I have something of an awkward dilemma.
A few weeks ago I bought a Genesis Skyline on my firm's Cycle2Work
scheme. Unfortunately, the scheme is set up through Halfords, so I
had to order the bike through them. Anyway, on getting the bike home
I discovered a relatively large dent in the top tube. Obviously it
was rather embarrassing to return a bike as dented after I'd already
ridden it, but Halfords were extremely good about it, readily agreed
that the lack of any scratches clearly showed this was an injury
sustained in the factory, and arranged for a replacement bike.
I've ridden the replacement about 3 times. Then today I had to stop
suddenly after a pedestrian stepped out in front of the car in front
of me. I didn't come off the bike, but it reared up and came down a
little awkwardly. End result: very slight bend in the front wheel and
a rear wheel that needs to be completely rebuilt (surprisingly, given
the rather light nature of the fall).
My problem is this: after taking a look at the rear wheel my LBS
consider the spokes to be far too tight and suggest returning the bike
under warranty. I'm not sure if I have the nerve to return a second
bike with a pair of bent wheels and demand they be replaced. Could
the spokes have become tight when the wheel bent? Is it unreasonable
to expect a replacement?
P.S. Chap in the car in front was a true gent. I brushed his car
with my bike (came to a stop as we touched - no real impact) and he
was totally unconcerned - just worried I might be hurt (I and his car
were both fine).