A lot of what defines the consumer guarantee of your specific purchase from Bikes Online depends upon the product’s intended use.

Parts, Accessories and Apparel are only to be used for their intended purpose and their wear and tear throughout their lifetime is not counted as part of the consumer guarantee . If these products are subjected to harsh or abrasive conditions or events; such as falling, crashing and over-stressing with the product being used outside of its intended design parameters, premature wear or failure can occur, the consumer guarantee is no longer applicable.

For bicycles, we separate them into classes to help define their correct purpose. No one bicycle is suited for all purposes, so that's why we have our excellent team of customer service agents to make sure the rider is on the right bicycle. Choosing the wrong type of bicycle for your use scenario can be hazardous, not just for the bicycle but also for the rider.

We have 6 classes of bicycle, each serving a different type of rider and best use scenario. If you require further details about what classes your bike fits into please contact our customer service teams.

Reasons for consumer guarantee  denial for all classes of bicycle: 

• Bicycles used in rental or commercial operations or competition.

• Bicycles that have suffered neglect, misuse or improper handling.

• Acts of God resulting in damage or future issues.

• General “wear and tear” is not covered under the consumer guarantee of the bicycles. This is related to proper maintenance, as outlined in the manual. Examples of wear and tear items are grips, bar tape, saddles, tyres, inner tubes, bearings and bushings, spokes, chains, brakes, cables and gear sprockets in situations where there are no assembly or material defects.

• Continuing to ride the bicycle with obvious issues or known issues causing further deterioration will result in consumer guarantee denial. 

• Bicycles should be serviced and maintained by a qualified professional mechanic according to acceptable service intervals. Any improper modification or maintenance performed by a qualified professional mechanic resulting in issues will result in consumer guarantee denial.

• Modifications to the original specifications of the bicycle will mean the bicycle’s original consumer guarantee no longer covers anything affected by those modifications.

• Rust, paint finish and decal damage is not covered if resulting from taking part in competitions, jumping, downhill and/or training for such activities or events or as a result of exposing the bike to, or riding the bike in severe conditions or climates.

Each class below illustrates the correct use for the various classification of bicycles.

Class 1: Bicycles that are designated for children or rigid city bikes. These include 12-16” and 20” kids bikes (including entry level BMX).

• Riding of the bicycle on regular paved roads, designated bicycle routes, and gravel roads.

• The wheels need to remain in contact with the ground at all times.

• Respect reasonable rider weights for children's bicycles.

• Children's bikes are not designed for speeds above 15km/hour.

Class 2: Bicycles that are designated as Road Racing bicycles, Pavement, City bicycles w/suspension and Leisure Orientated bikes w/o suspension.

• Riding of the bicycle on regular paved roads, designated bicycle routes, and well maintained gravel roads.

• The wheels need to remain in contact with the ground at all times.

• The bicycle can be ridden around at a moderate or high speed.

• Despite some bikes having suspension features, these are not meant for jumps or off-road capability, but these are designed to add comfort.

Class 3: Bicycles that are designated as Gravel, Touring Bikes, Hybrid or Dual Sports Bikes that are equipped with some suspension, 24″ Mountain Bikes with suspension and Mountain Bikes for adult riders equipped with suspension and with open drop outs (quick release axles) in one or both ends. 

• Riding of the bicycle on regular tarmac, bicycle designed routes, gravel road, paved, non-paved hiking trails (with several roots, rocks and small drops) where small loss of tire contact with the ground may occur.

• Wheels have constant contact with the ground surface or remain “in-control” when riding on loose terrain.

• Not intended for jumps, stunts or drops.

Class 4: Bicycles that are known as Cross country or trail bikes. With dual suspension travel up to 140mm and having thru axles front and rear. 

• Riding of the bicycle is suitable for all terrain listed in Class 3 as well as rougher unpaved terrain, such as maintained XC trails.

• Suitable for riding jumps and drops with an intended height of no more than 1m.

Class 5: Bicycles that are known as All-mountain or Enduro Dual suspension bikes designed for trail and uphill riding. With suspension travel between 140-180mm on the front and rear. Keep in mind the components on these bicycles are designed to be more rugged than those of XC or trail bikes but are not designed for downhill or freeride style riding.

• Riding of the bicycle is suitable for all terrain listed in Class 4 as well as very rough, technical and rocky terrain.

• Jumps and drops are intended to be less than 2m maximum height.

• Due to being designed for more taxing terrain; regular cleaning, lubrication and regular maintenance is required.

• It is recommended that after each riding session a thorough inspection of the bike is done.

Class 6: Bicycles that are known as Gravity with the maximum amount of travel available (150+mm), or be a stunting bike designed for competition slopestyle or BMX. These bikes are the most suited to the most challenging of terrain that are the most demanding upon a bicycle.

• Riding of the bicycle is suitable for all terrain listed in Class 5 as well extreme jumping or “gravity” style trails. The terms of “gravity” style trails are often changing but it is understood these are the most challenging style of trails.

• The type of terrain these bicycles are designed for can be unpredictable, dangerous and impart abnormal forces to the bicycle and the rider. So it is important to respect general reasons for denial of consumer guarantee as well as personal safety.

• Due to the heavy intended use scenarios these types of bicycles face inspections after every ride is necessary to catch any issues at their earliest stage. Do not continue to ride if an issue is discovered, get it looked at by a qualified professional mechanic.

• Cleaning after every riding session will make sure you get the longest life out of your bicycle and its components. This is also a good chance to find issues before they turn catastrophic.