Update on the bike.

[Antaresia]

So, I would have been happy with a refund. But it didn't get that far.

After the owner promised to "take care of it personally"; I drop off my bike and call a few hours later. I get the answer "Oh, IDK I think *other bike mechanic* was working on your bike" so much for taking care of it personally *eye roll*. I get the feeling the owner is just being nice to me to keep business, but the only people who warrant personal attention are the serious lycra-roadies. Anyway.

So the rear derailleur was "splayed open". I couldn't get a better description from him than that. It was replaced as well as the chain, the problem was blamed on a "bad shift"; and let it be known that I DON'T shift under pressure (I've been riding the 5 speed mixte for 5 months, it's a heck of a lot more cranky at shifting than the Soma so I know better), nor do I take this bike over anything larger than a storm-drain (mostly for fear of damaging the super-long fenders, lol). He wasn't sure if it was something I did, or a problem with the bike that caused it - but there was lots of "you probably wouldn't have noticed when it happened" and lots of small comments that amounted too "but it's really your fault" followed by "but I'm not blaming you"; it was frustrating and I really just wanted to stop talking to him more than anything. I didn't have this problem before the fenders were installed, but whatever. It seems to be fixed; the problem was pseudo-blamed on my use of the largest front chain ring as my default. So I just use the middle one now, no problems yet and I'm happy enough.
: /

I get a free tune up in a month, and when I'm done with this frigging LBS I'm never going back.

For reference, an LBS 3 cities over where I got my beater mixte was AWESOME. The owner there made sure I was comfortable on the bike I bought, lowered the seat because I was a new rider and it's a bit easier to start out that way - and he *wasn't* snotty about the fact that it didn't fit, just told me I might want to push it up higher later on. He also changed the top-tube shifters to a thumb shifter for free and it was his suggestion; because as a new rider he didn't want me having a hard time with shifters on top of learning how to ride in traffic.

I swear I am not a difficult customer. I am not picky or demanding and up until now I have have tipped every mechanic that has ever looked at one of my bikes or helped me fix it myself, and one time even brought them cookies.

I like my new bike, but grudgingly, if that makes any sense.

[laura*]

let it be known that I DON'T shift under pressure (I've been riding the 5 speed mixte for 5 months, it's a heck of a lot more cranky at shifting than the Soma so I know better)

One of the features of modern parts is that you CAN shift with pressure.

I didn't have this problem before the fenders were installed, but whatever.

I notice in the picture you posted in the other thread that the rear fender's mounting rods aren't symmetric left and right. Or maybe it's just the camera angle.

It seems to be fixed; the problem was pseudo-blamed on my use of the largest front chain ring as my default. So I just use the middle one now, no problems yet and I'm happy enough.
: /

Also in the picture, I notice you are in the big to big gear. You aren't supposed to cross chain like that. However, the bike should be able to handle it without breaking.

I get a free tune up in a month, and when I'm done with this frigging LBS I'm never going back.

For reference, an LBS 3 cities over where I got my beater mixte was AWESOME.

I seriously suggest not going back for the free tune up. Ride it for a little bit and then take the bike to the AWESOME shop and pay them for a complete check over. I wouldn't be surprised if something's still assembled wrong.

[Antaresia]

I would feel guilty bringing it to Awesome shop; like I cheated on them or something. I should have bought from them in the first place, they're just so far away from where I live.

[Catrin]

I would feel guilty bringing it to Awesome shop; like I cheated on them or something. I should have bought from them in the first place, they're just so far away from where I live.

Take it to the Awesome shop, they won't mind and you shouldn't feel guilty about it. They know that you will bring them other business...

This is how I started with my current LBS. My former LBS was unable to make my LHT fit me, so out of desperation I paid the 250 fitting fee at the new LBS so they could take care of it for me. I only purchased it at the first LBS because they gave me a great deal - but I had to spend the amount I saved to the new shop to have it fit properly. Lesson learned...