Am I asking too much?

[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..........)

[makbike]

I took my bike back again today for them to try and adjust the RD correctly. The owner did not offer to let me see the mechanic (exBF) which was fine for I think he quickly picked on the fact that I was pretty unhappy with this whole mess. The owner did apologize for the mistakes (RD adjustments not be correct and my brakes failing on the OKHT - both services which I paid for initially). He offered to discount a future job but $40. I, however, was honest with him and told him once this mess was cleared up I would most likely not be returning to his shop. He again apologized and proceeded to tell me because my bike is so old it is hard to adjust. Amazing, I thought given I've had the RD adjusted on several occassions by his mechanic when we were together and this never was a problem. Again, I explained my lack of confidence in his shop and if I had a change of heart I would be the first to let him know. At this point he offered to refund my money which I declined - that took him and mechanic off the hook if today's works was not correct. I guess I'll find out tomorrow if it is right.