Sunman54

I just ordered a new mountain bike online and had an issue that I wanted to get some advice on estimated costs for a LBS to correct the installation of Shimano Brakes and Deore Shifters on my new mountain bike. These were installed backwards by the bike company that sells their bikes directly to the consumer. The left brake handle controls the rear brake and the right brake handle controls the front brake. The left shifter controls the rear derailleur and the right shifter controls the front derailleur. Its a 2 x 10 bike with internal cabling. The bike company has offered only $50 for me to have a LBS shop correct the issue. While it will be a few days before I get the bike to a local shop, I wanted to get an idea if $50 will cover the repair? I’m thinking no way but could be wrong. I know that I could live with it and get use to it, but if I let another family member use the bike then they could find it a safety challenge like I did with all backwards on their first ride. Thoughts on the estimated repairs costs would be most appreciated. Thanks

Phil_gretz

For a mountain bike, especially assuming external cabling, this is not a difficult job. It may not even require any new materials at all. Maybe only the rear inner cable (at worst). I'm guessing that this is a 30-to-45 minute job (for me) to swap, adjust and test. $50 is more than fair. Other "professionals" may disagree. PG

Elvo

$50 +/- $25 sounds right

Sunman54

Just watched a YOU TUBE and it was easy - problem solved - Thanks

hillyman

Apparently there isn't any drug testing at that bike company. Interesting very interesting

70sSanO

I’m trying to envision the left trigger shifter/rear derailleur setup.

John

veganbikes

The bike could probably use a full tune up and assemble. If that is the one noticed issue on the bike there is likely many many more. These online brands have no interest in quality it is quantity and quickness, if there is one issue it is usually a whole host of them.

Tune up/assemblies can vary based on your market but probably good average price range can be $100-300. However again it depends on your market and the quality of work being done.

BlazingPedals

Left lever/rear brake is supposedly more common in England. That makes the right lever work the front brake, which matches what motorcycles use.

alcjphil

Is it possible that the handlebar was installed backwards?

mack_turtle

there's no way the left shifter was connected to the rear derailer. either you installed the handlebar backwards, or they REALLY screwed up. nothing would operate correctly in the bike stand if they did that.

right brake lever connected to the front brake is common in European markets where more people are familiar with motorcycles. most American riders put the rear brake on the right lever. it's just a personal preference in the end.

dabac

I’m thinking maybe the bar went on upside down.

Reflector Guy

Assuming it was built from a bike-in-a-box, I am thinking the factory routed all the cables the wrong way. I am not sure one could unpack the bike and raise the handlebar to its mounting position all while somehow turning it some such way that the cables would end up wrong. Somewhere along the line the cables would be twisted like pretzels.

Unless I am missing something fundamental, like maybe if the bike box arrived with none of the cables attached.

mack_turtle

true story: I once watched a very experienced mechanic recable a road bike by connecting the shift cables to the brakes. He just brainfarted and joked about inventing "indexed braking." it happens sometimes.

tallbikeman

I set my bicycles up with right front brake. I have a motorcycle license and don't want confusion about the front brake. There is really no downside to which side you assign your brakes as long as you are good with it.

Kapusta

Maybe the handlebars were backwards.