Cell Bikes
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Cell Bikes
Postby Danielle » Wed Apr 08, 2009 9:44 am
I'm very new to cycling and recently (2 months ago) bought a bike from Cell Bikes in Stanmore. I want to resist the urge to launch into a tirade against them here, so I'm hoping you could all give me some advice. I've had a lot of problems with the gears since I got the bike, which have caused the chain to snap once and, last night, caused the whole back gear box (I know that's not what you call it on a bike) to wrench itself off the bike! Sounds catastrophic I know. Just wondering if this is something that's easily fixed or should I be insisting on a full refund? I'm worried about riding the bike again as that's twice in two months that I've almost come off it at high speed because a part of it has broken off!
Any advice?
Thanks.
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby grosry » Wed Apr 08, 2009 10:02 am
The back derailleur your talking aboutDanielle wrote: the whole back gear box (I know that's not what you call it on a bike)
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby herzog » Wed Apr 08, 2009 11:16 am
There are also some common rider errors that can cause these issues, the main ones being:
Cross-chaining- where you run the chain at it's most extreme angle, eg big cog at front and back.
Shifting under load.
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby JV911 » Wed Apr 08, 2009 11:21 am
neither of which are going to ripp off a derailleurherzog wrote:Cross-chaining- where you run the chain at it's most extreme angle, eg big cog at front and back.
Shifting under load.
sould like the derailleur wasnt adjusted properly and possibly ended up hitting the spokes
i've heard mixed reviews re Cell but you should have any issues getting it fixed under warranty given it's 2 months old. keep us posted
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby sogood » Wed Apr 08, 2009 11:23 am
RK wrote:And that is Wikipedia - I can write my own definition.
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby Chanboy » Wed Apr 08, 2009 11:25 am
Did these things happen while tackling a big hill, in a high gear? (ie standing up and peddling with power)
Which bike model is it? Photos of the damage would be interesting...
I assume you have consulted with Cell in regards to warranty work and the such, and received some negative responses from them?
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby superbarok » Wed Apr 08, 2009 11:28 am
PAIN - this TOO will pass
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby Danielle » Wed Apr 08, 2009 11:37 am
As to circumstances under which the chain and derailleur broke... the chain broke as I was riding up a slight incline on the harbour bridge. The derailleur broke when I was going down! I was going quite fast and went over a join in the concrete - so bit of a bump but not something that should cause that kind of damage surely! Yes to Shimano gears and no to 'cross-chaining'. I generally kept the back gears in second, only going up to third when going down hill. I rarely go to first in the front gears - they're usually in second or third.
Thanks for all your info. Gives me a clearer idea of what I'm dealing with. And for the record, Cell bikes response was resoundingly negative...
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby sogood » Wed Apr 08, 2009 11:44 am
A regular LBS should at least show some good will but for a low cost shop like Cell, I am not surprised that they are a tighter on these gestures. $$$ saving or service, pick one. Then there are some LBSs that is both expensive and serviceless.
RK wrote:And that is Wikipedia - I can write my own definition.
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby m@ » Wed Apr 08, 2009 11:53 am
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby Chanboy » Wed Apr 08, 2009 11:54 am
It is truly unfortunate the OP has had this negative experience. In this day and age, where products are very competitively priced, and people are in general not spending as much as previously (ie economic down turn)... its the service provided that is going to make or break many companies.
My advise to the OP, is to find out who the manager / owner is of Cell bikes, and write a detailed, but polite - formal - letter of dissatisfaction, requesting some further assistance / service from them. If nothing comes of that, either cut your losses and find a different LBS, or go down the path of consumer affairs.
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby Danielle » Wed Apr 08, 2009 12:24 pm
I totally agree! And I really don't have anything negative to say about the sales service - in fact, it was great! It's their after sale service that I have a big problem with. I realise that the damage to the bike is unusual given how much I rode it, and how I rode it, but I wasn't given any reasonable explanation from staff the first time I had it fixed (apart from a vague reference to a 'dodgy invertor') and have been less than impressed with the attitude from management this second time.
Anyway, I really did just want to find out if derailleurs falling off is a common occurrence and how easily they can be repaired or if the bike's a write-off. Everyone's advice and info so far has been great!
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby m@ » Wed Apr 08, 2009 12:47 pm
Certainly not a common occurance!Danielle wrote:Anyway, I really did just want to find out if derailleurs falling off is a common occurrence and how easily they can be repaired or if the bike's a write-off. Everyone's advice and info so far has been great!
As for repair; at the least you'll need to replace the derailleur hanger (a softer metal piece that is designed to bend under strain, preventing damage to the derailleur). If the derailleur has gone into the spokes (which seems unlikely as you were going downhill, so presumably not in the largest rear sprocket), you'll probably also need to replace the derailleur and some spokes, and retrue the wheel. Then there's the possibility that the twisting force on the chainstays has damaged the frame, in which case the bike could be a writeoff...
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby Chanboy » Wed Apr 08, 2009 12:56 pm
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby goneriding » Wed Apr 08, 2009 2:46 pm
Might I suggest that you take it elsewhere for a second opinion on what the fault might be? Most shops will be happy to give you an opinion. You will probably have to pay if you want it in writing.
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby Danielle » Wed Apr 08, 2009 3:00 pm
I was actually considering doing that before the derailleur came off last night. The gears never felt quite right (the higher gears tended to 'whirr' a lot - hard to explain). To be honest, I think I'm going to give up on it. The more I read about Cell Bikes the more I'm convinced they're selling a shoddy product and are well aware of it. Wouldn't be so bad if the owner hadn't been so rude to me! Twice!!goneriding wrote:Might I suggest that you take it elsewhere for a second opinion on what the fault might be? Most shops will be happy to give you an opinion. You will probably have to pay if you want it in writing.
So... any suggestions on where I can buy a reasonably priced bike for commuting? Keeping in mind I've already tossed away $400 on Cell Bikes.
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby Chanboy » Wed Apr 08, 2009 3:04 pm
Otherwise I am sure some one will recommend a decent LBS. $400-$600 is the starting price for something decent if looking for new.
Edit: if you are considering spending another $400+ You may consider purchasing a decent set of gears and rear deraileur for your existing bike. (assuming the frame, brakes, wheels etc are still in good shape).
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby JV911 » Wed Apr 08, 2009 3:08 pm
dont give up on cell so easily. stand your ground and get it fixed under warranty or take it to consumer affairsDanielle wrote:So... any suggestions on where I can buy a reasonably priced bike for commuting? Keeping in mind I've already tossed away $400 on Cell Bikes.
but for the record Stanmore Cycles is on the next block and Inner City Cycles is just up the road in glebe. there are a number of shops in surrounding 'burbs (at least 4 in newtown alone)
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby Aushiker » Wed Apr 08, 2009 3:10 pm
G'dayDanielle wrote:I want to resist the urge to launch into a tirade against them here...
Thanks for choosing this approach as we tend to bin posts from new members which "launch into tirades"
I do hope you get your issue resolved. Have you taken the matter up with Cell Bikes? What was their response?
If you are not happy with their response you should approach your state's department of consumer protection. There was a similar case here in WA recently involving Trek which resulted in a new frame once the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection stepped in.
Regards
Andrew
Aushiker.com
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby casual_cyclist » Wed Apr 08, 2009 3:17 pm
If you don't have any luck with Cell, you could also consider getting a quote on having the bike repaired.Danielle wrote:I was actually considering doing that before the derailleur came off last night. The gears never felt quite right (the higher gears tended to 'whirr' a lot - hard to explain). To be honest, I think I'm going to give up on it. The more I read about Cell Bikes the more I'm convinced they're selling a shoddy product and are well aware of it. Wouldn't be so bad if the owner hadn't been so rude to me! Twice!!goneriding wrote:Might I suggest that you take it elsewhere for a second opinion on what the fault might be? Most shops will be happy to give you an opinion. You will probably have to pay if you want it in writing.
So... any suggestions on where I can buy a reasonably priced bike for commuting? Keeping in mind I've already tossed away $400 on Cell Bikes.
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby Danielle » Wed Apr 08, 2009 3:18 pm
And rightly so! Though I realise my attempts to be diplomatic have since gone out the window...Aushiker wrote:Thanks for choosing this approach as we tend to bin posts from new members which "launch into tirades"
I have spoken to Cell and didn't really get anywhere. I admit I was angry - but I was also pretty intimidated after the way I was spoken to last time I had something fixed. I am passing it on to consumer affairs mainly because I don't see that I'll get any sort of resolution if I deal with it myself. I'm just feel a bit left in the dark as they don't seem prepared to give me any explanation as to how stuff like this happens to a 2 month old bike!
But it's good to hear that consumer affairs can have a positive impact so I'll wait and see what happens. And now I'm going to stop obsessing and get back to work.
Thanks everyone!
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby rimdriver » Wed Apr 08, 2009 4:08 pm
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby Aushiker » Wed Apr 08, 2009 4:27 pm
G'dayrimdriver wrote: have you taken the bike back to let them examine the problem?
I believe this was stated earlier on ...
AndrewI have spoken to Cell and didn't really get anywhere. I admit I was angry - but I was also pretty intimidated after the way I was spoken to last time I had something fixed.
Aushiker.com
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby rustguard » Wed Apr 08, 2009 6:04 pm
having been in many bikes shops it would be of no surprise that they have ballsed the whole customer service thing up
IMO it is always very important to that the customer understands what they are paying for, though you may not have been listening as bikes do not need to convert DC electricity to AC so I would be very doubtful that your bike has an inverter.Danielle wrote:but I wasn't given any reasonable explanation from staff the first time I had it fixed (apart from a vague reference to a 'dodgy invertor')
you really need to talk to the mechanic at the shop and have him explain in layman's terms what he thinks happened, you would then have to take this at face value until you had a second opinion from some other expert that contradicted it.
You then may be able to use this information to strike a deal with the manager as to how they could help you get back on the road as quickly and cheaply as possible. If your negotiating skills are lacking take a friend or family member with you to mediate; in a friendly manner. if you then get no help watch this movie ( http://www.momentumplanet.ca/arts-cultu ... ey-warfare )then plan your next move
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Re: Cell Bikes
Postby Mugshot » Wed Apr 08, 2009 8:12 pm
1st and last business with them.
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