Look out for bikes with fake Shimano components

[Ross]

http://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry ... qjhinyLmUk

Mechanics across the country (USA) are reporting that bikes brought in for service or assembly are coming spec’d with knock-off components. Often, customers bring the bikes in new in the box and mechanics are having trouble setting them up to work properly. Customers also are unaware that they bought a bike with look-alike components.

“We had a customer who thought they were getting a great deal on an online bike with Shimano gear system, but a closer look shows the bike is equipped with Shinano gear system,” said Whit Snell, owner of Bike World, which has four stores in San Antonio. “We have also seen Shimona parts and instead of SunRace, they equip with SunRun,” he added.

The knock-offs use very similar fonts and logos that make it easy for them to be confused for the untrained eye.

Several mechanics in the World Bicycle Mechanic Forum, a members-only group on Facebook, also reported seeing Shimona and Shinano components on Aspen bikes brought in for service and assembly in stores in Ontario, Canada; Aurora, Illinois; and Detroit. Mechanics said they believed the bikes were promotional giveaways from purchases made at local furniture stores.

[eeksll]

I am finding this a little hard to believe, shimano make some pretty cheap components if all your looking for is the shimano brand.

[g-boaf]

Fake Shimano or genuine Shimanó components.

[Mulger bill]

Fake Shimano or genuine Shimanó components.

It's all about the lens flare when you photograph them

[Jmuzz]

I am finding this a little hard to believe, shimano make some pretty cheap components if all your looking for is the shimano brand.

They exist, just check the China sites.
This one proudly displaying at least 3 different knockoff spellings in one shot https://m.alibaba.com/product/607019837 ... .30.quwP38

At least they use changed spelling, so it's misleading but not actual counterfeit.
The China sites are pretty strict and will force a refund and take sellers deposit if you complain and show evidence something is counterfeit branded.

[fat and old]

Here you go

https://www.dhgate.com/product/carbon-f ... 1451057187

complete with 1 pair of handlebar bandage. Reckon it's genuwine?

[NASHIE]

Needed a new turbo for the work bus, so ring around was $2800 genuine, and $1200 for a 'exchange'. Noted Ebay had $350 chinese rip-offs. Went for the $1200 'exchange' as it was a well known turbo workshop in Perth. Picked up the nicely 'brown boxed' turbo with shop name on it etc all good..........get home open box...'brand new turbo' Yep a brand new chinese turbo which they probably buy for less the $150 bucks. Went straight back and got my money refunded and told them what i thought of their practice for which they were lost for words, except for a very nervous reply that they have them build especially for them. Be very careful guys and girls as even reputable businesses seem happy to take your money for merchandise they full well know is cheap crap.

[eeksll]

well, I guess you can go cheaper than shimano

[Jmuzz]

Here you go

https://www.dhgate.com/product/carbon-f ... 1451057187

complete with 1 pair of handlebar bandage. Reckon it's genuwine?

Can't read the 5800/R8000 crank arm, kind of looks like CRAP-ACE?

Overpriced anyway, the Swimano groupset bike is only $50

[Cheesewheel]

well, I guess you can go cheaper than shimano

Genuine fake shimano parts?

[Nobody]

It's all about the lens flare when you photograph them

That brought back some memories.

Can't read the 5800/R8000 crank arm, kind of looks like CRAP-ACE?

Probably more ace at being crap than crap at being ace.

[bychosis]

So the story is more bikes being sold with crap components than bikes being sold with counterfeit components? Surely it’ll be those cheap bikes covered in stickers that come with all of the best features ... and a kick stand.

[find_bruce]

I say Campynolo is much better than $himan0

[g-boaf]

It's all about the lens flare when you photograph them

That brought back some memories.

I can't remember the username, but it also had a strange spelling.

[MichaelB]

Saw the same when in China last year with at least 3 different spelling of Star Wars on Lego copies. And obvious at that, "Snart Wars" was one of them.

[Jmuzz]

I say Campynolo is much better than $himan0

I like my Srampagmano it's the perfect mix of all the best features.

[Jean]

Saw the same when in China last year with at least 3 different spelling of Star Wars on Lego copies. And obvious at that, "Snart Wars" was one of them.

I would consider myself pretty savvy and wise enough when buying on the internet, particularly for bike kit, but last year I was in hurry to get a Lego kit for my son. I jumped on eBay, saw one for a 'good price' and hit buy. All a bit hurried, and I soon realised that I'd bought a knock off. The listing was clear that it was not Lego, but in my haste I had not read it as well as I should have. Lesson (re)learned.

[Howzat]

Luckily you can tell the fakes by their atrocious spelling errors - "Pinarelo", "Canondale", or "Specialized"