you have to be kidding - Page 8 - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

03-02-2005, 04:07 PM

"Mike Jacoubowsky" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:CYcVd.8424$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].prodigy.co m...
> >I am the original poster. The shop wants $300 to replace the chainring,
> >chain and cassette. That's all folks. As I stated in a second post. I
> >took this bike to the shop for a full tune-up every year. I have had
> >general maintenance and some components replaced as needed. The kicker
> >to my conversation with the mechanic was that it would be more cost
> >effective to buy a new bike than fix the one I had. That is what really
> >threw me for a loop. I can't believe that a 7 year old bike is obsolete
> >but he said it was and that bikes are now built to become obsolete after
> >a few years. He said in 6 months there would be no parts available for
> >the bike
>> I think he saw a middle aged woman and figured I was an easy mark. Will
>> pick my bike up tomorrow. Have found a shop who is sure they have the
>> parts and can do the work for a resonable price.
>>
>> Thanks to all for the help.
>
> Something really doesn't add up here. I think you need to have a
> conversation with the owner of the shop, rather than spend time going over
> things here. $300 for just a chain, chainrings and cassette defies logic.
> On the other hand, at 27,000 miles, quite a number of parts on your bike
> must be nearing the end of their lifespan; indeed, it would be difficult
> to imagine an early Sora or RSX shifter lasting that long, and a pair of
> those alone runs to $200. That's why, even though you've stated very
> clearly that the $300 is just for chain, chainrings and cassette, some of
> us wonder if there might be a communications problem.
>
> In any event, sounds like you've been happy with the service there before,
> but most certainly aren't now. Your choices boil down to just two- either
> talk with the owner of the store and find out what's really going on, or
> take it to another shop. There's no point debating anything else. I, for
> one, would very much like to know the result of talking with the owner (if
> you do so).
>
> --Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

I spoke with the manager today. He said the guy I spoke with didn't know
what he was talking about and the total bill will be $160 or there abouts.
He had a second machanic (the one I really trust) go over the bike and they
found that the chain, chainring and cassette needed to be replaced.
Bearings fine etc. They have to order the cassette but otherwise no
problem.
>

03-02-2005, 04:14 PM

<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:1109777591.558316.252080@o13g2000cwo.googlegr oups.com...
>
> Mary wrote:
>>
>> The kicker to my conversation with the mechanic was that it would be
> more
>> cost effective
>> to buy a new bike than fix the one I had. That is what really threw
> me for
>> a loop. I can't believe that a 7 year old bike is obsolete...
>
> It's not.
>
> The shop guy is claiming that what you have is no good any more.
> Likewise, some responses here have hinted that your bike is somehow low
> grade and shouldn't be expected to survive as many miles as it has.
>
> I think both ideas are silly at best. I can still replace anything I
> need to on my 1986 touring bike. In fact, my 1972 commuting bike has
> had essentially everything replaced at one time or other. Only the
> frame and fork remain - and if my crankset somehow caught fire
> tomorrow, I could replace it in two days for much less than $300.
>
> Regarding the quality of your bike versus its expected lifetime: The
> life of a road bike is essentially infinite. The quick-wear items are
> tires & tubes, chain, rear cogs and perhaps brake pads. Wearing much
> more slowly are the ball beearings, the cables, the occasional spoke, a
> much-used chainring and the handlebar tape. Beyond that, _someday_ you
> may need to replace a wheel rim, your saddle and the cleats on your
> shoes. Everything else lasts essentially forever - and th parts that
> do wear can all be replaced at reasonable cost, perhaps on your own.
>
> I subscribe to Vintage Bicycle Quarterly. People who write for that
> magazine have entered Paris-Brest-Paris on 1950s bikes and finished
> very well indeed. Your bike is arguably as good.
>
> Bikes are not Kleenex. They should be maintained and used forever.

The reality is that I am a somewhat overweight, middle aged woman who loves
to ride but will not be breaking any records. Anytime soon. I ride to
relax and to keep loose. Because of ongoing health problems it is important
that I exercise every day and the bike is freedom for me. Love my bike and
am glad I don't have to look for another one. I rode a 10 speed for many
years before I broke down and bought this baby.
Is it spring yet????
>

03-02-2005, 04:14 PM

<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:1109777591.558316.252080@o13g2000cwo.googlegr oups.com...
>
> Mary wrote:
>>
>> The kicker to my conversation with the mechanic was that it would be
> more
>> cost effective
>> to buy a new bike than fix the one I had. That is what really threw
> me for
>> a loop. I can't believe that a 7 year old bike is obsolete...
>
> It's not.
>
> The shop guy is claiming that what you have is no good any more.
> Likewise, some responses here have hinted that your bike is somehow low
> grade and shouldn't be expected to survive as many miles as it has.
>
> I think both ideas are silly at best. I can still replace anything I
> need to on my 1986 touring bike. In fact, my 1972 commuting bike has
> had essentially everything replaced at one time or other. Only the
> frame and fork remain - and if my crankset somehow caught fire
> tomorrow, I could replace it in two days for much less than $300.
>
> Regarding the quality of your bike versus its expected lifetime: The
> life of a road bike is essentially infinite. The quick-wear items are
> tires & tubes, chain, rear cogs and perhaps brake pads. Wearing much
> more slowly are the ball beearings, the cables, the occasional spoke, a
> much-used chainring and the handlebar tape. Beyond that, _someday_ you
> may need to replace a wheel rim, your saddle and the cleats on your
> shoes. Everything else lasts essentially forever - and th parts that
> do wear can all be replaced at reasonable cost, perhaps on your own.
>
> I subscribe to Vintage Bicycle Quarterly. People who write for that
> magazine have entered Paris-Brest-Paris on 1950s bikes and finished
> very well indeed. Your bike is arguably as good.
>
> Bikes are not Kleenex. They should be maintained and used forever.

The reality is that I am a somewhat overweight, middle aged woman who loves
to ride but will not be breaking any records. Anytime soon. I ride to
relax and to keep loose. Because of ongoing health problems it is important
that I exercise every day and the bike is freedom for me. Love my bike and
am glad I don't have to look for another one. I rode a 10 speed for many
years before I broke down and bought this baby.
Is it spring yet????
>

03-02-2005, 05:05 PM

I would certainly question the bike shop, and probably take my busines
someplace else. Case in point. The other day I called around to
couple of bike shops. A nearby shop 10 miles from my house, and th
shop I purchaed the bike from, 40 miles away. The local shop wanted t
completely rebuild all of the hubs and headset. This is a bike that i
less than a year old, has only 1000 miles on it, is garaged, and is no
ridden in the rain or snow. The shop that I bought the bike from sai
that I shouldn't have to touch the hubs for at least another year an
that all I should need done is a thorough cleaning and lubing. I als
contacted the manufacturer and they concured with the second bike shop
It sometimes pays to shop around and get a "second opinion"

--
bentbrian

03-02-2005, 05:05 PM

I would certainly question the bike shop, and probably take my busines
someplace else. Case in point. The other day I called around to
couple of bike shops. A nearby shop 10 miles from my house, and th
shop I purchaed the bike from, 40 miles away. The local shop wanted t
completely rebuild all of the hubs and headset. This is a bike that i
less than a year old, has only 1000 miles on it, is garaged, and is no
ridden in the rain or snow. The shop that I bought the bike from sai
that I shouldn't have to touch the hubs for at least another year an
that all I should need done is a thorough cleaning and lubing. I als
contacted the manufacturer and they concured with the second bike shop
It sometimes pays to shop around and get a "second opinion"

--
bentbrian

03-02-2005, 06:52 PM

> I spoke with the manager today. He said the guy I spoke with didn't know
> what he was talking about and the total bill will be $160 or there abouts.
> He had a second machanic (the one I really trust) go over the bike and
> they found that the chain, chainring and cassette needed to be replaced.
> Bearings fine etc. They have to order the cassette but otherwise no
> problem.

Mary: Thank you. Things don't always go the way they should in a business,
and sometimes things can be going bad for quite some time before it comes to
the owner or manager's attention. We (owners & managers) lose sleep over
that sort of thing; stuff that goes on that we'd correct in an instant if
only we knew. Sometimes the eyes in the back of our heads aren't working,
and sometimes we just need to be reminded now and then that there are things
we're not paying as much attention to as we should.

You may have made life unpleasant for one person at that shop, but you've
helped many others, not just those working there but also cyclists who do
business there.

--Mike Jacoubowsky
Chain Reaction Bicycles
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
IMBA, BikesBelong, NBDA member

"Mary" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:42265554$0$166$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].. .
>
> "Mike Jacoubowsky" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
> news:CYcVd.8424$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].prodigy.co m...
>> >I am the original poster. The shop wants $300 to replace the chainring,
>> >chain and cassette. That's all folks. As I stated in a second post. I
>> >took this bike to the shop for a full tune-up every year. I have had
>> >general maintenance and some components replaced as needed. The kicker
>> >to my conversation with the mechanic was that it would be more cost
>> >effective to buy a new bike than fix the one I had. That is what really
>> >threw me for a loop. I can't believe that a 7 year old bike is obsolete
>> >but he said it was and that bikes are now built to become obsolete after
>> >a few years. He said in 6 months there would be no parts available for
>> >the bike
>>> I think he saw a middle aged woman and figured I was an easy mark. Will
>>> pick my bike up tomorrow. Have found a shop who is sure they have the
>>> parts and can do the work for a resonable price.
>>>
>>> Thanks to all for the help.
>>
>> Something really doesn't add up here. I think you need to have a
>> conversation with the owner of the shop, rather than spend time going
>> over things here. $300 for just a chain, chainrings and cassette defies
>> logic. On the other hand, at 27,000 miles, quite a number of parts on
>> your bike must be nearing the end of their lifespan; indeed, it would be
>> difficult to imagine an early Sora or RSX shifter lasting that long, and
>> a pair of those alone runs to $200. That's why, even though you've stated
>> very clearly that the $300 is just for chain, chainrings and cassette,
>> some of us wonder if there might be a communications problem.
>>
>> In any event, sounds like you've been happy with the service there
>> before, but most certainly aren't now. Your choices boil down to just
>> two- either talk with the owner of the store and find out what's really
>> going on, or take it to another shop. There's no point debating anything
>> else. I, for one, would very much like to know the result of talking with
>> the owner (if you do so).
>>
>> --Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
>> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>
> I spoke with the manager today. He said the guy I spoke with didn't know
> what he was talking about and the total bill will be $160 or there abouts.
> He had a second machanic (the one I really trust) go over the bike and
> they found that the chain, chainring and cassette needed to be replaced.
> Bearings fine etc. They have to order the cassette but otherwise no
> problem.
>>
>
>

03-02-2005, 06:52 PM

> I spoke with the manager today. He said the guy I spoke with didn't know
> what he was talking about and the total bill will be $160 or there abouts.
> He had a second machanic (the one I really trust) go over the bike and
> they found that the chain, chainring and cassette needed to be replaced.
> Bearings fine etc. They have to order the cassette but otherwise no
> problem.

Mary: Thank you. Things don't always go the way they should in a business,
and sometimes things can be going bad for quite some time before it comes to
the owner or manager's attention. We (owners & managers) lose sleep over
that sort of thing; stuff that goes on that we'd correct in an instant if
only we knew. Sometimes the eyes in the back of our heads aren't working,
and sometimes we just need to be reminded now and then that there are things
we're not paying as much attention to as we should.

You may have made life unpleasant for one person at that shop, but you've
helped many others, not just those working there but also cyclists who do
business there.

--Mike Jacoubowsky
Chain Reaction Bicycles
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
IMBA, BikesBelong, NBDA member

"Mary" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:42265554$0$166$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].. .
>
> "Mike Jacoubowsky" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
> news:CYcVd.8424$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].prodigy.co m...
>> >I am the original poster. The shop wants $300 to replace the chainring,
>> >chain and cassette. That's all folks. As I stated in a second post. I
>> >took this bike to the shop for a full tune-up every year. I have had
>> >general maintenance and some components replaced as needed. The kicker
>> >to my conversation with the mechanic was that it would be more cost
>> >effective to buy a new bike than fix the one I had. That is what really
>> >threw me for a loop. I can't believe that a 7 year old bike is obsolete
>> >but he said it was and that bikes are now built to become obsolete after
>> >a few years. He said in 6 months there would be no parts available for
>> >the bike
>>> I think he saw a middle aged woman and figured I was an easy mark. Will
>>> pick my bike up tomorrow. Have found a shop who is sure they have the
>>> parts and can do the work for a resonable price.
>>>
>>> Thanks to all for the help.
>>
>> Something really doesn't add up here. I think you need to have a
>> conversation with the owner of the shop, rather than spend time going
>> over things here. $300 for just a chain, chainrings and cassette defies
>> logic. On the other hand, at 27,000 miles, quite a number of parts on
>> your bike must be nearing the end of their lifespan; indeed, it would be
>> difficult to imagine an early Sora or RSX shifter lasting that long, and
>> a pair of those alone runs to $200. That's why, even though you've stated
>> very clearly that the $300 is just for chain, chainrings and cassette,
>> some of us wonder if there might be a communications problem.
>>
>> In any event, sounds like you've been happy with the service there
>> before, but most certainly aren't now. Your choices boil down to just
>> two- either talk with the owner of the store and find out what's really
>> going on, or take it to another shop. There's no point debating anything
>> else. I, for one, would very much like to know the result of talking with
>> the owner (if you do so).
>>
>> --Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
>> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
>
> I spoke with the manager today. He said the guy I spoke with didn't know
> what he was talking about and the total bill will be $160 or there abouts.
> He had a second machanic (the one I really trust) go over the bike and
> they found that the chain, chainring and cassette needed to be replaced.
> Bearings fine etc. They have to order the cassette but otherwise no
> problem.
>>
>
>

03-02-2005, 07:04 PM

catzz66 wrote:
> Question for the rest of you: Would you upgrade your components
> if you were Mary?

In general, I rarely upgrade components. Still, I've been cycling long
enough (since the early 1970s, as an adult) that I've done a lot of
upgrades, if that makes sense.

I see no point in trading, say, a crankset for a similar shinier
crankset. I see no point in taking off, say, Tiagra shifters to
install Ultegra. And there's no practical benefit - and some safety
detriment, I fear - to installing a lighter handlebar, or whatever.
And I don't need to slice my existing gear range into tinier steps,
thanks.

I changed cranksets when I got one on a terrific sale that allowed me
to replace my double with a triple, allowing a super low for touring.
I switched from exposed cable brake levers to "aero" ones when I
installed a clip-on aero handlebar. I traded long arm caliper brakes
for cantis because the calipers had lousy mechanical advantage - i.e.
the bike stopped poorly. IOW, I change components only to solve
specific problems. (And to be honest, some of the replacements were
"downgrades," if you go by catalog rankings.)

If the existing bike is serving Mary well - and it certainly sounds
like it is, based on her mileage - I think she needn't spend money to
"upgrade." Better to save the money and use it for a nicer vacation.
With the bike, of course!

03-02-2005, 07:04 PM

catzz66 wrote:
> Question for the rest of you: Would you upgrade your components
> if you were Mary?

In general, I rarely upgrade components. Still, I've been cycling long
enough (since the early 1970s, as an adult) that I've done a lot of
upgrades, if that makes sense.

I see no point in trading, say, a crankset for a similar shinier
crankset. I see no point in taking off, say, Tiagra shifters to
install Ultegra. And there's no practical benefit - and some safety
detriment, I fear - to installing a lighter handlebar, or whatever.
And I don't need to slice my existing gear range into tinier steps,
thanks.

I changed cranksets when I got one on a terrific sale that allowed me
to replace my double with a triple, allowing a super low for touring.
I switched from exposed cable brake levers to "aero" ones when I
installed a clip-on aero handlebar. I traded long arm caliper brakes
for cantis because the calipers had lousy mechanical advantage - i.e.
the bike stopped poorly. IOW, I change components only to solve
specific problems. (And to be honest, some of the replacements were
"downgrades," if you go by catalog rankings.)

If the existing bike is serving Mary well - and it certainly sounds
like it is, based on her mileage - I think she needn't spend money to
"upgrade." Better to save the money and use it for a nicer vacation.
With the bike, of course!

03-02-2005, 09:09 PM

"Mike Jacoubowsky/Chain Reaction Bicycles" wrote: (clip) you've helped
many others, not just those working there but also cyclists who do business
there.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
And the store management.