Originally Posted by thomson
How many people here do you think were given their tools/etc. for free?
I wish...the bike shop
Gave me a nice Park work stand...after I
gave them my credit card number

I consider tools an investment. Every time you pay for a minor repair you could have covered the cost of the tool involved. My son's roommate pays to have everything done for his bike. We estimate he pays out about an average of $200 a year for maintenance and repairs. Not bad for the amount of riding he does but over 4 years that would be $800, that would be enough to set up a couple of decent bicycle repair stations! Maybe check and see if there is a co-op/nonprofit repair shop like
Sibley Depot they have work stations available and hold repair classes. If not maybe you could advocate for one
Aaron