Originally Posted by
Gerryattrick
^ This
Bike maintenance is not rocket science and almost anyone can do it if they're keen enough. If they're not, that's OK, that's what the LBS is for.
No, it's not rocket science, because then you would only be building or firing off rockets.
But the increasing trend to proprietary parts and the increasing sophistication of materials means great care is needed to ensure the parts are what they are supposed to be. For example, tapered headsets are more common these days. The variations in BBs are considerable. Even different hubs have different bearing set-ups. It can be difficult to identify the differences, and expensive mistakes can be made.
The worst mistake most novice mechanics make with bike is applying the same force to wrenches are they would on the wheelnuts of their cars.
Yes, anyone can do it if they are keen enough. But what sort of job they make of it and how safe it is becomes a different matter.