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!