Green Peugeot

I have no mechanical skills, and I have an old bike.
My Shimano rear derailleur had to be replaced. The bike shop put on a SunRace SR-515 — $12.80 at Walmart. They charged me $40. Also a SRAM Chain PC 830 — $9.00 most places on the Internet. They charged $25. Labor was $45.
1. Did I get ripped off? (This is in NYC, where things might be expected to cost a bit more.)
2. Is there any problem using the Sun Race derailleur with the existing Shimano sprockets?

billridesbikes

New chain and new derailleur installed for $120? Did they recable it too?
For NYC I would that’s not a bargain but it doesn’t seem to be a ripoff either as far as the labor goes. My nonNYC bikeshop charges $35 for a chain replacement, not counting the cost of the chain.
Did you ask about the cost of the parts? Usually my bike shop can match internet prices within a few bucks plus/minus since there are only a few distributors.

Andrew R Stewart 

Was there a pre service estimate given before you OKed the work? Admittedly NYC has among the highest overheads of most US cities so one should expect higher parts and labor costs.

1- You only got ripped off if your were blind to your end of the deal. See above.

2- Have you ridden the bike since the work? If so and if the gears/shifting work OK then there's no question about compatibility. Sun Race makes Shimano compatible stuff and I assume that's what the shop installed. If not bad on them. The proof is in the function which has not yet been written about by you.

I have to say that if you want Walmart prices have them do the work. Sorry to be harsh. Andy

TiHabanero

Value is in the eye of the beholder. My opinion is that you did not get ripped off, presuming the work performed is correct and the objective achieved. Add to that the frequency of replacing parts on a bike is fairly low, be happy the machine is operable again and ride with a smile. Must nice to have the luxury of worrying about saving 40 bucks, but really there are more important things to be concerned with.

ARider2

Price sensitive folks should do the research BEFORE bringing their bike in for service or repairs, not after the work has already been done. No one should be surprised that bicycle parts and service prices are higher at a local bicycle shop in New York City when compared to a national department store like Walmart. Folks who are generally suspicious and do not trust their local bicycle shop should also do their research BEFORE bringing their bike in for service. All bicycle shops should provide an estimate of the cost of the parts and labor, as well as the time needed to complete the repair, BEFORE starting the job. It amazes me how many folks bring their worn out, old, rusty bicycles to a shop and then are surprised that costly repairs are needed when the bicycle has been abused, neglected and not serviced on a routine basis. Lastly, I'm amazed I took the bait and responded to the first post from a newbie who appears to have an axe to grind.

AlmostTrick

No, not ripped off. Did they give you an estimate prior to the doing the work?

In my area and surely in yours, there are several bike mechanics listed on Craigslist who offer quality repairs at half the cost or so of bike shops.

Also, getting involved in a cycling club can often put you in touch with members with mechanical skills willing to help other members out. I've helped others often.

Crankycrank

I don't know if that was a ripoff or not but it's best to learn to do your own work. The money spent on labor for this job could easily cover all the tools needed to do it yourself and you would still have most of the difference left over. This forum exists to help everyone learn how to repair your bike so don't hesitate to post questions here. Even if you believe you have no mechanical skills give it a try. Hell, I've met a few military aircraft mechanics who couldn't figure out how to open a tool box but were trained to do some pretty complex mechanical jobs. Also there are many, many internet tools to show you how as well. YouTube has lots of good videos such as this guy RJ The Bike Guy - YouTube, Sheldon Brown-Bicycle Technical Information a great source for all things about bicycles, Repair Help Articles | Park Tool has some great videos, etc. These are just a small sample of what's available.

cxwrench

I will say that $35.00 labor to install a chain is by FAR the most I've ever seen. The shop I'm at is in one of the most expensive counties to live in the country, we charge $15.00 for the labor.

billridesbikes

Raise your prices and pay the mechanics more. Are you at the median $/hr in your area?

veganbikes

Wally-Mart and Billionaire Jeff Bezos' Amazon will of course be cheaper they can undercut anyone and violate MAP because who is going to stop them they are billionaires. However they can't work on your bike, you could ask them but have you seen the stuff they sell, would you want them working on your bike or professionals at a bike shop?

You are only ripped off if they are charging you for work they didn't do.

cxwrench

Pretty sure we're over it. I make pretty good money.