I'm done with fixing other people's bikes

[Profpointy]

When asked to do anything of this nature I arrive with a toolbox loaded with nothing but hammers of different sizes. Strangely they all change their mind the moment before Im about to start work.

Time to repost the three golden rules of engineering

1 Always use the correct tool for the job
2 The correct tool for any job is a hammer
3 Any tool may be used as a hammer

 

[derrick]

Fixing bikes pays for my beers and other hobbies,

 

[All uphill]

Fixing bikes pays for my beers and other hobbies,

You are clearly doing something right. Good work!

 

[Profpointy]

Same for me with computers. I was a programmer, a computer was simply a tool for me. Sure, I got to know a bit about them, and maybe more than many/most folk but that didn't qualify me as any kind of expert - and I was getting hardware & software questions, windows, peripherals.... I'd help IF I could but eventually denied all knowledge. It was easier that way.

Truth is, I should have been more confident in the first place and simply said 'no'. You want to help but sometimes just end up making life hard for yourself.

A friend and colleague would often help friends or relatives with their PC problems. He moaned to me that, whilst they were grateful, after spending a Sunday sorting out a PC, his accountant cousin didn't seem to reciprocate by doing his VAT return for him or whatever

 

[fossyant]

I've done the occasional favour, for part costs. Mates son, new BSO, but left it in the garden. 6 months later, a wreck. Changed all the cables and get it going again. Another mate, had a decent GT MTB - 00's machine with the rotating BB shell (part of the rear suspension) and brimming with XTR - did a general service but the brakes were dead (perished bladder etc) - as he'd picked the bike up cheap, he didn't want to spend the £100 on new Deore brakes. Ended up being left in my garage for months - had to remind him to collect it too many times. Never ridden after that. I've also fixed up the neighbour's bikes. Fortunately, nothing in the last few years.

I used to be called on as the family IT expert all the time - SIL used to bring the PC round regularly as it had been broken again by her son (virus etc). Eventually said it's not worth my time reformatting and rebuilding the machine every time.

 

[All uphill]

A friend and colleague would often help friends or relatives with their PC problems. He moaned to me that, whilst they were grateful, after spending a Sunday sorting out a PC, his accountant cousin didn't seem to reciprocate by doing his VAT return for him or whatever

"He enjoys playing with bikes"

Silent subtext: so I owe him nothing.

I started getting bikes going as my part of a local cycling campaign. I have had successes with at four people, to my knowledge, now cycle commuting instead of driving.

Probably another dozen bikes saved from the scrapheap.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Time to repost the three golden rules of engineering

1 Always use the correct tool for the job
2 The correct tool for any job is a hammer
3 Any tool may be used as a hammer

I cringe at No 3. Recently saw a TikTok type little video where the person used the back of a nice Makita impact driver as a hammer.

 

[Paulus]

Time to repost the three golden rules of engineering

1 Always use the correct tool for the job
2 The correct tool for any job is a hammer
3 Any tool may be used as a hammer

Also known in my younger days as a Birmingham screwdriver.😁

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

I really don't miss trying to help work, work colleagues, friends and family with ancient pc hardware. Last time I played with any computers was ~10 years ago, putting together the machine I'm typing this post on, very tempted to buy a ready-made desktop next time!

 

[Deafie]

You take the words out of my mouth. I repaired a bike for someone at work, only to see it for sale at the local junk shop a day later. Screw him.

I have met way too many daffodils like that in my life. Screw the lot of them!

 

[davidphilips]

Same here, have been doing repairs on bikes for free for years but have found the time/trouble it takes with modern bikes is a nightmare, even something seemly quick and simple like fitting narrower handlebars when they have intergrated headset and hydraulic brakes can take hours then have the owner tell you that the brakes are now makeing a noise and they did not before i fitted the new bars? Then i buy new pads clean the discs and fit the pads all at my expence just to be told brakes still do not seem as good as they where? Then a week later another cyclist turning up saying so and so said you would fit these narrower bars for me? I am done with freeing up jamed seat posts and thankless repairs unless my own bikes and no electric shifters and internal cables or hydraulics.

 

[palinurus]

I am done with freeing up jamed seat posts

I will not do this unless they respond well to a bit of penetrating oil (so far none of them have).

 

[Punkawallah]

Same here, have been doing repairs on bikes for free for years but have found the time/trouble it takes with modern bikes is a nightmare, even something seemly quick and simple like fitting narrower handlebars when they have intergrated headset and hydraulic brakes can take hours then have the owner tell you that the brakes are now makeing a noise and they did not before i fitted the new bars? Then i buy new pads clean the discs and fit the pads all at my expence just to be told brakes still do not seem as good as they where? Then a week later another cyclist turning up saying so and so said you would fit these narrower bars for me? I am done with freeing up jamed seat posts and thankless repairs unless my own bikes and no electric shifters and internal cables or hydraulics.

Or electric bikes :-)

 

[Ming the Merciless]

A friend and colleague would often help friends or relatives with their PC problems. He moaned to me that, whilst they were grateful, after spending a Sunday sorting out a PC, his accountant cousin didn't seem to reciprocate by doing his VAT return for him or whatever

Which would be equivalent for the time spent. Maybe these things really ought to be returned to proper barter.

Can you fix my PC?
Sure, can you dig the foundations for the shed I want in my garden?

Can you fix my puncture?
Sure, can you do my ironing?

 

[All uphill]

Which would be equivalent for the time spent. Maybe these things really ought to be returned to proper barter.

Can you fix my PC?
Sure, can you dig the foundations for the shed I want in my garden?

Can you fix my puncture?
Sure, can you do my ironing?

I like that idea a lot.

The thought that my ironing is being done while I change a bottom bracket is very appealing.