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@jimalex
A friend at work (Pete) recently asked my opinion when looking for a new bike to buy. Either spend £500+ on the ride to work or get a Create. I related all I have heard of Creat / Unipak - that they're likely to fall apart, that you should go over them with lube and an allen key before you ride them, and that you can't expect them to last very long without starting to replace parts.
Pete opted for the Create reasoning that if it got him through the Summer and he ditched it then at £189 it would still be a pretty good deal.
When the bike arrived (black frame fluro green wheels mmm) both wheels were out of true slightly. All bolts were duly tightened and brake levers and calipers adjusted.
The first week passed without incidence and indeed my friend (it is my friend honest!) was having a great time being back on the road.
Week 2 and the bearings went in the rear wheel NDS. Seemed like several of the ball bearings had worked their way loose and fallen out, leaving play in the axle.
After contacting Create they promised to send a replacement wheel - in a month! After some complaining they sent a set of replacement bearings in the post and said they would pay for the mechanic charge to fit these. Evans charged £20(!) and when the receipt went back to Create they stated they were only willing to pay £3-£7. These figures had not been previously mentioned.
The wheel duly repaired my friend rode home. On a quiet street the crank arm sheared off the taper of the bottom bracket. Following another angry email a replacement Shimano 'upgrade' BB was despatched. We'll be fitting this tomorrow to get back on the road.
So six weeks after purchase Pete has had a week of riding and loads of hassle.
Do yourself a favour if you're thinking of buying one of these and don't.