Fifty Plus (50+) - Do you feel guilty about taking the bike in for a repair you could do on your own?

I do 90% of my own work on my bikes, but last weekend, when I was on the home stretch of putting my project bike back together, I decided I would rather go for a bike ride (nice weather) than install the brake and derailleur cables on my bike.

Most of the harder stuff was done....but I got frustrated looking at the partly done bike in the garage and wanted it done, but not at the expense of a good bike ride.

So I gathered up the cables and housing I had already bought, and took the 90% complete bike to the shop...and then went for a ride.

I was happy that I got the ride in. Still, I felt I wimped out on finishing the cables and housing on my own.


Do you do your own wrenching?
Do you wimp out and take stuff to the bike shop you could do on your own?
Do you feel guilty, or are you happy to spend your kids' inheritance on labor charges at the LBS?

I'm not much of a mechanic. Sometimes I feel guilty taking it to the shop because I miss the opportunity to learn more. OTOH, it can be hard to find the time to DIY. Also, I'm not going to spend $30 on some funny looking tool that I will probably never use again.

Well. For starters - change my own flat tires. With multiple bikes and reasonable rates from my local bike shop. Why bother... I could be out biking instead of wrenching. ?

BTDT. I feel your guilt. Don't worry about it.

Now the big question, did they do it properly or are you going to have to redo it to get it just 'right'?

Richard

I also do the vast majority of the wrenching on my bikes and those of my wife and sons. Once in a while I find myself too pressed for time to do something or I need something done tht I don't have the right tools to do, so I have it done at the LBS. I don't feel ashamed or like I wimped out. In fact, I usually feel good that I was able to give the shop some business. That way I don't feel as bad about ordering the occasional part from an online store when I know the LBS can't come close to matching the price. (Like the $40 Nitto Technomic Deluxe stem I recently ordered from Velo Orange :D).

The only parts of my bike(s) that go to the LBS for maintenance are the wheels. I can maintain the rest of the bike and without sounding big headed- I can do a better- quicker- cheaper job than the LBS.

But those wheels- They were built by the LBS Mechanic and are superb. He does a far better job than I can and although I will take out the slight wobbles in the wheel and do a good enough job- after a year or so of riding the spokes are getting slack-it may be oval and although I do not notice any loss in performance- Once I get the wheels back- they are like new.

I don't know. I would have done that after hours and still be able to put in a good ride.
If it's between riding and tinkering I can always put off the tinkering and do that in the middle of the night if I had to.

For a "one of" type job, I don't mind spending a couple $ at the LBS.
I'm going to redo my brake cables "one of these days", since they need to be a bit longer with my different bars. I could buy cable cutters etc. for probably a one time use or pay to have it done.
I won't have any problem with having them do it. I try to "throw them a bone" once in awhile for the free advice they give.

I wouldn't let someone else change the oil in my car (when I had one) however!

These "One Time" Purchases of tools----- They are not.

Cassettes need changing on a yearly basis for me- Bearings need regreasing and adjusting so Cone spanners are a must. Bottom bracket and over the years you will change a few. Things like headset and or bottom bracket thread chasing tools perhaps not very often.

But what is a man without his tools?

My motto is "if you don't do it well, don't do it yourself." Which means, I not only outsource my bike repairs, I've pretty much farmed out my entire life. I still take my own naps.

If I've got the time and the motivation I do my own wrenching. If not, it
goes to the shop. No guilt either way and no complaints from the bride
over money's spent on repairs if I choose to use the shop.

Happy Trails

Do I feel guilty?
NO.
Especially as I often learn something from LBS mechanic/owner etc that ultimately has helped me take care of an issue that comes up while on tour or a lot of km away from support and no cell coverage.
It is usually an investment.

Why would you feel guilty? Do people who hire out their yard work so they can have more free time feel guilty. How about minor maintenance on the car (replacing windshield wipers for example).

If it pleases you to make the trade off, then by all means do it without guilt.

I don't know that guilty is be the right word but I take ridicule badly.

If I took one of my bikes to the shop for ANYTHING I would have to find a shop where I didn't know anybody because they'd make fun of me. One possibility might be to get my wife to take it in because it would be easier to find a shop where they don't know her.

Given the choice of taking my bike into a shop I just might have to give up bicycling.

Over the years I've found the LBS better at replacing spokes and properly re-tension the spokes, bottom bracket repair/advice and telling me that something can't be fixed even though I want to "McGiver" it. Now that I'm on a team and purchase most of my new stuff via the team discount I take my bike back a lot more than before and find that they don't charge for most labor when I buy new parts.

Since I went off to bike mechanic's school (the one in Ashland, Oregon) a couple of summers ago, I do all my own wrenching. And since all my bikes are built up and in good working order, I haven't been doing much wrenching lately. Doing my own work, and having all the bike clothing I need for different seasons, means that I don't have any real reason to get into the bike shops any more. I feel kind of bad when I walk into a shop--as I did last weekend to Allegro Bicycles in Walla Walla, a great shop--and say, "Just looking around." Some LBSes work hard to stay afloat and I feel like I should be buying something, anything, to help them. I've effectively terminated myself as an LBS browser.

No. I dislike working on my bike and am perfectly happy to have the shop do all the work.

Paul

Guilty - no, I feel that servicing the economy and spreading the work is a good thing
Worried - yes, often. I've had some shoddy and potentially dangerous work performed over the years. Now, I stick to a very few places and mechanics that I know personally, or do it myself. For bikes, cars and motorcycles. Especially motorcycles

I draw the line at cables and gears.

I only feel guilt when its nice out and I skip the ride.

I do my own work. For me it's an important part of the total experience. If I ever get in a jam I will not hesitate to go to a shop for professional advice. Sometimes, asking for help is an intelligent solution.

My motto is "if you don't do it well, don't do it yourself."

Using this same logic, I've found that the mechanic (Car, Bike & etc.) usually charges me twice as much to finish repairing what I tried to save money on by attempting to repair it myself.

My motto is "if you don't do it well, don't do it yourself." Which means, I not only outsource my bike repairs, I've pretty much farmed out my entire life. I still take my own naps.:lol:

The few times I took my bike in, the work that was done it wasn't done very well, so I try and do it all myself. Having 2 bikes helps a lot, if your working on one, hopefully, the other one is ridable.

Do you do your own wrenching?
I can change flats, do minor adjustments and clean the bikes. Everything else goes to the LBS.


Do you wimp out and take stuff to the bike shop you could do on your own?
I bought a pedal wrench as I wanted to be able to switch pedals on the bikes. My first attempt ended with my taking the bike and my wrench to the LBS since I couldn't budge the pedal. I didn't feel too bad as the guys at the LBS also struggled to get the pedal off. When they asked me what gorilla put them on I just grinned and said one of you:)

Do you feel guilty, or are you happy to spend your kids' inheritance on labor charges at the LBS?
The labor charges at the LBS are very reasonable and I get discounts since I belong to a couple groups they sponsor. I've also been a customer for quite a few years. I've purchased all my bikes, parts, tires and tubes from this LBS. Several times I've stopped in with a minor problem on the bike and they've fixed it on the spot at no charge.

I feel the opposite. My local mechanic is a great guy and the bulk of his business is wrenching. It's a small, niche shop. The big shops in the area have all the big franchises. My guy sells less-popular brands and a lot of beach-cruisers, or "town bike" types. But he does a lot of wrenching.

I worry that if I (and others) stop patronizing him, he'll go out of business, and that would be a tragedy (and make things a lot less convenient.) What makes it worse is that he's so darn willing to show me how to do things, so that I can do them on my own.

To top it off, I take my 6th grade class on a bike ride every year, and Mark has told me that if the kids need work done, if they go to his shop and identify themselves as one of my students, he'll do the job for free (parts extra of course.) Think of the guilt I feel over that!

So I patronize his shop when I can - either buying tubes, blinkies, tools, etc. - or having him do work I don't feel like doing.

(By the way, it's Mark's Baywood Cyclery in Los Osos, California - 2 blocks off the Pacific Coast Bike Route. If you're ever touring down the coast and need something, stop by.)

No. I am the only one who works on my bikes. But, I have work done on my truck and boat that I could do myself. We all have limits, in time, ability, and physical limitations. I don't see any reason to feel guilty about hiring an expert to do something I don't want to.

I try to do all my own work, so when I take something to the shop I feel "stupid" (or at least uninformed), but never guilty.

In the example given in the OP, I would have just gone for the ride, then done the cable job when I got back, later in the evening, or whenever I had the spare time.

Rick / OCRR

Unless you live in the same block as your LBS, you can run 4 cables faster then you can load and drop off your bike.

I do much of my own work. I bought Yellow Bike knowing it was pretty much a basket case. Or rather, it became one within a day of buying it. I did everything except stuff involving bearings. For that I used the LBS.

As for the Portland, I use the LBS more for that, in part because lifetime free adjustments. I can adjust a triple front dérailleur, but why bother when it's an excuse to drop by the shop? I had them change the disc brake pads while I watched. Next time I'll do it. And we worked together on re-engineering the rear brake cable routing to eliminate an S-bend. Everyone, except apparently Trek engineers, knows S-bends are bad things.

One of these days I have to get myself a truing stand. Sure I could borrow the one from the bike club, but transporting it by bike is problematic. Of course, so is storing one in my tiny apartment. So maybe not.

I need more practice in wrapping bars. Or maybe some personal instruction. We'll see how that goes this winter.

My most-used tools are my cassette tool and chainwhip. Each bike has multiple cassettes. I switch them depending on the ride. Plus it's much easier to clean them off the wheel.

My least favorite job is fenders, (mudguards to you lot). But it's one area where I'm particular, so I'd be fussing with them anyway if I farmed it out.

I've done all kinds of things mechanically, from changing oil and flats to tuneups and brake jobs. That's why I happily pay someone else to do that stuff now. And not just the car, but the bike, too.

Wait...you mean you can work on your own bike??? Who knew??

From your post it sounds like you were building from scratch or rebuilding a bike. In that case I would never let the LBS finish it. I have no problem using the LBS at other times. My project bike (if I had one) is one that I would want to be able to say "I did it all myself". I don't build wheels so I would have to add, "except the wheels" to that.

Chatauqua: In this part of the world, there aren't many LBSes that are really all that "L". That or their business prospects are maginal or the business model is diluted; read here "temporary" and also sell kayaks, hiking gear, and "cutsie" stuff for the Brikenstock mob. There's one bike shop in the area that has such odd hours that I've cut them completely loose; too bad, they's adjacent to the C&O Canal with all its through bike traffic. Anyway, I like my other "L"BS guy and gal but they've only been in business for 9 months or so. That said, they do good work.

Point bein', I feel guilty when I DON'T give them my routine work. In the end, I must chose between doing it myself faster and cheaper or burning daylight (and petrol) going to the shop for pick-up and drop-off.

'Course if the arthritis in my hands is acting up and I'm facing a "knuckle buster" of a job, I've been known to drop a bike off.

Do you do your own wrenching? Yes
Do you wimp out and take stuff to the bike shop you could do on your own? As a rule, no.
Do you feel guilty, or are you happy to spend your kids' inheritance on labor charges at the LBS?Inheritance? Hah! That's long gone.

As an aside, if I'd have to buy tools (that the LBS already has) and it's a rarely-done job, it's cheaper to pay to have it done. Mostly, tho', I'll do it myself - partly to save time and money, and partly because I know I'll do it right.

SP

My project bike (if I had one) is one that I would want to be able to say "I did it all myself". I don't build wheels so I would have to add, "except the wheels" to that.

That's *exactly* why I felt so guilty.

I am rebuilding this bike from ground up - I did everything except (a) the powdercoating and (b) removing and installing the headset, 'cause I don't have the rather pricey tools to remove the bearings and re-install the headset the right way, and didn't want to try the DIY approach I've read about.

So -- paying the LBS to do cables was pretty silly. Even my dogs were ashamed. :(

On the other hand, this is going to be my foul-weather rain bike; it's getting rainier by the week, and the lovely Univega I restored over the summer is starting to get gunked up from commuting...so I really want to get this bike done so I can "rescue" the Univega from wet-weather commuting duty.

In defense of my laziness on this bike -- I started rebuilding this bike in late summer, when working on bikes is "fun" and "tinkering." When I'm commuting in the winter, I seem to have my hands full with maintenance and bike-related chores driven by the amazing amount of gunk a bike collects on wet roads (cleaning the bike 1x a week, cleaning the chain, recharging light batteries, laundering cold-weather bike gear...as the weather gets rainier I'll start chewing through brake pads...). It's all good, just running out of time for any "optional" tinkering...

...

I do much of my own work.......
My most-used tools are my cassette tool and chainwhip. Each bike has multiple cassettes. I switch them depending on the ride. Plus it's much easier to clean them off the wheel.

My least favorite job is fenders, (mudguards to you lot). But it's one area where I'm particular, so I'd be fussing with them anyway if I farmed it out.

I'm pretty much the same way with cogs + I've been experimenting with crank length, so I also have a crank puller. Change the crank length and then fine tune with a different cog combination.
I also tend to change to a bit lower gearing for the cold weather, when the joints are stiffer and more headwind.
I made a pair of chain whips out of a piece of flat bar and some old chain for $5! I got the FB from Home Depot already drilled with some usable holes. It was intended for roofing trusses? I made them slightly different from each other, so one works better with smaller cogs and the other with larger ones.
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Do you do your own wrenching?
Very little these days. Only the easy stuff.

Do you wimp out and take stuff to the bike shop you could do on your own?
I'm extremely lucky; my son is an excellent wrench at the LBS.

Do you feel guilty, or are you happy to spend your kids' inheritance on labor charges at the LBS?
Aside from the (mostly) free labor and discounted parts, I think of it as a contribution to my sons employment. True happiness is teaching your kid something, them have him completely and utterly surpass you in knowledge and ability.

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Aside from the (mostly) free labor and discounted parts, I think of it as a contribution to my sons employment. True happiness is teaching your kid something, them have him completely and utterly surpass you in knowledge and ability.

Just don't teach him English.

Oh no! Busted by a typo cop! :rolleyes:

Just kidding, I hate grammar nazi's...

I do 90% of my bike work but the LBS gets some business. I've had particularly bad luck removing old fixed cups off bottom brackets. Installing new ones always seems to require the BB threads to be chased (I don't have that tool). The LBS has also repaired a messed up STI intall, cut and installed CF forks, and built a wheel or two.
As for cables and housings, I've had some practice. I just finished installing the STI on my newly built Colnago Ovalmaster :)

HI,
Its funny I had them change a tire and they told me my tire liner was shot, so they replaced it while it was open, I had a problem with a rear cogs and it was a freewheel, i don't have tools, they replaced it after I ordered it from bike nashbar using a huge clamp wrench an anvil and they said when you ride it will tighten the cog enough, don't want to over tighten that puppy.
So the LBS had been rather resonable and fair so far, at finding and fixing things, that I seemed to miss beings I am bike mech challenged
they also repacked my rear wheel, and said the spokes are true and the front wheel was fine for now.
I only paid for the rear wheel packing, Doug

Well. For starters - change my own flat tires. With multiple bikes and reasonable rates from my local bike shop. Why bother... I could be out biking instead of wrenching. ?
+1, it's all about time.

But, for me, it will take at least 2 hours to drive to the LBS & back and wait for the repair. Or if I drop it off, 2 one hour round trips. And this is all done during riding hours while the shop is open.

If I fix it myself after hours, it's all good.

But, for me, it will take at least 2 hours to drive to the LBS & back and wait for the repair. Or if I drop it off, 2 one hour round trips. And this is all done during riding hours while the shop is open..

One of the things that caught my attention in this thread that we have wildly different definitions of "dropping off the bike at the LBS."

Some of us don't have a "local" bike shop, or don't trust them. I have been in that situation before...

Now - however, my "main" LBS is open 'til 7 about 3 minutes ride from my office. It's a little out of my way, but especially during nice weather it's a great detour on my way home from work (it's right in Pike Place Market if you know Seattle). It's a stunning place - bike shop in front (Elliott Bay Cycles); custom bike fabrication in back (Davidson Handbuilt Cycles).

Another bike shop (the one doing the cables mentioned above) is in a suburban shopping street about 15 or 20 mins from my house by car. It's open 'til 8 p.m. during the week year round and 'til 9 p.m. on weekends...that means you can go out for a ride and then stop by after dark to drop off a bike or pick up some gear, and it's convenient to other errands I have to do. One of the bigger Trek and Specialized dealers in the U.S., also carries Cervelo, Bianchi, Seven...

Then there's REI's flagship store, 10 mins from my office, open 'til 10 p.m....filled with other goodies.

Numerous other bike shops here are located on/near good routes I like to ride on.

And, finally, there is a mobile bike repair service that will come work on a bike in your driveway (same prices at bike shops - no overhead, no waiting for your bike).

We're spoiled in Seattle..it's a wonder I own any tools at all.

The only thing I've used a bike shop for is wheel truing. Don't own a truing stand, and it's something I've never done, so rather than ruin a wheel, if they need trued, I'll rely on the shop. Other than that, I've had every nut and bolt, cables, any other parts that make up a bike either repaired, replaced, or adjusted on my mtn bike, and it all works fine. Haven't had to mess with the road bike, other than minor tuning due to cable stretching and usual wear and tear items. If it's something I know I can fix, but need the tool,I'll buy the tool and have it for next time I need it, or can use it to fix someone else's bike. I figure the tool is probably as cheap as what a shop would charge for fixing whatever.

I do 99% of the work myself. I'm capable of doing it all and have all the proper tools as well, but.... Sometimes I'll "make an appointment" during the winter months to have something done. This way I can hang out while they're doing the work. The mechanics at my LBS and I both know it's just an excuse to spend the afternoon shooting the breeze with them. The cost is about the same as if I went out to see a movie, and I consider it much better entertainment.

Unless you live in the same block as your LBS, you can run 4 cables faster then you can load and drop off your bike.

Bingo!

I do all of my own bicycle, car, and home repairs for which I have, or can economically rent or acquire, the proper tools. I outsource car repairs that require heavy lifting (literally), and I outsourced slab pouring and rough framing of a house addition, plus reroofing of the entire house. The only bicycle work I have outsourced was professional repainting, including removal of a very fixed fixed bottom bracket cup.

Went to the LBS today and picked up the wheels I dropped in on Monday. Had them for two years and have done a couple of retrues myself. Just picked them up and I could feel the difference. The wheels are now tight.

Whilst there saved myself $50 by spending about $200 on a new crankset and Bearings. Decided to drastically alter one of the bikes by fitting a triple to it. It will only be a slightly lower gear but can remember last winter climbing some of our steeper slopes into a headwind so decided to save the legs and lungs by using a lower gear. If it doesn't work out- it will go on one of the MTB's to give me a speed machine for the hardpack in the summer.

I haven't had a bike shop touch my bike since they built my Kuota up brand new, and then did a quick break in adjustment. I've done everything else myself the last 4 years, including transferring all the parts from this brand new build to a replacement frame when I crashed it.

It also includes the rebuilding of my Davidson (from the aforementioned Elliot Bay builder), although I didn't deal with the two most difficult items, the threaded headset and bottom bracket, and those are still the original. I have all the bottom bracket tools from the era so I could repack that if I wanted, and I believe the tool also will open the headset. My only regret is not having a good cable housing cutter, I kind of butchered the cut, but it works fine.

I've considered taking my Kuota in for a tune up, to get everything working as smooth as possible, but then I realize I'm going to tweak it anyway.

Now that I don't work in "the biz," I don't have access to all the big tools and am not likely to buy them (Facing/reaming tool, cup press/remover, etc.) so I'm happy to hand these jobs over to my LBS.

Everything else I'll continue to do, as for the last 40+ years, unless, like the OP, I decide to go for a ride on another bike.

But no guilt whatsoever.