So this was from another thread but I figured I'd break it out instead and post here.
Originally Posted by
20inchesoflove
as a mechanic, this makes me laugh a little, as i see scenarios like this weekly, trust your LBS with you service needs please. it keeps us in business and keeps your bike running properly. keep riding and have fun
LBS? Is that like a LHBS?
Anyway, my "LBS" cross-threaded a screw, so my bike computer will never torque down properly; I pulled and reseated the screw, but the female part is damaged so even a new screw isn't going to go all the way through. The kickstand isn't torqued properly and slides all around; I guess I'll torque that. Also I just torqued down everything on my rack, because it all came loose, because they apparently
failed to put a bolt in the right (drive train) side of the rack mount (or didn't torque it down) and the rack has been wobbling and loosening everything.
I've been learning to tune up my own bike recently. They didn't toe my brakes properly, or balance them (one side was contacting WAY before the other on BOTH brakes), and I just had the bike re-adjusted too.. they also re-adjusted it such that you needed to sink the bike handle all the way down to get firm braking force, rather than half-way to get decently firm and more as needed. The front derailleur needs a second little push to nudge up to a larger gear (it's indexed), a new development since they re-adjusted it. The rear derailleur seems actually correct.
I'm going to find another LBS. Maybe I can go to REI, they have a mechanic shop there. For the moment, my multi-tool does everything I need except break a chain (I'll need to carry this), clean my chain, and replace pedals (used a 15mm open wrench). I'm learning, slowly; got my rear wheel off (that's how I found the rack mounting error) and put in Stop Flats2 tire liners (not interested in the Slime ones) myself, finally; what a pain. Test ride is fine, save for severe concerns about that rear rack.
Anyway, right now I need to go figure out how to get a replacement bolt for a rear rack that's only secured on one side. Guess it's off to the hardware store. I was going to go back to them and ask for a screw, but I think I'm going to just ignore that bike shop now... and to think I gave them $50 for a "Service plan" to do all my tune-ups (2) and drive train cleanings (2) for the next 2 years. Now I get to pick between wasting my money or wasting my time.