Help needed

[PBelvir]

Hi every one

I left my undamaged Raleigh road frame with a frame builder to have it resprayed. After 2 months I was told to my surprise that it was "all bent" although the undercoat had been applied!!!!! I would like to know if anyone else has had a similar experience or could provide some advice on how to take this matter forwards as the owner has denied liability.

Thank you very much

[Snoop Doug]

Hmmmm - long shot but have you any recent pics that yo could show him - minus any bends...?

[Mike I]

What exactly does he mean by "all bent"? And why has it taken 2 months and an undercoat to notice? If he means bent in the sense of 'looks like a bus has run over it', the fact that he didn't mention it earlier indicates it has happened while he had it.

Or is he saying that it needs re-tracking? Over time, with hard riding and the occasional knock, forks and stays get out of alignment. It would be difficult to show that he had caused this. A frame-builder should be able to fix it though.

I think you need to establish the nature and extent of the damage and take it from there.

[Matt Robbins]

Maybe you should threaten to name and shame this "frame builder" on every cycling forum going and report him to British Cycling, CTC, Trading Standards, Local MP etc etc etc...the power of forums like this is pretty big now. As an example there is a forum for fixed gear riders in london, on there a certain frame resprayer in south east london has been getting some bad press (unfairly I think) and it certainly made me think twice about going there, even though I know he is a pretty sound bloke.

As an aside if you want a really good powder coat on a frame try ADEPT finishers on Thornton Heath Pond...the guy who owns it's son is a pretty hand y TTer and track rider so he really understands bikes....and it only took 3 days!!!

[PBelvir]

thank you all for your comments and suggestions.

my point exactly why did it take a sand blast, an undercoat and 2 months to notice that frame was damaged??????????????

the damage is really noticable and you do not have to be an expert to see it. the frame is bent like a banana. i wanted to insert a couple of pics but i am not sure how to do it. the owner of the frame building firm has concluded that a motor vehicle must have reversed and squashed the bike against a wall in a garage. anyway he says it cannot be repaired.

if i cannot enter in a more sensible argument with frame builder then i will have to consider naming and shaming.

if anymore of you have had similar experiences please let me know

thank you

Philippe

[Andrew G]

I'd take a very strong attitude with them if they've bent the frame. Could also be worth mentioning that apart from naming and shaming on the net etc that you ride for a club with 250 members, just featured in CW, with a staff member in the club.

Hollow threats and name no names but it may help persuade.

[Hal]

I sounds pretty convincingly like the damage occurred while the frame was in his care. As it is un-repairable I would suggest you approach them for an offer of compensation that you are willing to accept in light of their error. Find out how much it will cost for similar spec frame, perhaps add an extra compensation for inconvenience caused / sentimental attachment to the old frame.

If he is not going to take any responsibility then the http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk may be able to give you some more advice, or a threat of taking him to the small claims court.

Good luck

H

[Mike I]

Check your home insurance to see whether you have legal expenses cover; you might also try Citizens' Advice.

I would be very careful about actually going down the 'name and shame' route. Libel laws are loaded against you, and it isn't going to get you a new frame or compensation.

[PBelvir]

thank you for all the suggestions, very useful
I prefer not to mention any names at the moment
just see how things develop

[quote="Seanieh_LanterneRouge©"][quote="44x18"]Check your home insurance to see whether you have legal expenses cover; you might also try Citizens' Advice.

I would be very careful about actually going down the 'name and shame' route. Libel laws are loaded against you, and it isn't going to get you a new frame or compensation.