Post: not sure where to place this, but I am sad

[Batbike]

My bike has been having maintenance issues and I have changed componets and had LBS do work on it, only to still have "issues". Went to LBS last night and bike on stand and in pieces because they can't figure-out what is wrong, they tried several different things, called component manufacturer, and still problems remain.

I left and just cried. I felt like someone died -- yes, it is just a bike. I just keep thinking "what if they can't fix it ... what will I do?". Logically I would need to buy a new bike, but I don't want to do that since I just built this one last fall and have barely ridden it -- besides I put a lot of effort, time, planning, and money into building it. Maybe it was stupid to try and build something unique and special ... at least it seems that way at the moment. I am sad and I am ranting about things I can't control and have no idea what the outcome is. Yes, I still feel like someone has died and I know it is only a bike.

[spokewench]

Sorry to hear you are having problems with your bike. What components do you have on your bike? What are the problems you are having? There are several people who frequent this site who may have some insight. They know their stuff about fixing bikes and available components etc. Why not float it out here and see if you can find assistance if your LBS can't find the problem.

Or, maybe you need a new LBS

[IFjane]

Bat - How long would it take you to drive to Harrisonburg? Go see Les Welch at East Coast Bicycle Academy - if anyone can help you, he can. He wrenches for the Ironman series so he's out of town some. Call first & make an appointment. You won't be disappointed. Good luck!

http://www.angelfire.com/va3/ecba/

[DebW]

Has your LBS checked that the cable housing to your derailleurs isn't too short? That could cause funny problems. If it's an indexing problem, there's always the retro solution: friction shifters.

[Batbike]

Bat - How long would it take you to drive to Harrisonburg? Go see Les Welch at East Coast Bicycle Academy - if anyone can help you, he can. He wrenches for the Ironman series so he's out of town some. Call first & make an appointment. You won't be disappointed. Good luck!

http://www.angelfire.com/va3/ecba/

thanks for info -- I have heard good things about Les and will contact him if I need to -- he is only a couple hours away.

Oh, and DebW, yep the housing and cables were all replaced -- so, that doesn't seem to be the problem. thanks for suggestion.

[Batbike]

Sorry to hear you are having problems with your bike. What components do you have on your bike? What are the problems you are having? There are several people who frequent this site who may have some insight. They know their stuff about fixing bikes and available components etc. Why not float it out here and see if you can find assistance if your LBS can't find the problem.

Or, maybe you need a new LBS

i did this on bike maintenance section -- it appears this problem is bigger than all of us ... I don't get it -- bikes are a mechanical instrument and should be 100% fixable.

[lizbids]

Any more info on the fate of your bike?