Do You Work / Maintain Your Own Bikes?
Originally Posted by
pressed001
I would say it depends on how much time and money you have. I started on bikes as a student. So to save cash I did all the work myself. Over time I accumulated all the tools and know-how to maintain my bikes. The last two bikes I built from ground up.
So, yeah. I guess it depends on how much time and cash you have. If you have plenty of income and no time, because you're busy working, then help out your local bike shop for sure! For me, it is already too late. I do all the work myself, and for sure I would like to open a bike shop so I can help all those out there that don't have the time or need the help!
I am one as you describe, in boldface. My first adult bike was a Schwinn Suburban, and as a college student I did a lot of work on it, including cleaning bearings. Time eventually became too much of a premium, so now my LBS does it all.
Besides time, I have never had good facilities to work easily. Even now we live in a relatively small, but elegant condo, and my wife would frown on a room with a bike stand. Having the LBS do it all, in my case is a really good deal. The shop is one block away, and they will fix many things at a convenient time for me. They are so expert that they can do these things quickly, better than me, and often spot problems that I did not see. Whenever I leave the shop, the bikes ride as if new again.
Because the bikes are a major transportation mode for me, keeping them in good repair is critical. We save a lot of money on transportation, so further using the LBS is even more cost-effective. I tip well, not,
“To Insure Prompt Service,” but because I am so appreciative of their work. Hats off to
Back Bay Bikes.