Halfords has completely met my expectations as regards service level
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Shame that Boardmans are exclusive to Halfords.
After 4 or 5 rides on the ADV9.0 the freewheel started to sound very dry and would "crack" under load - as the pawls click into the ratchet. This was obviously Formula hubs well known quality, it was most likely assembled with no grease.
I was not concerned about this, 30 mins to do a quick service and all would be well for 6 months or more... er, no!
I could not see any way to get the freewheel off the hub. At one end of the axle it says "Loosen --->", however there seems to be no way to hold the axle to loosen it. Normally one would hold the axle with an 11mm hex wrench, but the inside of the axle is cyclindrical. Even Google could not elicit any instructions for dismantling this hub. Apparently Formula is famous for its lack of service info.
I decided to take it to Halfords to ask how it comes to bits. 4 visits later it is fixed and they were able to confirm my fears that the disc needs to be removed first (which is just pants!).
Visit 1: Called in on spec... no mechanic on site!
Visit 2: Had to book a slot. Arrived to find them dealing with another customer, in my time-slot. Eventually they took the wheel to the "mechanic". The "mechanic" seems to exist only behind closed doors. The "mechanic" didn't know how it comes apart. Turns out the "mechanic" is not really a mechanic, just a member of staff who dabbles with bikes.
Visit 3: Had to wait 2 weeks to see the real mechanic. Took the wheel in and was told to go home and wait for the call for when it is fixed. Got a call in the afternoon to say it had been dismantled but the mechanic didn't have time to grease it and reassemble until 2 days time!!
Visit 4: 2 days later picked up the wheel serviced and greased. Still never got to see the fake or real mechanic but the assistant told me that the disc had to be removed then the axle spacer will come out and a tommy bar can be used to hold the axle.
Should have just bought the £16 tool to remove the Shimano disc and done it myself! I'm going to have to buy the tool anyway, for future servicing.