I was once a loyal Centurion bike fan – now I’m not.
In 2000, I bought my last “real Centurion Challenger” and unfortunately it died last year. I used the bike daily in all kinds of weather without having any mechanical problems. The occasionally flat tire, of-course – but after changing to kelvar tires this hardly happened. Near the end, the bike was so worn down, the gears broke. The repair would cost me close, to what a new bike would cost, so I decided to “let go”.
All this was quite OK, I had got my full moneys worth and had had lots off fun with her. She was one cool bike. The workmanship, quality and value for money was truly amazing – as close to perfection you could ask for.
Now that was then and unfortunately this is now. In April 2006 I bought a new Centurion Challenger at “Sand & Olsen” close to where I live. The price was about dk. kr. 5000,- which is very reasonably for a good, durable and quality bike. Tragically, this bike was a far cry from what I had expected. The bike was/is a disaster financially, due to the massive amount of repairs and total lack of reliability. In effect, I don’t have a bike.
This is a rough outline what I have experienced the first year.
1) Numerous flat tires the first month. I had to change the rear tire to a quality kelvar tire after 5-6 flat tires.
2) Gearshifter, broke three times. This is the cable and mounting that changes the inner gears. This repair had to paid for in full by myself. Apparently it locked-up, when it gets below zero centigrade. It’s too bad, since I live in the temperate zone, where it can get cold in wintertime. But I can live happily in knowing that Centurion bikes in the tropic don’t have this problem. Am I asking too much for in a “quality” bike? My previous bike never failed me in that manner.
3) When bicycling in first gear, the bike had a tendency in going in to “partial free gear”, where the pedals would go round but the bike would go nowhere. I had to return my bike three times to “Sand & Olsen” before the problem was fixed. The total repair time was about a month and I had to go without (again) without my primary mode of transport.
4) The constant doubt if the bike at all was able to get med where I was planing. This worried me and I was in high risk at being delayed due to “bike error”. The bike wasn’t dependable and I had to inform myself constantly about alternative public transport routes. I distrusted my Centurion.
At this point, I contacted the producer Centurion (DanBike) and asked for my money back or a bike that wouldn’t fall apart. I felt that I was being cheated, because the quality was nowhere near the quality one would expect of of a bike in that price range. I felt that Centurion (DanBike) were morally and legally accountable. Centurion did not agree and since the bike was still fixable.
5) The axle between the pedals came lose last month. I returned the the bike to “Sand & Olsen” and demanded my money back. They where not interested in this because this was a new area of repairs and probably fixable. The bike is still at the store.
The only legal option I’m left with, is to make a case before “Forbrugerklagenævnet”. They are a small claims court where you are able to complain over products. This is all very well, but it will take 5-7 months before they are able to deliver a verdict. And still, it’s not sure if “Sand & Olsen” will accept the ruling and then I’ll be forced to make a lawsuit.
I’m utterly disappointed that Centurion are now making subs-standard bikes and in effect overpricing their product. Somehow this seems to defie logic, what they are doing. “Centurion bikes” used to mean quality, value for money, and close to perfection. By degrading their brand – they are cashing out of the market. Consumers arn’t willing to stand for this. I see a future where Centurion will have to charge less for their product and having increasingly a hard time making ends meet. The previous loyal consumers will find good brands and stay clear away from Centurion – no matter what Centurion produces in the future.
It seems that I’m running out of options. The problem is, that I’m very angry and annoyed over this whole affair. Instead of bottling my anger up and having a lousy time – I have decided in using it as fuel for my next IT-project. I bought hosing and the domain www.skod-centurion.info, which basically means crappy centurion in danish. On this site Ive planned to list all of my problems with Centurion and utter my opinion of the product “Centurion” in Danish, English and even German. Hopefully other centurions stories from other x-centurion users will come along. I should have the site up and running in medio June.
I have contacted Fri Cykler and told them of all my problems and hope they are able to help. They are affiliated with “Sand & Olsen” and seem to be the wholesaler. I wrote yet another mail to Centurion and told them of my last problems and my “project”. These are all last ditch attempt in getting what I find fair. I’m not very optimistic and it is highly unlikely I’ll get a speedy resolution in the near future. If aren’t interested now – when would they?
My experience has been gained at high financial cost. Now I’m seriously thinking about giving up using a bike as my primary mode of transport. At the moment I can’t afford a good bike and can’t afford another “Centurion adventure”. I probably will have to use public transport even though I prefer using a bike.
Still I don’t understand why the Centurion seem, oblivious what the consumer thinks about their product. The total lack off understanding and disinterest still has me amazed. I just don’t get it.
Looking at the Centurion site feels me with mixed feelings, simply because of their slogan – “Centurion, close to perfection”. Well I better not get into this topic – I’ll just get angry,…..
