Does your Mechanic let you watch?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Does your Mechanic let you watch?
I know its bad form to take your bike to the LBS for repairs at all as you should learn to do everything yourself, but if needing repair/replacement for something
that either intimidates you, don't have the tool for, or too rich and/or lazy to do,
is it bad form to ask to watch the mechanic do it to learn yourself?
Or is that akin to going to a restaurant and asking to watch the Chef make your
meal so you can do it yourself and not spend your money there anymore?
that either intimidates you, don't have the tool for, or too rich and/or lazy to do,
is it bad form to ask to watch the mechanic do it to learn yourself?
Or is that akin to going to a restaurant and asking to watch the Chef make your
meal so you can do it yourself and not spend your money there anymore?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Seattle
Posts: 155
Bikes: '06 DK Cincinnati, '09 Mercier Kilo TT
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Anytime I take my bikes somewhere to get work done (usually because I don't have the proper tools), I like to hang out with the mechanics and talk/watch, assuming they can do the work on the spot. They never seem to have a problem with it.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 11,375
Bikes: '08 Surly Cross-Check, 2011 Redline Conquest Pro, 2012 Spesh FSR Comp EVO, 2015 Trek Domane 6.2 disc
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
The only work I bring my bike in for is headset removal/installation because I won't shell out the $$ for the tools due to the infrequent nature of their use. The wrenches don't care that I watch what they're doing.
__________________
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
#4
Paste Taster
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 4,392
Bikes: , Jury Bike, Moto Outcast 29, Spicer standard track frame and spicer custom steel sprint frame.
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
depends on you relationship with the shop if you are in there all the time and have spent a lot of money there they tend to let you do what you want
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 1,047
Bikes: Panasonic NJS Keirin x2, Level Professional, Bianchi CUSS, GT Pulse
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
You can make a simple headset press using a long threaded bolt, two nuts, and two washers.
#7
Yup
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 22
Bikes: Specialized Langster Boston
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
When I'm workin on someone's bike they can watch if they want, I think it's great for people to learn how to fix their bike. If I ever took my bike somewhere to get fixed, I'd probably watch too, but maybe that's just because I'm OCD and want to be aware of what's going on. Although we have a policy at the shop I work at now and customers aren't allowed into the back because we had a rim fall from the ceiling onto some dude's head once.
#8
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
I don't mind being watched although I do double my rate for that.
When I build wheels I usually can't stand the company of anyone except Alexander Keith.
When I build wheels I usually can't stand the company of anyone except Alexander Keith.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Mesa, AZ
Posts: 122
Bikes: Bianchi Pista, Fit Flow
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It sucks the worst to have people watching you work on bikes, actually. Especially when the people ask a bunch of questions, and they don't know what they are talking about.
#10
Veteran Racer
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Posts: 11,793
Bikes: 31 frames + 74 wheels
Liked 800 Times
in
454 Posts
Having worked as a mechanic in a bike shop, I found it highly annoying to have a customer breathing down my neck, getting in the way and yacking incessantly while I try to concentrate on the job at hand and do it properly as well as quickly so I can get to the next customer's bike. You can find out everything you need to know in books and online. The real issue is whether it is cost-effective to buy a very expensive tool that you might use once in a decade or pay your LBS a modest fee to do it. I recently bought a frame and fork with a 1-1/8 threadless steerer tube and did not have a driver tool for the headset fork crown race. I did not want to pay $30 for the tool and could not find any pipe with the proper ID, so I took it to my LBS. I asked the mechanic if he could also cut down the head tube, and he started writing a work ticket, said he needed 3 days to do it and would charge $15. I then said forget cutting the steerer tube I already have a pipe cutter, just drive the fork crown race. He said OK dude, tore up the ticket, pulled out his 1-1/8 driver wack wack wack its done no charge I'm outta there. Moral of the story do as much as you can yourself and if you keep it simple for the LBS they'll make it easy for you.
#11
So it is
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Westminster, CO
Posts: 21,997
Bikes: Luzerne, 684, Boreas, Wheelhouse, Alize©®, Bayamo, Cayo
Liked 5,425 Times
in
3,074 Posts
I would not even ask to watch.
When repairing vehicles, folks would ask if it was OK to watch. I would allow it if they told me where they worked. If they asked why I wanted to know that, I would let them know I planned on parking myself in their office to watch them "work"
When repairing vehicles, folks would ask if it was OK to watch. I would allow it if they told me where they worked. If they asked why I wanted to know that, I would let them know I planned on parking myself in their office to watch them "work"
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 1,047
Bikes: Panasonic NJS Keirin x2, Level Professional, Bianchi CUSS, GT Pulse
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Tejano, I usually use an old piece of 2" exhaust tubing and a piece of wood to hammer on my crown races, it works great.
Laj, do you do shady stuff when you "work" on people's cars? How come you wouldn't let them watch? When I was a mechanic at a hot rod shop in college I welcomed people to watch so they could know for sure I was trustworthy.
Laj, do you do shady stuff when you "work" on people's cars? How come you wouldn't let them watch? When I was a mechanic at a hot rod shop in college I welcomed people to watch so they could know for sure I was trustworthy.
Last edited by Yo!; 08-06-09 at 03:45 PM.
#14
I think some people don't like to be watched because there are many customers who love their bike or car, and want to make sure you are doing it right and will analyzing the job you are doing, even if not knowing really what you are doing or how it is meant to be done.
#15
So it is
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Westminster, CO
Posts: 21,997
Bikes: Luzerne, 684, Boreas, Wheelhouse, Alize©®, Bayamo, Cayo
Liked 5,425 Times
in
3,074 Posts
No I didn't do shady stuff. I am actually quite proud of the work I do in that field. They knew I was trustworthy because their concern was addressed. Drivability is a far cry from some "hotrod shop" as well.
#17
chickenosaurus
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 1,189
Bikes: 2010 Motobecane Team Track, 1997 GT Edge, 2012 Kilo TT Stripper
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#18
car dodger
My lbs doesn't let me watch - they let me use their tools.
__________________
1989 Schwinn Paramount OS
1980 Mclean/Silk Hope Sport Touring
1983 Bianchi pista
1976 Fuji Feather track
1979 raleigh track
"I've consulted my sources and I'm pretty sure your derailleur does not exist"
1989 Schwinn Paramount OS
1980 Mclean/Silk Hope Sport Touring
1983 Bianchi pista
1976 Fuji Feather track
1979 raleigh track
"I've consulted my sources and I'm pretty sure your derailleur does not exist"
#20
coasterbrakelockup
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: parts unknown
Posts: 824
Bikes: surly steamroller w/coaster brake, electra single speed cruiser, specialized rockhopper commuter, no-name single speed folder, 700c ultimate wheel, 24" unicycle, specialized bmx lsd, single seat single speed huffy tandem, pink upsidedown parade bike
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The shop stands at my LBS are in an open area behind the counter. They even have bar stools so you can hang out while your bike is being fixed. Goes along with their policy of free installation if you buy your parts there.
That being said, if they think you're a ****** they'll say they're really backed up and your bike won't be ready until tomorrow.
That being said, if they think you're a ****** they'll say they're really backed up and your bike won't be ready until tomorrow.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: avon lake, ohio.
Posts: 80
Bikes: Waterford 2100 w/ Campy Chorus 9, Eighth Inch Scrambler.
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I work at a guitar shop, and I will tell you that it's pretty annoying when people stand too close and watch diligently. It's a lot different if you just ask if it's cool to watch (I will always say yes), or if you are capable of holding a decent conversation. Just don't stand there wide-mouthed and watch like an idiot.
#22
I have a bike co-op at the university nearby, and they charge slightly more than using their tools for one of the employees/volunteers/whatever to help you learn how to fix your bike.
#23
Riding Engineer
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Tokyo
Posts: 835
Bikes: Kiyo Kiyo Kiyo
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You should avoid any craftsmen(women) who doesn't let you watch while working. That should ring some serious bells especially for those mechanics you don't really know. I had a wheel build once and somehow the guy didn't tension the spokes correctly. (Yep, and good mechanics may forget to do something.)
Picky customers are actually good customers because they are interested in work you do. Worst customers are who just "leaves" work on you. They tend to pester you with every little crap making you do all the after-service for free.
Picky customers are actually good customers because they are interested in work you do. Worst customers are who just "leaves" work on you. They tend to pester you with every little crap making you do all the after-service for free.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 741
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Lug Steel,
It is never bad form to take your steed to your lbs for repair/upgrades. Of course, it's good to be able to do work yourself and you should give things a go. But, don't ever feel inferior by going somewhere and paying someone to do their job. It's their job! If you are not a regular customer and the stands are not out in public areas then common courtesy would dictate you ask if it is OK to watch and of course you should avoid being a pain in the ass.
It is never bad form to take your steed to your lbs for repair/upgrades. Of course, it's good to be able to do work yourself and you should give things a go. But, don't ever feel inferior by going somewhere and paying someone to do their job. It's their job! If you are not a regular customer and the stands are not out in public areas then common courtesy would dictate you ask if it is OK to watch and of course you should avoid being a pain in the ass.