Blix Vika Plus Trouble

[smoz]

Once again I've fallen into the trap of Blix's lack of customer service. I received a controller from them months ago and installed it with success. I used the bike as my daily commuter and one day it happened to be drizzling and water got into the controller. I took it out and the water damage was visible. I contacted Blix in early January of 2020 and they told me that the part would be ready to ship to me by the end of January. I contacted them again in February only to have them tell me that they don't have any idea when the part will actually arrive, but they will let me know. This is just plain horrible customer service. A bit further research and I found out that the CEO was formerly working with H&M which makes perfect sense now. The similar business model of putting out cheap products that look expensive but are disposable. Pontus I'm sorry but I have to call you out like this because that was the only way I was able to get Blix to pay attention to my complaint last time.

 

[smoz]

New Update:

I just had a correspondence with Blix via email and this is what they had to say:

"I totally understand your frustration with the delays, however we are making some exceptions to our normal policy in this case, and unfortunately it can take a very long time for us to order parts for our older bikes. We normally don't stock parts for our old bikes beyond 5 years, and usually only order these parts when a customer is under warranty. "

You do the math for yourself. A company that does not stock parts past 5 years as their own policy does not believe their products should last any longer than that. Quite frankly I don't think this company has another 5 years left in it. Please choose wisely when purchasing an Ebike so you do not end up like me. Also I've since found out that other dealers have had the same problems with them and have dropped them from their bike shops for the same reason. Furthermore the company has been dishonest about where the bikes are made and there are other companies selling the same bike, however this one has a different paint and logo. Absolutely pathetic money grabbing scheme.

 

[Nova Haibike]

A company that does not stock parts past 5 years as their own policy does not believe their products should last any longer than that.

In my experience that is normal in the bicycle industry. If you really love something, get spares upfront, because they won't be available in the future.

I regret not hoarding Shimano lever hood covers.

 

[smoz]

In my experience that is normal in the bicycle industry. If you really love something, get spares upfront, because they won't be available in the future.

I regret not hoarding Shimano lever hood covers.

Maybe normal in the ebike industry but not the bike industry. I see vintage bikes all over the place functioning at their tip top shape. I totally would have hoarded but it's not like Blix sells parts on their website either. I just find it crazy that these ebike companies love to preach about being environmentally friendly when what they practice puts profits before the environment. If toyota can still have parts for a 99 camry, I don't see why they can't hoard parts on our behalf to avoid these situations. I also feel shafted because all they have done is take a chinese bike and put a paint job and a logo on it and they dare to call it "Swedish".

 

[Nova Haibike]

Maybe normal in the ebike industry but not the bike industry. I see vintage bikes all over the place functioning at their tip top shape.

I do mean the normal bike industry, because I have been in it for more than 40 years. I refurbish vintage bikes every day, but not with new OEM parts. By that I mean I can replace worn or broken parts with similar items that may work, but they would not be original to the bike. I am not referring to consumables like tires, brake pads, and cables. I mean shifters, derailleurs, or subassemblies of components. The only way you can replace like for like is if it is used.

I just had one of my guys try to repair his 26" Fox suspension fork. Fox does not have the part, and cannot fix it.