Am I asking too much?

[makbike]

Just prior to the Old Kentucky Home Tour I took my bike to a new shop for basic maintance (lube the bearing, check BB, adjust/replace any cables, etc). When I picked the bike up and rode it prior to the OKHT it was not shifting properly (I could not get the chain to drop into the smallest cog on the freewheel). I should note it was shifting properly prior to the work. I took the bike back and they made some minor adjustments. I was able to take it out for a few short spins and things seemed okay until I rode the OKHT. The shifting issue again appeared though minor to what it had been following the initial work on it. On the return leg of the OKHT my rear brakes also failed but I was able to get them fixed and in turn finish my ride.

I've been swamped at work since the OKHT and have not had a chance to really ride. However, this week I have been able to get out and once again the bike is not shifting correctly. The chain does not want to drop onto the smallest cog. I called the shop just a few minutes ago and asked if I could bring my bike in tomorrow or Friday so that it could hopefully be properly adjusted. The owner said sure and followed with this "And I won't even charge you." I had no intentions of paying for the work given I'm not very happy with the level of work I've already paid for. I'm I wrong in my thinking? Should I really be paying additional money for them to correct their mistakes? Have I missed something? What do you all think?

[Sheesh]

I would never even think to pay for them to re-adjust their adjustments!

[Eden]

I'll admit it can be hard to adjust a derailleur when the bike is on a workstand, but yeah - they should never charge you if they need to fix their own work....

[teigyr]

You shouldn't pay. I've been in the same situation where I love the shop but I seem to be having problem after problem even though it seems like they do a good job.

I know that it can be hard to diagnose a problem when the bike is on a workstand but they should be testing it by riding (at least the ones I go to do that) before they release it to you.

Frustrating to have it happen before a ride though.

[KnottedYet]

I get a kick out of watching my LBS guys taking bikes out for test rides after they fix 'em on the stand.

Especially the *tiny* bikes!

[Eden]

I get a kick out of watching my LBS guys taking bikes out for test rides after they fix 'em on the stand.

Especially the *tiny* bikes!

Yeah you should see my 6'something LBS owner test ride my 44.........
break out the clown music

[HoosierGiant]

And I thought it was just me! Every time my bike has gone to the LBS for adjustments, repairs, etc., it comes out with more problems than it went in with. Honestly, it's gotten to the point that I dread even taking it in because I hate the whole process of taking it out for a test ride; returning to the shop; announcing, "It's still doing it," (whatever "it" may be on that particular occasion); waiting while they fiddle; taking it out for a test ride; returning to the shop; announcing... You get my point. The LBS is in a major metropolitan area, no place other than busy city streets to ride on -- one repair necessitated 12 miles of test riding before the bike was pronounced healthy enough to go home.

We love the shop, and the owner's a great guy, but I've taught myself how to do most of the basic adjustments/repairs just so I don't have to endure the frustration of it all. And, should a problem develop that I'm not equipped/ able to handle, it will only go to the LBS after everyone clearly understands that there are only two mechanics working there whom I'll permit to work on it. I wouldn't let an incompetent surgeon operate on my children, why should I allow a poorly trained mechanic to adjust my rear derailleur?

On a related note, my front chain rings were recalled at one point (after my bike had been to the LBS for numerous shifting issues), and when Shimano sent the new ones, they sent Shimano Ultegra cranks too. Yippee for me!! Of course, when we went to pick it up after the repair, the guys at the bike shop commented that they'd almost called DH to ask him if he wanted them to put the new parts on his bike and put his chain rings/cranks on my bike. Perhaps because I'm a "girl" and why waste the good stuff on the female? Go figure!

[Zen]

, the guys at the bike shop commented that they'd almost called DH to ask him if he wanted them to put the new parts on his bike and put his chain rings/cranks on my bike. Perhaps because I'm a "girl" and why waste the good stuff on the female? Go figure!

Go figure, my eye! That shows a total lack of respect and would send me right to another shop.