how do you know when your local bike shop sucks?
Last Post 07/07/2013 03:31 PM by Kenny Gonzales. 6 Replies.
Author Messages
THE SKINNY

Posts:506

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06/19/2013 10:08 AM
third time i've had my fork in. the first time was to get it rebuilt. the first ride lasted about 100 yds before it locked out. they replaced a broken clip. after riding several times i realize the fork doesn't have the full 100mm of travel. i took it back yesterday. to their credit, they haven't charged me any labor because i do lots of work for the mtb club and i show up frequently with beer. they also sponsor a lot of local events. irritating.
How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.
jmdirt

Posts:775

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06/19/2013 11:02 AM
A good mech should be able to change the oil and seals but beyond that most shops don't have a person who knows what they are doing. Do they have someone who has been trained by Fox, Rock Shox, etc.? Do they have a person who works on suspension parts on a daily basis? A shop that does have a suspension person should let them (require them) to work on a project start to finish without stopping to answer the phone, talk to customers, adjust a cable, etc., and they should have a separate suspension area. Skinny I forgot where you are but Hippie Tech in Boise has a good reputation and is factory certified by Rock Shox, Fox, and others. You can mail it to them if there isn't something close to you.
Pin0Q0

Posts:229

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06/20/2013 10:59 AM
Skinny - I recommend you learn how to maintain your own bike(s), all you need to know and how to - you can find on You Tube. I learned about both my Marzzochi and Fox how to change oil, seals, air pressure, etc., on You Tube. My experience with LBS is that they are a big Ferris wheel for bike mechanics and you have no idea who will be doing what to your bike. I stopped going there years ago. Its great not having to depend on their availability and knowledge as it seems very limited at times.
THE SKINNY

Posts:506

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06/20/2013 11:10 AM
99% i do myself. i have tackled a fork before but i had this one completely rebuilt. i thought that might be beyond my skill set plus i was lazy. and my workbench is a mess.
How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.
Big DanT

Posts:19

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06/20/2013 11:14 AM
When they don't line up the tire label with the valve stem. Easiest indication of they don't care.
jmdirt

Posts:775

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06/20/2013 08:51 PM
Pin, yes and no. I do all of my bike work except for suspension rebuilds. I used to do all of my suspension work too until it required a new tool each year. When suspension companies change stuff the shops get the scoop, I don't. Plus, I can drop it off on the way to work and grab it on the way home. My time is valuable. "The mechaic" at my LBS/sponsor has been at the shop for 16 years and he, the owner, and the owners sons treat me like the world champ. The musical chairs mechanics aren't even allowed to look at my bike.

I was just in yesterday and "the mechanic" asked if I wanted him to clean and lube my Mavic freewheel (a monthly thing). When I told him that I had done it the previous evening he said "man, I can do that stuff for you". ;} Great guy, great shop!
Gonzo Cyclist

Posts:568

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07/07/2013 03:31 PM
it's always best to send it in for a rebuild with a qualified shop, or here we have BTI, who has a real good guy named Matt Mayenza who does the work, he is certified and trained by Rock Shock, White Industries, X-Fusion, and Fox. We can do the replacement seals, etc, but it's so easy to send it in with their delivery guy on a Tuesday, and we have it back by Friday with the next delivery


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