When I was young, a top lawyer gave me a piece of advice:
“If someone tells you they guarantee something, ask: ‘With what?’ – because without that, a ‘guarantee’ is just an empty promise.”
That advice turned out to be golden. In this article, I’ll first explain what a warranty really is, and then outline the BikeGremlin El Rey Del Najlon warranty specifically.
In short (details below):
A warranty isn’t a promise that nothing will ever go wrong – it’s a written agreement that clearly states what’s covered, how long it’s covered for, and exactly what you get if it fails. Without that, it’s just words.
1. Do you actually know what a warranty is?
People, from market stall sellers to politicians, often say things like: “I guarantee that we will…” or “I guarantee it’s…” Such “guarantees” mean nothing; they’re not warranties at all.
The word “guarantee” is being used the same way you’d say “trust me, bro.”
For something to be a real warranty, it must have the following:
1.1. Scope (what’s covered)
- Exactly what is covered: specific parts, faults, defects, or situations.
- Conditions for coverage: e.g. “only if used under normal conditions” or “only manufacturing defects, not wear and tear.”
- Time limit: when coverage starts and when it ends (time, mileage, etc.).
1.2. Backing (what it’s guaranteed with)
What you commit to do if the covered item/service fails:
- Repair, replacement, or refund.
- Timeframe for doing so (e.g. within 45 days of the fault being reported).
1.3. Legal enforceability
Without a binding, legally enforceable obligation (and something tangible to back it, like company assets), a “warranty” is just advertising.
To repeat: a warranty doesn’t mean the thing will work perfectly – it only defines what happens if it doesn’t.
2. BikeGremlin El Rey Del Najlon warranty
What exactly do I guarantee when you buy an El Rey Del Najlon bike from me?
To be clear: this is not a statutory warranty – it’s a personal promise, as you’ll see below.
I’m from Novi Sad (Serbia/Europe/the third big rock from the Sun) – I don’t ship bicycles by mail, not even outside the city, let alone farther (pickup in person only). One of the main ideas of this article (and the “El Rey Del Najlon” project) is to inspire and motivate other shops to offer something like this and help people (and themselves).
2.1. Scope and conditions
The warranty covers the frame, fork, bearings, spokes – basically, everything that’s not a consumable part – under normal use.
It does not cover damage from jumps over one metre high, heavy crashes, pressure-washer cleaning near the bearings (which flushes out grease and ruins them), and similar misuse.
Consumables are not covered: tyres, chain, chainrings, brake pads, and braking surfaces.
The warranty lasts 3 years, on the condition that between 1 November and 28 February each year, the bike is brought in for a regular service (with the service itself and any replaced parts paid for).
2.2. Backing
I will replace the damaged part as quickly as possible, or refund your money if replacement isn’t possible (45 days is the official written period, but in practice I usually resolve claims the same or next day – unless I’m ill, down with a flu or similar).
2.3. Legal enforceability
As I already said, I don’t have a registered company – I’m essentially guaranteeing this with my own reputation. In other words, this is not a statutory warranty, but a personal promise.
Yes, it’s thin (either you take me at my word or you don’t) and that’s fine – I’m not trying to sell as many bikes as possible. If you have doubts, don’t buy. I always advise people not to deal with anyone they don’t trust – it’s the safest way.
Conclusion
Many people use “I guarantee” when they actually mean “I believe” or “I promise” (similar to how the word “literally” is now rarely used correctly).
Companies, on the other hand, often hide key details in the small print, intentionally misleading customers (e.g. “5-year warranty” but only on a fridge compressor – not the rest of the appliance, not labour, just the part itself).
That’s why it’s important to set realistic expectations and be clear about the conditions – and then stand behind them.
My goal is to solve problems so people are happy – but not at my own expense.
That’s why the annual off-season service (Nov–Feb) is mandatory – it normally costs from $30 (more if several parts are replaced) and ensures I’ve checked everything so I can return the bike with a clear conscience (as in: it’s in a condition I’d be happy for my own son to ride).
The essence is to provide a reliable bike – with components and condition such that I’m neither embarrassed nor losing money (i.e. the bike doesn’t break down easily or often).
I don’t know if I’ll sell a single bike, but I think it’s worth trying to offer people quality – I’m curious to see how it works out in practice. 🙂
PS – The essence
If you’ve made it this far, you’ll get the point:
New bikes on sale today are a disaster (link to my video on that – with a follow up video).
Used ones can still be found with sensible component choices, but buying used bikes is often a gamble.
I’m trying to offer well-built, sensibly specced used bikes that serve the rider – not the other way around. Sadly, you can only get that as used nowadays, and this warranty is my way of reducing the risk for people who don’t know bikes inside out.
Last updated:
Originally published:
