Destroyed Drivetrain Q's & Mechanic Etiquette

[ACMork]

So I was about 50 meters into my 1st ride at Harmon when I moved just
to the right to let a guy pass me when a stick got stuck in my chain
and completely ripped the rear derailler off. It wrapped all the way
around and lodged into the gap between my chainstay and my tire, breaking a few spokes in the process. The chain was mangled, and the derailler
hanger was bent.

The LBS I took it to couldn't find a *correct* XT derailler to replace it(at any of their locations, and I don't have cash for an XTR with a 20 day trip overseas coming up in 10 days) but they said an LX will have the same performance, but heavier. Can anyone speak to that?

Also, any ways to show appreciation to a bike mechanic for a job well done in a short amount of time? Does anyone tip bike mechanics in this town? Is a 6-pack acceptable?

[Ala Carte]

An LX will be a good replacement, but you should be able to order an XT by the weekend. Not enough people tip their mechanic, so please by all means TIP YOUR MECHANIC! We polish turds all day long, and take peanuts home for pay.

[RiverRat]

At some of the more laid back shops, a sixer is highly appreciated. I don't know how it would go over at the "chain" style stores though, as I don't go in them very often.

[crux]

We polish turds all day long, and take peanuts home for pay.

Reminds me of my shop days Huffys lines the repair floor. Most common theme from Joe customer was "need the bike fixed for a ride tonight/tomorrow, have not ridden in X+ years, and don't want to spend any money. The nicer bike that we sold rarely did we ever see them agian, unless the guy had to much cash and or did not want to get their hands dirty. For a mechanic to wrench on a clean bike that is not rusted solid is a dream and normally you get better service if you make an attempt at keeping everything in reasonable order.

Times have changed, but still enjoy wrenching on bikes from time to time, but now have the freedom to be a bit more selective in the bikes I work on (normally). Will turn a wrench on a friends bike or my own and occasionally a trail side repair to help a guy out. The dreams of owning my own shop still exist, but think that the TC has the market pretty well covered for a small up start to really gain much ground at least in mountain bikes. Road there are several really good shops without being a huge chain. If someone wants custom bike I can normally help them out especially if they are thinking single speed or a few small custom builders. Enough about my rant and old memory's of working in the shop. What were we talking about again?

Oh yeah, Tipping your mechanic is one sure fired way to let them know that you appreciate their skill and knowledge when they go to fix your bike.

[berrywise]

When I was working as a mechanic I loved getting a tip. Getting beer was even better. I'm of the type that think that tipping is way overused these days so you would never see a tip jar or anything and I sure is wouldn't be sticking my hand out but if someone wanted to offer the tip I was more than happy to accept it with a big thank you.

I also like XT the best from Shimano for price/value but LX is not bad if you really wanna get back on your bike. Hard to believe the big QBP is out of stock on them though and a bigger shop could probably get one for you next day if they were in stock.

[Nickel]

So you just hand them cash? I feel like that would be a little awkward....?

[XSsithi]

I know freewheel on west bank near campus has xt parts (or at least I am reasonably sure). You can always give them a buzz. And I got nothing on tips, maybe tape it to your bike with a note on it when you hand it over to them? who knows haha.

[berrywise]

So you just hand them cash? I feel like that would be a little awkward....?

Fold the bill into the palm of your hand and give em a handshake :) We ran a pretty loose shop back then. I recall one time when the owner and manager went on vacation at the same time we rocked a half barrel of beer in a garbage can in the shop the entire week.

[gordanfreeman]

we just have a tip jar by the register at varsity. if people want to tip, we'll take it. if not, that's fine too.