Dear LBS...

[VeloVT]

When I bring my bike with canti brakes in for a full tune-up, can you please remember that cantis need to be toed in? It is nice that you took the time to adjust the throw on my brakes, and you did a good job on that too, but I really hate it when I bring my bike home all spiffy and lubed, and the brakes squeal like a stuck pig.

Luckily it's an adjustment that I can do myself, but since I did have to PAY for a full tune-up, and it's a really small thing to do right, it is disheartening to bring the bike home and find that my brakes, which were toed in when I brought the bike to the shop, need to be readjusted.

I really hate it when I'm riding in traffic and my brakes are as loud as squealing car brakes would be...

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Liza

[VeloVT]

p.s. and can you have someone test ride the bike to check your adjustments? The front derailleur is undershifting a bit and the rear derailleur is overshifting. I'm sure it was fine on the stand, but...

sigh...

[Kalidurga]

p.p.s. Could you also wipe the excess lube off the chain and the grease smears off the frame before you hand it over to me? I'm not asking for a full cleaning of my somewhat muddy frame, just for enough of a wipe-down that I don't end up with greasy smears on me as I'm loading it on the car.

[PinkBike]

p.p.p.s.

and could you put the seat back where it was? you marked it with tape i spoze for just that reason.

liza, it's very true that the way it shifts on the stand is not how it will shift under weight/power. i wish they would do a good lengthy test ride on every bike they adjust.

one more reason to learn how to do it ourselves

[Becky]

liza, it's very true that the way it shifts on the stand is not how it will shift under weight/power. i wish they would do a good lengthy test ride on every bike they adjust.

This is absolutely true....I only wish that I had time to do a test ride on every bike I worked on. But payroll keeps getting slashed, and shops keep doing more with less....

[Triskeliongirl]

This is why I started to do my own maintenance. Why should I PAY someone to mess up my bike????????????

Its really not that hard guys, just take it a step at a time. It will take no more time than dropping it off and picking it up at your LBS.

[OakLeaf]

PS if you MUST disassemble and lube a bottom bracket that has stamped on it "Do Not Disassemble," can you please not garf the splines so badly that it will probably never come apart again?

[lph]

PS if you MUST disassemble and lube a bottom bracket that has stamped on it "Do Not Disassemble," can you please not garf the splines so badly that it will probably never come apart again?

Ooo. But, er, WHAT does "garfing the splines" mean?...

O frabjous day, caloo, calay...

[OakLeaf]

Ooo. But, er, WHAT does "garfing the splines" mean?...

O frabjous day, caloo, calay...

The outer lock ring has notches all around it. There's a special wrench with matching protrusions that fit into the notches. My LBS either used a wrench that was slightly the wrong size (? if such a thing exists, which it may or may not), or the wrench slipped because he was trying too hard to turn it while it wasn't on exactly straight, and now the notches aren't completely stripped, but definitely cut into the part that isn't supposed to be notched. Like when you garf the head of a screw by using the wrong size screwdriver?

[short cut sally]

PS LBS, when I have an appt for a repair..could you please at least take the time and properly but the bike on the stand instead of just letting it dangle off the back stay area and causing a large chip in my paint..please and thank-you..

[kie_fujo]

man, i must be lucky. my lbs is pretty darn good. of course, i never have dealt with another, but all the people are friendly, helpful, and have done a few adjustments for free. (of course they weren't major but still!)

[Irulan]

Is this the general Dear LBS thread?( you know, like the dear so and so thread)

[VeloVT]

Is this the general Dear LBS thread?( you know, like the dear so and so thread)

hey, why not ?

[Biciclista]

Dear LBS
Thank you for always having competent friendly people to help me with my bike problems. Despite the fact that I am female, I have never felt patronized by anyone in your shop. Hey, and that's part of why I had you guys build me a custom bike.
YOurs truly, a satisfied Davidson Customer