Do you ever amaze yourself what a competent mechanic you have become?

[palinurus]

I can build a bike, not wheels. I've done most stuff except fit a crown race (didn't have handy bit of tube, got someone else to do it). Actually I have fitted a crown race before, but I filed down the fork crown a bit so maybe that one doesn't count.

I can do stuff, but I don't consider myself competent.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Guess who just cheerfully put a bottle cage on upside down!

 

[summerdays]

I can muddle through a few of the simple things but after all I want to keep the LBS in business too! Sometimes it is a case of knowing it will take me half a day to do and possibly some more refinement afterwards, whereas they can probably do it and correctly in half an hour. Plus I hate doing bike maintenance at this time of year ... my fingers get too cold.

I needed to change the brake blocks on the spare bike the other day ... they are done but I suspect they will squeak a bit - but by that time I had got to the point where I just wanted to be sitting in the warmth drinking a cup of tea. I've left the refinement until I actually want to use the bike!!!

 

[Crankarm]

I can muddle through a few of the simple things but after all I want to keep the LBS in business too! Sometimes it is a case of knowing it will take me half a day to do and possibly some more refinement afterwards, whereas they can probably do it and correctly in half an hour. Plus I hate doing bike maintenance at this time of year ... my fingers get too cold.

I needed to change the brake blocks on the spare bike the other day ... they are done but I suspect they will squeak a bit - but by that time I had got to the point where I just wanted to be sitting in the warmth drinking a cup of tea. I've left the refinement until I actually want to use the bike!!!

Do your fettling in the comfort of your house, lounge is the best place, although bedroom is probably not ................... I find blue nitrile gloves keep hands clean and free of oil, grease and crud. They're cheap on Amazon.

No ..... don't leave refinement until you actually need to use the bike as you won't have time and you will have to ride with squeaky brakes or not properly adjusted and you will curse.

You're up early Summerdays?

 

[summerdays]

Well I did mean to do a short ride on Friday with the bike but it was so cold that I decided I wanted reliability not fiddling on route to my friends house. I do some indoors but Mr Summerdays was working from home in the kitchen that day so that wasn't available for me to use. I will get around to it - I just need it to be a little warmer to make me want to ride my bike for anything other than commuting. I was so so so cold yesterday with the biting wind that we have at the moment.

And yes I can't sleep - I've already tidied, and I've given up on further sleep before tonight!

 

[stevede]

I do all my own repairs & have rebuilt & upgraded my 2 bikes.

I do this for 2 reasons. One, I don't like to pay someone to do things I can do myself and two, I actually love tinkering with all things mechanical.

I have to admit to liking quality tools and will buy the specialist tools, but as I need them rather than on mass. I do have a rather large collection already following the classic mini rebuild.

One comment on some of the LBS's and their charges. I'm sure that some will charge more than others, and certain that some will offer a much higher level of service. However, the LBS is a business and has to cover his or her costs. Part of my business division includes a retail outlet and I know how much it costs to open the door on a Monday morning. But the LBS does provide a service for those less able or willing, and if they do a competent job and the customer perceives their charges offer good value, then just because I (and possibly you) wouldn't be willing to pay, doesn't make it wrong.

Kind regards

Steve