Issues with Spa Cycles - advice?

[Ugo51]

It was one of their own cranks, yes. The XD2, I believe.

 

[Tootyred]

Yes. The machining is shocking. I got a pair of arms only 2 years back as cheap repair for a mates bike. When i went to put the rings on....

1-3 in ok ish.
4.....hummm thats a very very tight, not very central.
5....your having a laugh, 2mm out of centre.

Got my money back and they said they would raise my concern with the manufacturer......looks like that escaped them.

If they cant set up cnc to drill 5 holes in a circle, im rather worried whats happened to the mighty sugino.

Im not suprised you thread was stripped, if somebody at the factory actually managed to get the bolts in! Probably with an impact driver!

 

[Ugo51]

The finishing of the crank was shocking, yes.
But it was also a very cheap set, so I wasn't expecting high quality.

The biggest issue here, however, is not the poor quality of the crank, but the quality of Spa customer service.

 

[Tootyred]

On that front, i had no issues. Polite, friendly and not a quibble in sight. Not an excuse, but maybe you just got him on a bad day. We all have them.

Now if you want shocking customer service and organisation try Winstanley cycles. Hell, even i almost gave up trying to sort out issues with them and im retired with bugger all else to do except ride me bike!

 

[Ugo51]

So I thought, and yes, we all have them. It just happens. But I spoke with him 3 times. And 3 bad days in the space of a week it means he's either going through something so bad he shouldn't be dealing with customers, or that he's so rude that...he shouldn't be dealing with customers

Winstanley cycles eh? I almost bought a bike from them last year, then decided to go for Boardman (from whom, on the other hand, I received excellent customer service)

 

[greencat]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with spa. For me, a sign of a great company is not whether they manage to actually deliver what they promised, but what they do if something goes wrong. A company with a default of the customer is wrong is not one I want to deal with. Goodwill is worth serious money in the internet age as word gets around very quickly. I had a bad experience with On-one over a decade ago - and probably told dozens of people since. Essentially, I wouldn't spend money with them that I couldn't afford to lose so where once I bought bikes & wheels from them, they'll be lucky if I buy the odd heavily discounted tyre. Obviously they've made the calculation there are plenty more customers where I came from.

Three bad phone calls with spa, and it's no wonder you're considering never to use them again. It's not only the experience, but the wasted time and energy. IMO, they should be looking to make it up to you through some kind of goodwill gesture.

People complain about Amazon taking over the world, but their customer service is blooming good. Never a quibble about a return. Staff permissioned to make it right if customer still upset.

 

[half cog]

Not going to defend spa as I have had some right sessions with them.Bought some ice spike tyres and needed wider rims.They had some on offer and as they were only for the very worst of winter and the assistant said those are what you need I thought they would do. Built the wheels only to find the tyres would not fit. Queried it qith spa only to be told that the rims were for tubeless tyres..These days I view all bike shops as buyer beware.Was in a shop where a couple were buying an mtb for a young lad. he could only stand over it by being on tip toes.That will be fine said the assistant. He will grow into it.As long as you dont want grand chilldren I commented.I was told to leave the shop.Was a case of whatever he wanted rid of would be fine.I saw the couple outside ( they did not buy it )and explaned the minimum clearance for an mtb.His mum said he wont be going off road .Maybe not I replied but like all young lads he will be jumping off kerbs and building ramps with his mates.As far as xd2 are concerned I have now had four sets of these. All were from Spa and well finished with all holes alligned.Just a good solid touring crankset.It sounds very much like there has been a duff batch allowed out of the factory. Not a problem I have come accross. There are some good assistants at spa but there is also one right nightmare.Allways surprised John hasnt moved him on .There is a bike superstore in ireland now owned by an english company (Sorry cant remember the name ).Bought a kask helmet from them. The adfjuster button came off the back.Insisted the helmet was returned and then lost it. Took me four months and threats of trading standards to get a refund. there must be some good bike shops out there but I have to admit I now approach them all with caution

 

[Ugo51]

In the end Spa Cycles issued a refund, but only for the cranks and not for postage. Which to me says they don't believe it was a defective part.
They sent an email saying the refund was a goodwill gesture.
Well, at this point I am glad to have got most of my money back (postage was only £4, but it's a matter of principle).

People complain about Amazon taking over the world, but their customer service is blooming good. Never a quibble about a return. Staff permissioned to make it right if customer still upset.

I know, but I hate it. I would rather support local and domestic businesses, but the temptation to just use Amazon is strong.

I have to say I mostly shop on eBay and, when possible, from private sellers.
I'll probably look for a second hand crank, although it will be nigh impossible to find on 160mm length...

 

[mattr]

Not going to defend spa as I have had some right sessions with them.Bought some ice spike tyres and needed wider rims.They had some on offer and as they were only for the very worst of winter and the assistant said those are what you need I thought they would do. Built the wheels only to find the tyres would not fit. Queried it qith spa only to be told that the rims were for tubeless tyres..

Tubeless/not tubeless rims makes no difference as to whether the tyres will fit. Ditto with the tyres.
As long as the size is the same, all combinations will work.
Might be a bit tight though.

 

[Ugo51]

Might be a bit tight though.

"a bit"