Here is the anti-climactic ending to my most recent saga, entitled “The Ride from Hell / The Schwinn and Target Customer Service Test.” In a nutshell, the gears on my brand new 2 day old bike broke, requiring a $40 repair. I emailed both Schwinn and Target to see what they can do for me. Their responses:

Target responded saying they apologize wholeheartedly and I should call their customer service with the provided case number to take care of it. I called, got bounced around to several people who said their hands were tied before getting sent to a voicemail. I was then called back and told there is absolutely nothing they can do – no repair cost compensation, not even a stinkin Target coupon.

Schwinn never even responded to me.

Maybe it’s a sign of the times. Maybe it’s a sign that Schwinn and Target both need to improve their customer service before they are washed away in the rising tide of economic crapola.

This ain’t over Schwinn, not by a longshot.