exRunner

A couple of weeks ago I was setting on the couch looking at my bike, which during the riding season sets behind the dinning room table, and decided that it would look very nice with an Ultegra SL crank set. (the smoke gray ones with the 2 color chain rings)

So I ordered one and it showed up Saturday. I seriously considered swapping Saturday afternoon, but found something better to do. Then decided to do it Sunday afternoon, but the Giants were on.

So at lunch I decided to take it to the LBS and let them do it. I just don't feel like screwing around with it, and they have to buy presents for their families anyway, why not spread some cheer.

AdamDZ

I like to support my fav LBS as well, because sooner or later I will need their help so I want them to prosper and stick around. But at the same time I enjoy fixing things myself So it's sometimes a tough decision

A.

DMF 

Well I have all these tools so I feel guilty if I have a chance to use them but let someone else use their tools instead. Call it the curse of the tool junkie.

une_vitesse

Hehe, I used to hate home mechanics, until I realised that their mess ups is another way they keep me in business.
Keep on wrenching!

AdamDZ

LOL, yeah It happened to me once or twice, but I'm learning! There are still things that I won't do myself, won't even try, such as building or truing wheels and I make it a point to pass by the LBS every few weeks and buy stuff rather than going online. This LBS in particular, since their prices are reasonable.

A.

exRunner

Yea, if I had realized that I was going to take to the LBS any, I would have probably let them order the crank. By the time you pay shipping it isn't that much cheaper.

cyclist2000

I don't agree with this comment, typically I find shipping charges and taxes are a trade-off, so a lower cost is a direct savings to me. But there are many advantages to go to an LBS besides just saving money.

TallRider

Sadly, my home mechanic-ing will very rarely give you (or my LBS's) any business. I'm a symbol of all that you despise

(and P.S. I seriously do hope your business does well)

operator

Fortunately I don't have a family to buy presents for. We do appreciate your business though.

AdamDZ

Yup, my LBS often has used/test parts so I can try if it work for me before buying a new one. Like when I wasn't sure what chainring I wanted for my singlespeed they let me try one for a few days first.

A.

HillRider

I once read that "the greatest source of wealth for any bike shop is an armature mechanic with a spoke wrench".

J B Bell

I tend to do this with anything requiring me to re-wrap my handlebars.

Man, I hate wrapping handlebars.

une_vitesse

yes! Yes!

DMF 

<ahem>

There is more than one possible correct spelling, but 'armature' isn't one of them. :confused:



Let's start a spelling Nazi thread!

Hydrated

Hehe, I used to love my LBS mechanics, until I realized that their mess ups demonstrated their total lack of wrenching skill and general bicycle knowledge.
Keep on wrenching!

Thanks to my inept LBS staff, I was forced to learn bike maintenance in order to get the job done right. I still buy some parts at my LBS, but those lunkheads never touch my bikes.

exRunner

I guess I am lucky. There are 3 LBS in the area, and they are anything but "inept" in the maintenance department.

Now the sales staff could use some work at Brands, but...

Al1943

No, he's talking about folks who try to fix their generators or alternators with a spoke wrench. Makes perfect sense.

cyclist2000

yea,for some reason my wrapping jobs tend to always come unraveled in the first couple of hundred miles.

DMF 

Then you're not using enough glue. I prefer Gorilla glue, though it is kinda hard to get the wrap off when it wears out...