View Full Version : Non-mechanics: who works on your bikes?
rfd425
10-21-2006, 09:09 PM
I don't know how to work on bikes myself, and I'm wondering what options there are, other than an LBS, for getting work done. It's not that I have anything against LBS's, but I'm assuming that they won't be too anxious to install components that they didn't sell, and I might occasionally want to have parts installed that I bought somewhere else. Are there independent bike mechanics, and if so, how do I find a good one?
Nickel
10-21-2006, 09:35 PM
I've only had my bike worked on at the Hub Bike Co-op and they have installed parts that I have brought in and also parts that I had bought there. I think Erik's would be a good place to go too.
WuShih
10-21-2006, 10:06 PM
Businesses make money to stay open. No LBS employee in their right mind would refuse business, regardless of where the parts were bought. I brought in a new fork and frame, picked up elsewhere, and my LBS was more than happy to swap them out for me on the bike that I didn't even buy there.
Give them your business, they'll appreciate it.
soupboy
10-21-2006, 10:23 PM
Go to your LBS or find beer-motivated MTB friends that are handy with a wrench.
Nickel
10-22-2006, 12:22 AM
Go to your LBS or find beer-motivated MTB friends that are handy with a wrench.
Is it kosher to inquire about beer tastes beforehand so they are not surprised with a less-than-palatable brew?
Ala Carte
10-23-2006, 12:21 AM
New Castle. I can do it all.
steef
10-23-2006, 08:16 AM
I have an allergy to Newcastle and am happy to help out with independent wrenching.
Not a free wrench but work on most bikes as long as you replace or help to replace the materials required to do the job.
(ie fork over haul, chip in a few bucks for fork oil and grease)
Nickel
10-23-2006, 10:41 AM
Do you guys build wheels? :D
Magic
10-23-2006, 10:46 AM
I do all my own work. Don't trust anyone to work on my bike, except for Dr. Hammer. But for how I ride my bikes, I can't take the chance that the guy in the shop made sure that all was tight and right with my bike. But I'm sure there are good mech's out there, so check out the LBS's and find one.:)
Pete Hamer
10-23-2006, 11:05 AM
The shop I work at is happy to install parts that customers bring in, doesn't matter where they got the parts. We do want people to buy there parts from us so we reduce the installation labor by %25 to show our appreciation for their patronage.
I find the "will you work for beer idea" to be offensive. I can go buy that same 6 pack for $8, it's not worth any more than $8 of a reputable mechanic's labor/time. I don't know how the exchange rate of beer to labor got so inflated when it comes to bicycle mechanics. Must be because most bike mechanics are under 21. I'm feeling like I want to rant now so I'll stop here :mad: .
Ala Carte
10-23-2006, 11:33 AM
Come on Pete, the beer is like a tip. I've never whored myself out for a sixer, but I do like it when one is given as a token of appreciaton.
Pete Hamer
10-23-2006, 12:04 PM
Come on Pete, the beer is like a tip. I've never whored myself out for a sixer, but I do like it when one is given as a token of appreciaton.
Sorry Tyson. It seems like I keep insulting you whenever beer becomes part of the discussion.;) :embarass:
I agree that anytime time someone does a service for you it is customary to tip in this country. I just disagree with the beer-tip constituting payment, if you are a profesional. That just makes it seem like the work had no value to begin with. If you are doing it for a friend then none of what I've been saying applies. I'm careful not to use my friends too much.
rfd425, it's easy to learn how to work on your bike.
http://www.parktool.com/wheretobuy/localresults.asp?pts=yes&c=submit&zip=55426
Mountain bikers ned to know how to fix stuff on the trail.
Do you guys build wheels? :D
Of course. Wheels are one of my favorite parts to dial in.
rfd425
10-23-2006, 01:00 PM
rfd425, it's easy to learn how to work on your bike.
http://www.parktool.com/wheretobuy/localresults.asp?pts=yes&c=submit&zip=55426Yeah, I've been thinking about taking one of those classes, although I don't know if it will make me confident enough to do my own disc brake conversion, for example.
mn_ultra_guy
10-23-2006, 01:23 PM
Another option is that Freewheel has a public shop that runs about 10 bucks an hour and the mechanics are more than willing to answer questions. They also offer classes on DIY mechanics.
bikeoutback
10-23-2006, 01:27 PM
Yeah, I've been thinking about taking one of those classes, although I don't know if it will make me confident enough to do my own disc brake conversion, for example.
I've taken this class, and it was actually delivered by Pete at the time, and it helped me out alot in at least learning to adjust alot of my bike, however I knew zero going in. Also there was plenty of time offered to go over anything specific or for questions on any fuzzy areas.
I find the "will you work for beer idea" to be offensive. I can go buy that same 6 pack for $8, it's not worth any more than $8 of a reputable mechanic's labor/time.
How about a case then?;) My only problem with taking my bike to the LBS, which is what I would have to do now cause I'm not comfortable enough to do the work myself, is that I take it in and DROP it off. That doens't help me get any better at learning how to fix the bike myself. I've never asked but I can count many reasons why they wouldn't let me watch them repair my bike. Therefore I wouldnt' mind paying someone, what they deem reasonable, to help me fix a problem on my bike with proper tools (tools are another thing I don't have and don't know what to get). At least then I could get it fixed and hopefully learn how to fix it for myself in the future.
tedsti
10-23-2006, 01:29 PM
Beer is usually more of a thank you between people who are friends. When someone offers up to help someone out, not asking for (or expecting) any reimbursement, is where a thank-you 6 pack comes in to play.
If you are working on someone's bike who you don't know then it should be dicided up front what the fee will be.
How about a case then?;) My only problem with taking my bike to the LBS, which is what I would have to do now cause I'm not comfortable enough to do the work myself, is that I take it in and DROP it off. That doens't help me get any better at learning how to fix the bike myself. I've never asked but I can count many reasons why they wouldn't let me watch them repair my bike. Therefore I wouldnt' mind paying someone, what they deem reasonable, to help me fix a problem on my bike with proper tools (tools are another thing I don't have and don't know what to get). At least then I could get it fixed and hopefully learn how to fix it for myself in the future.
This is a different matter. If some one is willing to learn I'm more than happy to help out (No payment needed or expected).
Pete Hamer
10-23-2006, 04:30 PM
This is a different matter. If some one is willing to learn I'm more than happy to help out (No payment needed or expected).
I'm all about getting educated and helping educating people. The more educated we are the better it is for our sport. This goes for trail advocacy, mechanics, politics, etc.
My only problem is that I'm so hard up for spare time these days that if I help someone out on the side it means one less ride for me, and I don't get enough rides in as it is. The only way I could help people out on my spare time is if they did my chores for me, like mowing the lawn and changing the oil in the cars. I doubt I'd find anyone to take me up on that deal. I admire those that give up their free time to help others. Good for you.:)
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