Fifty Plus (50+) - Safety Check List for LBS

Safety Check List for LBS

Started from another thread http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=323603

When I take my car to most shops, they typically do a formal "safety check list." While I realize that this is for the purpose of making more money, I also find it useful, in that I don't have the ability to check brake linings, and I don't often check my fluids or the wear on belts, etc. In fact, with the new serpentine belts, I really wouldn't know how to judge wear.

So, typically, I specifically request a "safety inspection."

How about a LBS?

Would it be a good idea if a LBS had a short "safety checklist" for all bikes on which they worked?

If not, why not?

If yes, what items would you place on that checklist?

I, for one, would include checking to see that the brake release levers were closed.

What else?

I think that's an OK idea. Unfortunately, it's only as good as the people who are doing it. Honestly, it would take me longer to do the paperwork than it would to perform the safety check.

I think a checklist would be a good idea. It should also include--checking for any frayed cables-wheel skewers or bolts properly tightened--stem properly tightened--seatpost properly tightened--hub bearings properly adjusted--headset properly adjusted--controls (brake levers, shift levers, seatpost bolts) in good working order--brake pads in good condition and properly adjusted. It shouldn't take that much time and expense to check those things. I think it should be offered to the customer, and if they decline it, then the shop is off the hook. But I'd bet a good many (especially those who aren't mechanically inclined) would be willing to pay a little extra to know their bike has been looked over for potential problems.

I think a checklist would be a good idea. It should also include--checking for any frayed cables-wheel skewers or bolts properly tightened--stem properly tightened--seatpost properly tightened--hub bearings properly adjusted--headset properly adjusted--controls (brake levers, shift levers, seatpost bolts) in good working order--brake pads in good condition and properly adjusted. It shouldn't take that much time and expense to check those things. I think it should be offered to the customer, and if they decline it, then the shop is off the hook. But I'd bet a good many (especially those who aren't mechanically inclined) would be willing to pay a little extra to know their bike has been looked over for potential problems.

Except for truing the wheels this sounds like the tuneup my LBS offers for $50.

My LBS offers that service. Unfortunately it can also be seen as a sales pitch.
(Similar to getting a physical from a doctor who is paying for his/her divorce)
You open the door to all kinds of preventive and borderline repairs.
Like the chain is almost worn and yes, we recommend a new cassette while you are at it.
The wheels are never perfectly running true. So of course they need truing.

IMHO there is no substitute for some basic skills by the biker. Those without any skills will be taken for a ride by all but the most ethical LBS shops.
Remember that many are not all that profitable.

IMHO there is no substitute for some basic skills by the biker.

Wise words. I am one of the most mechanically inept people you'l ever meet, but one of the great things about bicycles is that unlike cars, something won't explode in your face if you touch the wrong wires. So, while it may take me longer than most folks to get the job done, I've learned through many trials and many errors that I can keep my bike rolling through most situations.

I still haven't learned to true a wheel. that seems like a mystical process to me.

My LBS has one final check before any bike leaves the shop and that is a test ride. Check brakes work- All gears can be engaged fully- and that the steering works. They also include as an extra for any major work done- A follow up check to make certain that cables are fully adjusted or that brake blocks are wearing correctly.

They also spend 5 minutes with the customer when the bike comes in for them to check the bike in front of the customer to point out that not only is the chain worn- but the chain rings and Cassette are shot- or if it is a newish bike- that those scratches are on the bike before it went into the workshop.

I never use them except for wheel trueing and retension but even on this- I always get a phone call to tell me the wheels are ready for collection- or that I need to replace a couple of spokes or that the bearings need replacing.

They also spend 5 minutes with the customer when the bike comes in for them to check the bike in front of the customer to point out that not only is the chain worn- but the chain rings and Cassette are shot- or if it is a newish bike- that those scratches are on the bike before it went into the workshop.

Actually, taking bikes in for service, checking the whole bike over and giving the customer a realistic and accurate estimate of the repair cost is probably the most challenging task in a bike shop. It's easy to overlook something that becomes obvious in retrospect.