Expectations and Terms & Conditions

We are proud of our shop and the quality of our products and services. We want you to be happy with your purchase and will endeavour to make it so. If you are not completely satisfied we are more than happy to have a chat and try and come up with a mutually beneficial outcome.

What to expect?

We pride ourselves on the quality of our workmanship. However, bikes and their components are mechanical (sometimes electronic) and are therefore subject to variation and change.

Below are some things that we try our best to avoid but might occur after servicing …

  • Cable stretch or movement of cable ferrules can occur, leading to poor gear changes. We try to avoid this, but it can occur. Just get in touch, and we’ll adjust for free.
  • A new chain may slip on old cassettes or chainrings. This is very difficult to spot in the shop as it usually only occurs under pedalling pressure. Unfortunately, the only solution is to replace the cassette and / or chainrings.
  • Disc brake pads and rim brake blocks make squeal initially. They can take time to bed in. If squeal persists, please get in touch as adjustment may be needed.
  • Although uncommon sometimes replaced bearings may creak under pressure. Get in contact, and we’ll sort it.

Recommendations for keeping your bike working properly and avoiding problems at your next service …

  • Make sure your bike is dry before leaving it at the end of a ride. Corrosion often can’t be seen and can lead to seized components and prematurely worn bearings, and therefore, higher future servicing costs.
  • Avoid spray lubes or using excessive lube as these can spoil brake pads and blocks, leading to squealing and loss of braking power. The only solution is to replace them as once contaminated, they cannot be cleaned.
  • Avoid cross chaining when riding as this greatly reduces the life of your chain, cassette, chainrings, and derailleurs.

We recommend a basic service and check-over once or twice every year. We suggest before winter and / or summer seasons.
As a rough guide, a chain needs replacing every 2000 to 3000 miles. Regular chain replacement will avoid the slipping problem above. Cassettes and chainrings should last for about 3 chains. If left wet after a ride, these guidelines do not apply.

Regular checks you can do …

  • tyres: no cracks or splits
  • worn brake pads / blocks
  • wobbly wheel bearings
  • frayed cable ends

Things to notice when riding …

  • rubbing / grinding noises
  • stiff or noisy gear change
  • creaks
Wheels

We build excellent wheels, and we take great care when tensioning, de-stressing and truing them. However …

  • They may make some ‘twinkling noises’ when you first ride them. This should subside very quickly. If not pop in and we will re-work them (free of charge).
  • Occasionally your wheel may naturally go out of true. Pop in and we will sort it. This does not include damage due to accidents or pot holes etc.
  • We are so confident that we give you a lifetime warranty on our workmanship. We will only charge for worn parts, our time is free of charge.

Returns and Quality of Work Policies

Returns

If you believe the goods we have sold are not satisfactory and wish to return them, and the goods are boxed and undamaged, we will … Give a full refund within 7 days of purchase, or give a credit note within 14 days of purchase. In both cases if goods or packaging are damaged the above does not apply. We are not liable for removal of parts you have fitted yourself post purchase.

Faulty Goods

If goods we sell are faulty we will, 1) endeavour to get our suppliers to replace the part under warranty, or 2) provide a free repair, or 3) replace the item subject to stock, 4) give a full refund. ‘Faulty’ does not mean ‘it needs adjusting’ or it has worn out, or has been fitted incorrectly by yourself – if it needs adjusting we will do it free of charge. Our return of faulty goods policy applies for 14 days after purchase only. This is considered adequate time for you to check the goods. If you have damaged the goods the above does not apply.

Fitting Parts not Sourced from Pickering’s Bikes

Although not our preference we occasionally will agree to fit parts you have sourced yourself. However, we will not be held responsible if subsequently fault is found. This also applies to bike assembly where you have purchased the bike yourself.

Workmanship

If you are not happy with our workmanship please let us know within 14 days and we will put things right free of charge. We are not liable for correct function and performance of parts you have fitted yourself. Post 14 days we are usually happy to correct minor problems but cannot always put things right without extra charges.

The above complies with the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and Consumer Rights Act 2015.