The high level of maintenance and general delicacy of road bikes baffles me. Essentially a late 19th design executed in high-tech (or probably just medium-tech) materials, with better design.

I've not been particularly happy with the set up work done by others, especially the young and somewhat arrogant. On the bikes I've bought from the last few years from shops I've seen too many silly things done. Poor detailing. Antiseize. Bevel the ends of cut casing against a wheel. Adjust casing length for smooth run. Get the wheels really true. Adjust things properly. For example, line up the front derailleur carefully instead of bending the cage. Sloppy work.

So I've gone back to doing everything. I haven't gone as far as making a frame, although I've done plenty of that in steel. But when I get something new I tear it down and go through it all. Isn't much trouble.

The maintenance is what kills me. The amount we ride, I'm cleaning the chains every couple of weeks. That's like having to change the oil in a car every couple of weeks! Silly given the low-maintenance technology we've built into most things. I've got a separate building (small) set up as a mini-shop and all the stuff is there. But still a pain.