jccaclimber

Yes, and as a result they need some sort of incentive to buy there. Otherwise you end up with people only purchasing items if they need it now, rather than regularly. I understand that the internet has an edge on local shops. However, that's life, and for a shop to survive they need some incentive other than price. The fact that a shop has to pay labor isn't the customer's fault.

I agree that a full install deserves $, more so if a steerer needs to be cut, especially if it's threaded and needs to be tapped. When I had a threaded fork shortened I paid to have the threads cleaned and the steerer shortened, and I'm ok with that. However, the case here wasn't a full install (or so is my interpretation) it was just pressing in the cups. If the shop isn't going to give a discount on service for buying the part there why not just buy the part online and have the shop install it, saving $ in the process?

A couple summers ago in MN the LBS had a policy that seemed to be:
If you want a service that takes more than a moment (full headset install, swap pedals), or required an obvious skill (hub/headset/derailer adjustment) they charged you for it. I understand that most things on bikes require a bit of skill and experience, some things like swapping pedals are pretty basic.
If you just walked in and wanted a service on a part you purchased elsewhere (part from internet) then you were charged. However, if you purchased a set of pedals there, they would offer to swap them (which takes longer than pressing in headset cups if the frame is clean).
If you purchased a water bottle cage, they wouldn't install it but they would offer you 5 minutes with an allen wrench, you got your wallet/receipt back when you handed them the tool back in good condition.
If it was more complicated, or required a fragile or more specialized tool (cone wrench, crank arm remover, and such) they would offer you a discount on the service if you purchased the part there. It probably would have still been cheaper to buy the part online and pay full install rate but, it provided an incentive, and gave the impression that they were willing to scratch your back just a little bit for giving them your business. I know this isn't the business model everyone chooses but, the shop always seemed to be doing good business and left an atmosphere that made you want to come back.

barlows

I understand the charge policy, but search around and you might find some shops really want to start a relationship with you. For example, I went into a local shop (pretty new) last week to have them cut the steerer on a carbon fork. I completely expected to pay for it, 'cause I didn't feel like messing with it at the time. The guy was cool with me coming back into the work area while he was cutting it, and we kinda shot the breeze about the build I'm doing. The time comes when he's done and I'm getting my wallet out, he just smiles and says "Okay man, have a good one. Glad I could help."

So of course I went back there a couple of days later for some other stuff. Nothing expensive, but a bunch of little stuff. Same guy is there and rings me up. I forgot to get something, a $15 part, and he's already finished out the order and run my card. He says "No big deal, just pay me for it next time."

You may find a shop that you hit it off with, but they're not all that way.

redfishpaddler

I cannot imagine why an LBS would lend out tools. Due to a general practice, inventory, and liability issues.....it would make no sense. Does a meat market lend out it's knives? Does a mechanic lend out his/her tools? Do you lend out the 'tools of your trade'?

I would never expect my LBS to lend out tools. I have developed a great relationship with my LBS, because I chose it carefully based upon the knowledge of the store manager and their policies.

FatguyRacer

Agreed.

But if your in with them, A sixer is usually all you need to get your buddy the mechanic to do you a solid.

BTW - You can remove races carfully with a large flat bladed screwdriver and a rubber mallet. Just work it around the circumfrence slowly. You can install new ones with a peice of flat wood and the same rubber mallet. Caveat - This works for external headsets. I havnt a clue about hiddensets as I dont own any bikes with them.

BTW also - Buy the tools and learn to fix anything yourself. Nothing is quite as rewarding as being able to do any thing to your own bicycle.

silver bullet

I went to the doctor and asked if I could borrow some syringes. She said no.

BikeWise1

Whaaa....? They practically get those for FREE....and they wouldn't even let you borrow one? Dang greedy docs......I tell ya.....are they just mean or what?

jccaclimber

Yeah, I tried that with a pharmacy, turns out not only were they not willing to give me the needles without a script, they weren't even willing to give (or sell) me syringes that let needles thread on. If you're wondering I needed to flush the grease out of a metal sealed bearing for work without removing the seals. It turns out most greases are unhappy at -60*F.