Originally Posted by newbojeff
I too am married, 2 kids, mortgage, professional (40-60 hours per week), and am making good money, but I'm going the opposite direction you suggest PCS2. I use my bike(s) primarily for commuting and don't want to give them to my LBS for days at a time.
I definitely am not suggesting going the route that I do, just merely pointing it out. That's great that you do your own work, and if you find it enjoyable it is that much more satisfying!
I still do all the minor maintenance by myself, but things like fork rebuild, headset pressing, BB work, hub rebuild, i'd rather someone else do it.
I hear you about commuting, and if I do give my bike to the lbs (which yes, they do take for a few days) I always have a back-up bike so that is never a problem (old 20$ beater that gets no loving
)
In my post I was mainly trying to point out that some people would rather spend their time doing other things than wrenching, which is ok by me.