Years ago, I took this approach while having the front disc brakes replaced on my car. Now this was something I had done a number of times and because of having just moved to the PacNW...corporate housing, (no garage and tools) etc, couldn't do it myself. I showed up in my yuppie attire (read khakis and oxford) but still inside I knew I could do it for a fraction of the cost But, I was making solid money and didn't want the hassle.... As the car was in the lift the mechanic came out and tried to up sell me on a rear brake adjustment for $40. He told me that it was $20 off the normal $60 price and would only take five minutes. Most people would bite on this since they figured they were getting a discount and they and their car were already there. He probably looked at me and figured I would do the same.

Through having worked on my own cars...I knew that rear drum brakes are self adjusting (via a ratchet while in reverse). I questioned the mechanic and asked him, "if he was going to put the car in reverse for me"..and he looked stunned.

Now this story is a little one off....and it assumes that one has no mechanical knowledge..but it also makes a point. I'm also not pointing fingers at you, or making assumptions, because I don't know you. There is a point where it makes more sense to have someone else do it when time is money. But, there is value in knowing a trade underneath it, before making those decisions. I liken it to a CEO who started and the ground level and worked their way up through a company vs. a MBA grad who shows up on the front door promising the world.

I usually agree with what you write...but not on this one completely. While it might be fact...I apply this rule a lot too (mostly on things I don't care about). But, I also make sure I can do the job myself. As a bonus, if I have a mechanical on a ride, I can usually fix my bike to a rideable condition and not be relegated to making a phone call. This last weekend, I replaced the BB30 bearings in my carbon frame via a homemade tool (after a $30 trip to Lowes), and it went off flawlessly.

I think more than any of those reasons...working on my bike is a stress release and part of the romance with the sport. If you have the tools and knowledge, it can be very enjoyable. Heck, even if I don't have the tools, I like the challenge of building them myself. I guess that's part of my engineering background. I work in a world where projects can last 2-3 years, and results are not always apparent. It's nice to be able to head out to the garage and have a sense of accomplishment for 45 minutes of grease time.

PS. The way you phrased your comment is a generalization and kind of a slam on the people who take care of your bikes.