Bad repair by bike shop

[Chris D]

Hi all, advice please!

I had the brakes on my mountain bike repaired at a bike shop. I collected the bike on my way out to ride it. The rear brake failed, on inspection, it seemed that the pin that retains the brake pads was missing. This pin screws in, if fitted properly there's no way it can come out.

I emailed the bike shop with a description and photos, they called me to say the rear brake had failed entirely by coincidence and that they thought I had removed the pin in an attempt to con them into replacing the brakes for free and are refusing to fix it unless I pay for the repair.

I am seeking second opinions and quotes to repair from other trusted shops.

If the original shop continues to refuse to fix it, can I have the repair done elsewhere and take them to small claims for the costs? Cost might be small if it's simple in which case it's not enough to bother with, but could be around £120-150 if the rear brake caliper needs to be replaced due to damage sustained due to the missing pin.

Advice appreciated, thank you.

[atticus]

Yes you can do that. The Consumer Rights Act requires services provided to consumers to be of satisfactory quality. If not, you are entitled to request that this be remedied or for your money back.

How did you pay, and how much?