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There are times when we simply can not offer service

Introduction:  Lakeside Bicycles service staff is professionally trained and certified to work on pretty much all makes and models of bicycles, not just the ones we sell. Each member of the service team participates in skill-advancement sessions with factory service techs several times each year. Whether it’s a minor tune-up or a major overhaul, you can count on us to do the job right the first time, every time.  All of that said, there are some circumstances under which we will refuse service.  This article will try to clarify those circumstances. 

 

Therein lies the problem:  At Lakeside Bicycles we will only perform service under circumstances where we believe that the result can be ridden safely.  If we wouldn't put our mothers on that bike, we won't service it. 

This means that, for example, were you to ask us to adjust the shifting on a bicycle while refusing to allow us to repair unsafe brakes, we would be unwilling to help you.  

To further complicate the situation, what with COVID related shortages and all, of late there has been a proliferation of bicycle brands flooding the market some of which exist simply to take advantage of shortages.  In cases where we feel the overall quality of your bicycle is in question, we may require a purchase receipt from a reputable distributor (not Amazon) or even proof that the manufacturer has product liability insurance.    In the event we find ourselves forced to investigate the manufacturer of an off brand product, you will be charged for time and materials at our standard service rate or $120/hour. 

We understand that this can be disappointing or irritating and we aren't perfect, another mechanic at another shop may have a different and better informed opinion, non-the-less on issues of safety we are imovable.

E-Bikes:  In the midst of the various safety and quality nuances associated with servicing bicycles we have the Wild West Show of E-Bikes.

From small beginnings over a decade ago, there are now over two hundred different brands of E-Bikes, many of which are pretty horrible.  In a well regulated market many brands of E-Bikes would be deemed unsuitable for testing on prisoners.  The list of problems is lengthy and includes poorly designed and executed software, low quality and poorly assembled batteries, inadequate and low quality components especially including brakes, inadequately engineered frames,  inappropriate selection of tires, chains, brakes and wheels, and a near complete lack of manufacturer's support.

As a consequence Lakeside Bicycles is unwilling to provide even basic service to many brands of E-Bikes including some of the better known Direct To Consumer (DTC) brands.  Unfortunately it is impossible ascertain whether we will be able to service your E-Bike without your actually bringing it in to the shop for evaluation, we understand that this may be inconvenient but have been unable to figure a way to avoid it.

Furthermore, due to a spate of E-Bike and E-Scooter related fires (450+ fires in New York City alone), and a near complete failure by most manufacturers to have their products independently evaluated for safety, we are no longer willing to keep off-brand products on the premises overnight.  This means that, in the event we agree to service your product, we will ask you to take it home with you while waiting for your scheduled service appointment or while awaiting parts. 

In Conclusion:  Lakeside Bicycles will not attempt to make repairs in circumstances where we believe the outcome can not be safely used.  We do not claim to always be correct in our evaluations, nor do we claim to always detect every possible risk factor in products brought to us for service.   We are extremely selective with regard to which E-Bikes we agree to service.  We may not keep customer's E-Bikes or electric scooters on the premises while waiting for appointments or parts.  To the best of our knowledge we will always err on the side of our customer's safety.  Safety Before Commerce! 

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