Originally Posted by kgibbs51
What exactly is the setup maintenance anyway? This has never been explained to me. The manufacturers instructions for this proceedure are not included in the box.
If its a matter of adjusting the shifting mechanism, aligning the wheels, and lubricating the chain and mobile parts then I deem this stuff to be in the category of self-maintenance. . . .[Big Snip] I would really like to know what this mythical "set up" really is. Sure I had to bust out a wrench and re-align the rear axel to get the shifting mechanism to work correctly but that's no sweat. The rest was lubrication and general inspection to make sure wheels spun, breaks worked, and stuff like that.
I'd agree that initial setup on a bike isn't rocket science, and should be do-able for a home mechanic. The problem is that the same things are not simple for all people. There are people on these forums who can build a bike up from a bare frame, and others who can just about change a flat tire. If someone considers himself a newbie, I'd always advise spending the extra money to go through a local shop. Doesn't mean he can't learn to do most of his own maintenance eventually.