Dealers offering loan bikes and pick up for warranty bikes

[103Alex1]

Can any dealers who offer loan bikes in the event customers' purchases have to go in to be looked at due to problems in the warranty period please make themselves known ?

The biggest problem for people like me who don't have cars is losing the use of their bikes and not having replacements whilst they are looked at. Plus the costs of sending backwards and forward if they are not local.

I'd actually go so far as to say offering this would sway me to choose a dealer over a cheap import or any other dealer on a new eBike. Reputation and build quality are unfortunately no guarantee against frustrations in the 1st year and the inconvenience of it all is what I most wanted to avoid. If I'm going to be in to the very thing I wanted to be protected from I may as well just go for the next best thing and if it needs stuff sorting under warranty then at least I can stay on the road whilst this is dealt with.

So I am in the market for a new bike with a back-up service that makes sure I stay on the road if anything goes wrong - just like you get from a car dealer. When you buy a bike as your only means of transport you are in no different a position.

 

[Electrifying Cycles]

We offer a free loan bike when warranty work is undertaken, there is no restriction other than you have to live on the UK mainland. We would also collect the original bike free of charge.

Hope this helps, let me know if you have any more questions.

David

 

[103Alex1]

Thanks David. You're now top of the dealer list. It's the only thing that really ever mattered to me in buying a bike in UK because a dealer warranty without loan bike and collect/return is as pretty much as good as no warranty at all. Unfortunately I can't be without my bike for days whilst it's sent back and forth as I rely on it daily and so no matter how much I may like the bike I bought this presents me with a fatal shortcoming on after-sales that I've realized I can't risk having on a repeat basis however unlikely that might be.

You take a "bet" when you buy expensive bikes with top quality build that you won't be into sending it back in, but sadly nothing you buy nowadays is as good as immune from the risk of this. If it's bad luck then the law of sod says the person who can least afford to be without their bike will be the one who winds up having to part with it !

I'll take a look at your website and see what bikes you sell. Would be pretty devastated if I had to buy a Bosch bike because I can't get the after-sales on-road coverage on anything I actually want lol.

 

[Electrifying Cycles]

Fair point Alex. We offer this service as people like yourself need this. Your right best to be prepared in case something happens. As you say if you are not it is sods law that something will go wrong. Always looking at other brands to add so welcome any input if there are some brands you like which are not yet available

 

[103Alex1]

I need a cargo carrying bike capable of carting loads of shopping around rather than a toy with a big motor - so basically like my Agattu in terms of functionality and build sturdiness. Basically a touring bike with a sports engine and comfortable ergo grips etc. This is a 100% car substitute so carrying space on the rack and rack bag matters. I'm not into trailers or backpacks !

I've never really looked seriously at any other bikes until now because I was so happy with my Kalkhoff in all respects apart from the one issue to date that looks like it's going to need a return to base and has taken an age of trialling other fixes to get to the bottom of (and we still are not there). So clueless to some extent other than knowing what I don't want (i.e. Bosch, Full-Sus bikes, off-road bikes, rack batteries, silly short ranges inappropriate for people with no cars). So I am open to suggestions.

 

[Martin@e-bikeshop]

Hi Alex,

Yes like David we also offer a free loan bike in the event of a problem.
Are you still joining us on the 'Big Off Road Trail'?
I know you were interested but haven't seen the registration through on the website?
I know you are not after a off road machine but it will give you a good feel for how they operate, in particular the RC29 with big road wheels and the option to fit rack and guards etc for use on the road.

All the best.

Martin

 

[103Alex1]

Hi Martin

I don't think I can make it down over that period unfortunately. Eden was the only event I can see me having been able to go to this year. The Haibikes are out of my price range too and not really tailored to what I need this bike for. I only wanted a primary car substitute bike for 12 months and will be selling it on in December so as it stands I'm only going to be getting about 6-7 months' use off it before being landed with a bike to sell in mid-Winter now my initial purchase is going sour. The showroom losses on having a new bike at Haibike prices for such a short time are now beyond what I can justify in all seriousness as I'm likely to lose a stack of money on my Kalkhoff. Having achieved the grand total of 533 miles off a £2.5k outlay.

 

[Martin@e-bikeshop]

Hi Alex,

Not a problem. If you look further down the range check out something like the leeds tour or Dover, both suited to riding on the road, commuting etc. Reason I point them out is because the both fall further down the price range with out all the fancy gadgets the Haibikes incorporate. With the Leeds being £1899 and Dover £1599.

Links here- The Raleigh Dover is designed to be comfortable and efficient, the centre drive motor and adjustable ride position make this the ultimate leisure bike.
Leeds Tour - The Leeds Tour is the rugged big brother to the Dover, and is the Raleigh top of the range eBike.

Both in stock in a crossbar model.

Main point in them is the reliable 2nd gen Panasonic motor and benefit from the largest dealer network in the UK (In the event of a problem or for servicing).

If you want to try them at all just give me a shout!

Regards
Martin

 

[Martin@e-bikeshop]

Also to point out they are the only bike to be sold with a Service book. (Logged on a service history database)
Therefore all the service history is kept and holding the value of the bike if you choose to sell further down the line. We have seen silly re sale values before sometimes wonder why people would buy it second hand with them being so close to the price of a new bike!

Martin

 

[RoadieRoger]

Alex the easiest thing to do is buy a budget spare Ebike as a back up . The Woosh Santana for £600 is the one . My Brother has had one for several months and is very pleased with it . Then after a few months of happy riding , sell the other for spares or throw it in a skip . Don`t torture yourself any further .

 

[Electrifying Cycles]

Hi Alex

KTM also do 36volt Panasonic centre drive with large batteries. For example model with Nexus 8 speed, hydraulic rim brakes and 15ah battery for just over £2000. Prices for range with 36volt motor are from £1899.

I would decide what system you want and the budget and go from there. Personally prefer Bosch system but like anything can appreciate finding your perfect e bike is personal choice.

Quick thought: How about hiring a bike from us instead? Happy to look at long-term hire. This might suit your situation better if you only need it for 6 or 7 months.

David

 

[103Alex1]

Martin

I should say I need high gearing range for riding fast beyond assist levels and tackling hills. Equivalent of an 11sp hub gear or a 9/10sp cassette. 8 gear hubs are not enough for the way I ride a bike.

I am also thinking twice about Panasonic being 26V. I remember that's why I didn;t buy one the last time.

RoadieRoger - I'm seriously considering it. But £250 is more like it and scrap it in 6 months' time.

I'd just build another one if I could cope with it - but the 1st build to get it the way I want it has turned into months of work and nearly £2k with accessories to kit it out properly and I presently have it off the road to be finished with a centre mounted battery and electrics after coming off it carrying shopping on the back. It's basically tantamount to a non-runner still though in an emergency I could put it all back together again. But it all delays it going down SW where it;s needed so why the **** should I ? It's hours and hours and hours of unnecessary work cumulatively messing about.

Fed up of both bikes and eBikes at the moment to be perfectly honest. As fed up as I used to be about my cars. Been a huge bundle of hasstle and expense for a few miles of averted racing heartrate, sweaty clothes and slog... and the problem I have on the other is mechanical not electric anyway. I seriously wonder whether it's worth the amount of effort and grief you're involved in with them when you're not on the road sometimes !

 

[103Alex1]

Quick thought: How about hiring a bike from us instead? Happy to look at long-term hire. This might suit your situation better if you only need it for 6 or 7 months.

David

Yes I'm open to that. Let me have some quotes . My mileage in last 7 months up in the West Country has been just over 500 miles. I intend to be up here a lot less for the Summer so it'll be locked up most of the time but I need it every day when I'm here.

 

[Electrifying Cycles]

Sorry to hear that Alex. Not sure how old your other bike is but if it can not be fixed you may be able to get your money back? We have had the odd problem but have always been able to resolve them. If you have any questions you are welcome to give us a call. My advice would be take your time and think about it in the morning. Either way hope you get something sorted to your satisfaction!

 

[103Alex1]

Sorry to hear that Alex. Not sure how old your other bike is but if it can not be fixed you may be able to get your money back? We have had the odd problem but have always been able to resolve them. If you have any questions you are welcome to give us a call. My advice would be take your time and think about it in the morning. Either way hope you get something sorted to your satisfaction!

Thanks. It's best to explore all options and keep an open mind - the rental thing appeals a lot as I definitely won't be keeping the sort of bike I need for the next few months long term. There are other bikes I'd buy if it's just for fun and driving them to where they'd be ridden etc. - which is where I need to work towards getting back to I think after a long and expensive trial !

There'll definitely be a fix for the mechanical issue I have - it's called a new frame (i.e. replacement bike) if it comes to that as the bike is only 6 months old and has had the issue since new. But you can't get to that point without ruling out all other possibilities first, which is a very tedious process. My main issue is loss of confidence in being mobile when I go back to 1 bike in one place if something goes wrong.

I am clearly vulnerable so should make arrangements which accommodate that. I bought my bike after a week of knowing about eBikes following a major life change, somewhat blind and inexperienced. It wasn;t the wrong bike as far as suitability is concerned. But it's indirectly cost me a great deal of time and money over and above what I'd set aside and was willing to pay or devote to it. So at some point the sensible thing is to draw a line, get bike sorted / replaced with a new one and then perhaps sell and move on to an arrangement with back-up service, which with luck won't ever be needed .

I'll give you a call soon to discuss hire options.

 

[Electrifying Cycles]

Welcome to email me, private message or just call. Will see what we can do as generally just do holiday hire.

 

[dmcgoldrick]

Thanks. It's best to explore all options and keep an open mind - the rental thing appeals a lot as I definitely won't be keeping the sort of bike I need for the next few months long term. There are other bikes I'd buy if it's just for fun and driving them to where they'd be ridden etc. - which is where I need to work towards getting back to I think after a long and expensive trial !

There'll definitely be a fix for the mechanical issue I have - it's called a new frame (i.e. replacement bike) if it comes to that as the bike is only 6 months old and has had the issue since new. But you can't get to that point without ruling out all other possibilities first, which is a very tedious process. My main issue is loss of confidence in being mobile when I go back to 1 bike in one place if something goes wrong.

I am clearly vulnerable so should make arrangements which accommodate that. I bought my bike after a week of knowing about eBikes following a major life change, somewhat blind and inexperienced. It wasn;t the wrong bike as far as suitability is concerned. But it's indirectly cost me a great deal of time and money over and above what I'd set aside and was willing to pay or devote to it. So at some point the sensible thing is to draw a line, get bike sorted / replaced with a new one and then perhaps sell and move on to an arrangement with back-up service, which with luck won't ever be needed .

I'll give you a call soon to discuss hire options.

why is the bike not back at the kalkhoff dealer you bought from, and by now you should have a replacement.....its covered by the 'not fit for purpose' rule which reputable dealers comply with. its interesting that the model you chose is not on the 2013 sales range in the uk.......we only hear of a few minor issues with kalkhoff bikes as a general rule but you seem to have a rogue one which needs changing for a new one under warranty. cant understand why you are having to go through such a lengthy process. that should be the dealers problem.......is there more to this than we can see from your posts ???
regards

 

[103Alex1]

No there's no more to this than you can see from my posts. It's probably a rogue one and my suspicion is that it should be replaced. I am certainly not happy with having frames reset on a new bike without much more information about what this involves and a proper 2nd opinion, together with a discussion with Kalkhoff themselves. It puts stress on the metal and can cause issues of longevity down the line. But the way to find out if this is the problem is to get the dropouts checked as to whether parallel.

I can ride the bike albeit I have to adjust the wheel after every 5-6 miles. But at least this allows my minimum daily subsistence needs to be serviced. That's about all though - been like that for weeks now. Been through new washers etc etc and tightened with ratchet spanners to BB torques to test (so there's nothing wrong on account of the wheel nuts not being tight enough).

I am taking the bike in to an LBS on Friday (apparently I understand at my own expense like my 1st service and replacement chainguard) because I cannot afford to be without use of the bike for 3-4 days, which is what sending back to dealer to look at this will involve.

The LBS will check this whilst I wait. I have been told I can't have a loan bike whilst this is going back & forth as well as the collect/return costs being met (or in any event actually) - so I am basically left with the choice of paying for local shop to check the bike or being without transport. Latter is a no-go so this is where I find myself - in the one place I'd hoped to avoid with a top end bike.

As with all these things the priority is to get the bike fixed permanently or replaced under warranty and in the meantime I am reflecting on the unfortunate experience - which could have happened with any new bike - but in this case happened to me with mine. I'm in no hurry to go anywhere near exposing myself to this sort of grief again any time soon with any bike without a proper bike loan and drop/collect service for peace of mind. It's the only convincing reason for someone who doesn't live near a dealer or have transport alternatives to consider buying a new bike from a UK dealer imho.

 

[dmcgoldrick]

No there's no more to this than you can see from my posts. It's probably a rogue one and my suspicion is that it should be replaced. I am certainly not happy with having frames reset on a new bike without much more information about what this involves and a proper 2nd opinion, together with a discussion with Kalkhoff themselves. It puts stress on the metal and can cause issues of longevity down the line. But the way to find out if this is the problem is to get the dropouts checked as to whether parallel.

I can ride the bike albeit I have to adjust the wheel after every 5-6 miles. But at least this allows my minimum daily subsistence needs to be serviced. That's about all though - been like that for weeks now. Been through new washers etc etc and tightened with ratchet spanners to BB torques to test (so there's nothing wrong on account of the wheel nuts not being tight enough).

I am taking the bike in to an LBS on Friday (apparently I understand at my own expense like my 1st service and replacement chainguard) because I cannot afford to be without use of the bike for 3-4 days, which is what sending back to dealer to look at this will involve.

The LBS will check this whilst I wait. I have been told I can't have a loan bike whilst this is going back & forth as well as the collect/return costs being met (or in any event actually) - so I am basically left with the choice of paying for local shop to check the bike or being without transport. Latter is a no-go so this is where I find myself - in the one place I'd hoped to avoid with a top end bike.

As with all these things the priority is to get the bike fixed permanently or replaced under warranty and in the meantime I am reflecting on the unfortunate experience - which could have happened with any new bike - but in this case happened to me with mine. I'm in no hurry to go anywhere near exposing myself to this sort of grief again any time soon with any bike without a proper bike loan and drop/collect service for peace of mind. It's the only convincing reason for someone who doesn't live near a dealer or have transport alternatives to consider buying a new bike from a UK dealer imho.

good luck.....i think you are letting the dealer off the hook.......ask for replacement or money refund under warranty.....you have a very strong case and dont be fobbed off. give them 14 days to sort it or take legal action.....
regards

 

[103Alex1]

I'm away tomorrow and part of Thursday back on Friday so going to get the LBS's verdict anyway as it was so hard getting an appointment at any LBS inside 2 weeks now the sun's come out. I had to really pull some favours to get them to bring me forward to then. It can do no harm to have a professional opinion on a matter of simple geometry before taking things any further and if the problem is what the dealer and I both think it may be this will give us the facts to agree the resolution. For me this will most likely be a replacement under warranty in those circumstances. If this is not the problem then there is some other defect with the bike and will most likely issue a Notice if a replacement is not forthcoming voluntarily.

Whichever way the problem will be solved before I sell the bike on - but it looks increasingly like that's what I'm going to end up doing unless my confidence is restored somehow by getting an independent confirmation of a rogue isolated issue.

I tend to give people a heck of a lot of rope and bend over backwards in the ways I am able to in order to work round issues because in the end it's in my own interests to get my needs accommodated. It's just very frustrating this is happening with this particular steed as I liked it so much. Plus I've got 4 f*****g sets of tyres for it and about £500 of accessories chosen specifically for that frame and bars so if I'm honest I'm pretty much fed up with the fact that simple solutions have not worked.

Looking at it objectively, if I wind up renting a bike I'll have plenty of time to make sure all the correct warranty steps are taken with this one as I'll no longer be reliant on it. It's basically virtually new and in immaculate condition constantly maintained so when fixed or replaced will either way make someone a very nice bike. But it'll likely be curtains for it by then, given up on as something which let me down when I needed it not to. So let's just hope for an expedited fix.