Bicycle Mechanics - Tip the wrench

Sometimes they go above-and-beyond the call of duty. When they do your bike like it were their own, how do you say thanks?

Beer.

I slip them a few bucks and say to get lunch or a couple of beers on me. Treat them good and it is usually returned plus some.

Or you could send a couple pizzas etc over to them one day during lunch and beer only thing I can see wrong with giving that is how their boss might react etc.. I figure 99% would be all for it, but still that 1% out their.

That is such a great idea! I'm wondering what Marcus would like over there at yojimbo's.... they look like pizza guys if you ask me...

Koffee

Or you could send a couple pizzas etc over to them one day during lunch and beer only thing I can see wrong with giving that is how their boss might react etc.. I figure 99% would be all for it, but still that 1% out their.

My beer remark was a specialized one geared towards my mechanic that I have known for a couple years now. He has always treated me right and done whatever I needed immediately plus he is partial owner of the shop, so taking beers in and throwing them in their fridge is no big thing. They know where they come from and half the time I am in there after close to help them clean up or finish a beer with them.

They are very cool guys to work with, but you're correct .... don't just drop in 6-pack in hand and expect to get some respect, especially if you don't know the mechanic and the shop all that well.

When they do your bike like it were their own, how do you say thanks?

Well, if the guys at the lbs around here did your bike as their own I would be very worried? Yeah, they have some nice bikes but the up keep they do sucks. Lots of racer's tape, no lube, just well used, beat to hell rigs. They ride 'em 'till they drop and get new ones.

But if you want to reward them, the guys at are local shop like pizza & beer. Actually, they eat like crap anyways so any thing would work :D

:beer:

One particular wrench at my LBS takes care of my needs, often while I wait on my ride home from work (always with permission from the boss, who is also a good friend). I always take care of whichever mechanic it is with a few bucks, depending on the scope of the work done. At Christmas I drop off a little contribution sufficient to provide a couple of pizza lunches for the shop. None of these guys make much money so it is the least I can do for the good service they provide.

i like to think i do good work and treat people well, but nobody's ever brought me beer or pizza.

dirtbikedude: my bikes may look like poo but they all work perfectly. except my bianchi, but that's because the rear derailler needs replacing and i can't afford a new one right now.

I bring donuts to mine. They're the perfect 'grab one quick between customers' food, and if you bring napkins they can be used to pick up the donuts with greasy/dirty hands. :p

You guys are a cool bunch of customers :beer:

Thanks, everyone!

I slipped the guy a $5, and really felt like he deserved more. I came in with my bike and asked for a quick, unscheduled bit of help. Long story short, he spent about 35 minutes, did way more than I had asked or expected, and in the process probably saved me $80.00 I had expected to pay in replacement parts. The manager, who is as much business man as cyclist (which is good for the shop, I suppose) was out, otherwise I probably would have had to put my bike "in line" for service, to be picked up a week later. :eek:

Reason I asked is that cash, while always useful, seemed a little tacky. I thought about a 4-pack of Guiness or something, but figured it might cause trouble if the manager were to find out, especially considering it was only lunch time.

Koffee Brown, get the guys at Yojimo's a Giordono's pizza. That is one kickass chicago pizza.

Roadbuzz, cash is never tacky. I appreciate anything, a tip is not an expected part of the day, so even a buck, a cup of coffee, or a cookie is a great surprise.

Koffee Brown, get the guys at Yojimo's a Giordono's pizza. That is one kickass chicago pizza.

Do you know if that's the pizza they like?

Koffee