plenty of money to spend.

You make it sound like they're trying to sell you grip lube and seat-balancing service. I'd simply suggest that when you're told "you need a new _____", you ask why and have them show or demonstrate to you the issue. That, and as velorider562 said, learn the basics yourself.

 

[RustyIron]

"Free tune ups" are a valueless sales gimmick, in my opinion.

There is nothing in a "tune up" that you can't do in your own garage, with a few basic tools, in less time than it takes to load up your bike and take it to the shop. That's not even taking into consideration the number of days you'll be without your bike while the shop gets around to looking at it, and then having to go pick it up and bring it home.

For anyone reading this, lack of knowledge, skill, or equipment is no excuse for not fixing your own bike. After all, YOU are a member of STR, and have a thousand other helpful experts at your disposal to lend assistance.

 

[BikeThePlanet]

"Free tune ups" are a valueless sales gimmick, in my opinion.

There is nothing in a "tune up" that you can't do in your own garage, with a few basic tools, in less time than it takes to load up your bike and take it to the shop. That's not even taking into consideration the number of days you'll be without your bike while the shop gets around to looking at it, and then having to go pick it up and bring it home.

For anyone reading this, lack of knowledge, skill, or equipment is no excuse for not fixing your own bike. After all, YOU are a member of STR, and have a thousand other helpful experts at your disposal to lend assistance.

A thousand? I'd be surprised if there are 50 active members of STR left.

 

[DH_Gnarlier]

"Free tune ups" are a valueless sales gimmick, in my opinion.

Tell that to countless customer's of shops who do bring their bikes in for these "free tune-ups." From the time i've worked wrenching on bikes I've seen experienced riders, even Cat 3 and up racers bring their bikes in that for this service so it's far from a value-less sales gimmick. Mind the family who bought beach cruisers the year before whose daughter's crank arm had wiggled loose before the summer season or the kid on his bmx whose headset has developed play, which any honest mechanic and business will adjust along with your "free tune-up."

IMO, it's far from a sales ploy, but rather an added incentive on you the buyer... you don't have to use it, but imo it's good to know you can when you do have to.

PS: Support you local bike shop!

 

[strobe]

Mind the family who bought beach cruisers the year before whose daughter's crank arm had wiggled loose before the summer season or the kid on his bmx whose headset has developed play, which any honest mechanic and business will adjust along with your "free tune-up."

You just pointed out some very simple maintenance items that i think nearly everyone on this site should know how to do. I agree its a great perk, but, should not be considered a selling point. Whats the typical time it takes to get a bike back from a tune up during the summer season? I can do a tune up at home in 30 minute. Add in a repair or brake bleed and it'll take me 90 minutes. I can do all of that the night before my ride.

PS: Support your local bike shop! But, learn to do maintenance yourself. The LBS isn't on the trail with you when something goes wrong.

 

[DH_Gnarlier]

Did i ever mention it as a selling point?

Most shop I've been to, worked at and bought bikes at have usually mentioned this "extra" as a last detail, usually when completing the sale at the counter. Sure, most serious riders should know how to fix a flat, lube and fix a stiff link on a chain, etc... but for the most part this offer is aimed at those not so bicycle-mechanically inclined like those new to cycling, weekend warriors or people with a life that doesn't necessarily involved bikes on a day-to-day basis who are out there riding and shredding the roads and trails.

Cool, you can do your own tune-ups and repairs as it will save you time and possibly your ride not having to wait a three day turn around time on average for a LBS to fix/tune-up your bike, but like I said not everyone riding on two wheels has the skill set you and other home mechanics has or knows that new cables and spokes will stretch and will need be re-tensioned after a few rides along with all the little finicky stuff bikes do.

An analogy would be drivers and expecting everyone out there operating a car to know how to do the simplest repairs, like changing out a flat or doing an oil change is impossible, but people are still driving and like a bike shop offering this perk is the same as a dealership offering free road-side service or the first few oil changes pro bono when you buy yourself a new car.

It's a bonus for buyers that some shops offer because they can. Personally a free tune up wouldn't change me from buying a VPP bike I really want instead of a DW-link model just because the DW-link shop offers "free tune-ups," and this goes even back when I didn't know squat about bikes other than what I thought looked cool.

 

[velorider562]

Did i ever mention it as a selling point?
An analogy would be drivers and expecting everyone out there operating a car to know how to do the simplest repairs, like changing out a flat or doing an oil change is impossible, but people are still driving and like a bike shop offering this perk is the same as a dealership offering free road-side service or the first few oil changes pro bono when you buy yourself a new car.

Yes I would. There was a time when people actually did know how to change tires on the side of the road, it was considered a safety issues. There was a time when most guys knew how to change their oil. Most people go through life now not knowing how the things they own work and think they require an expert to fix. Self induced Nanny state! It's extremely sad when I see people unable to take care of themselves in the simplest ways like this.

We have more information available now then ever before in the history of mankind and we know less about the things that touch us then we ever had in history. We have communities, real and virtual, to ask and learn from. So learn, ask how! Don't be dependent!

Yes, know how to change your tube!
Yes, if your bike has gears understand how they works so you can do basic adjustments!
Yes, know how to adjust your seat!
Yes, know the basic!
No don't play stupid!

"A fool and his money are soon parted"

 

[herzalot]

Personally a free tune up wouldn't change me from buying a VPP bike I really want instead of a DW-link model just because the DW-link shop offers "free tune-ups,"

I had no idea shops were segregated by suspension design! Better not tell The Path, Fullerton Bikes, The Bike Co or even Performance! #-o :wave:

 

[DH_Gnarlier]

Maybe I should've made my example clearer ~ I wouldn't go and purchase a Podium or a 303 when I really want a Demo or a Session just because the two former shops offer free tune-ups.

 

[mike001]

Having your shop dial in your bike is a convenience--one that should not be a substitute for being able to fix your bike in the b/c.

 

[launchpad]

Asking for a newbie friend. I can do alot on a bike (used to wrench for bike charity so can do basic stuff) but am lazy and prefer to support my local bike shops and throw them some business. Can't rebuild shocks or hydralic seatposts and shit though (probably could figure it out but don't have garage, vise etc). Anyways friend is wanting to buy a new bike and get into the sport and is wondering what shops provide the most in free service (adjustments, tuneups etc) if you buy the bike from them is all.