Am I asking too much?

[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

[makbike]

I have no love for this shop. I simply took my bike there because they are fairly new and I knew the turn around time would be good. I had heard good things about their mechanic so I had no worries at that time. However, I learned shortly after dropping my bike off that they had a new mechanic, my exBF Once this situation is corrected, if I can get it corrected, I'll be looking for another shop to do the overhaul which is needed this winter. I can't say I have a lot of faith or trust in the current shop's work. I'm only taking it back because I don't feel like I should have to pay another shop to correct their mistakes.

[KnottedYet]

Ummm, is your exBF-their-new-mechanic maybe not treating your bike with the respect it deserves?

[makbike]

Knotted - I think that is a very good question and one I have asked myself here of late. I would hate to think he would mess with my bike but I'm learning that even if you think you really know someone you really don't. It is hard to say what the problem is or who is to blame. Again, once the current issues are corrected to my satisifaction I'll be looking for a new shop and new mechanic.

Yeah, I've decided to sell my purple Giro (small frame), just thought I would let you know. I'll know more next week as to what I'm going to ask - it's a very sweet bike.

[boy in a kilt]

You could try fixing it yourself.

It sounds like your rear derailleur isn't quite indexed right.

You might try backing out the limit screw about a quarter turn or so until the pulleys are centered on your small cog. The Park website does a pretty good job of explaining. Plus, once you understand how your derailleur works, you'll never have to pay someone to screw it up again.

[onimity]

Yea, I'd try fixing it myself...that's one of the first things I learned to adjust & it really is easy. Builds confidence too for when these sort of problems reveal themselves on the road.

And no, you aren't asking too much! My LBS never charges me for that sort of tune up, they just thank me for my business. Granted, I give them a lot of business, but even when they didn't know me they'd suggest that I get myself a spare tube or patch kit and call it good. Of course they did teach me how to adjust my derailleurs and brakes...maybe that was a hint!

I'd certainly avoid the place on account of your ex-BF working there!

Anne

[Triskeliongirl]

I agree with the learn how to do it yourself. Even if you take your bike to a good shop and it is working fine at pickup, new cables stretch and require adjustment. Or things go out of adjustment when you are out on the road far from anyone. In the end, you'll spend less time doing your own work than you spend now bringing it back and forth, you never have to be without your bike, and you'll save money (which can be applied to those good deals on frames and parts you'll be tempted to buy once you really how easy it is to build the bike of your dreams!).
(p.s. I am not saying the shop shouldn't have done a better job or that they shouldn't rectify it, its just very freeing to get indpendent of these problems. I also learned how to do my own work after getting sick of PAYING people to do a bad job and wasting my time..........)

[Zen]

It's a bad sign that he would even say 'I won't charge you'.

Have you been going to this shop for a long time?
Are the mechanics long time employees or otherwise experienced?
Do you feel any particular allegiance to this shop?

You certainly aren't asking too much.

Edit-never mind, you answered before I finished typing