Is this normal? : Do all LBS' do this?

[RSV_Ecosse]

Thanks for all the feedback guys, appreciate it.

A few lessons learned for me :-

1. Look into getting to grips with exactly how to adjust Shimano gears so I don't have to use an LBS to do it again.

2. Don't ever go anywhere near the same LBS again.

3. Next time my bike goes into an LBS, mark the position of the geometry related components, just in case.

Reflecting on the whole escapade, I think it was just seriously shoddy workmanship coupled up with the fact that they were busy because of the time of year. However, I don't think that's an excuse.

To be honest, I should have just gone back to the place I bought the bike from to get work done on it. But I was scoping out somewhere nearer and more local that would end up getting my custom for all my cycling needs, servicing, kit etc. I'm not a millionaire but over the course of a year I would probably have spent a fair wad of cash at a good local LBS. This one certainly won't see any of my readies again, that's for sure. Need to expand my options and look elsewhere now.

 

[mickle]

It seems different Bikestand manufacturers have different ideas where the bike should be held.

Bikestand manufacturer shows a picture of a bike being held by it's top tube.
Bike manufacturer expressly forbids the clamping of frame tubes.

Who are you going to believe?

 

[dodgy]

It seems different Bikestand manufacturers have different ideas where the bike should be held.

There's a reason why you can buy these - http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/17456/Park_Internal_Seat_Tube_Clamp_24mm_32mm
and http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/17455/Park_Internal_Seat_Tube_Clamp_25mm_27mm

Dave.

 

[PaulSB]

To be honest, I should have just gone back to the place I bought the bike from to get work done on it.

I think this is the real answer to the problem. Assumming you bought the bike reasonably local to home you obviously trusted the LBS to sell you the bike (the biggest purchase) you should therefore be able to trust this LBS with maintenance. Plus they will be very interested to maintain a bike they have sold and to retan you as a regular customer.

I buy my bikes at the same shop, always go there for maintenance and buy anything else I need there if possible. Consequently when I want my gears / brakes adjusted I just pop in and it's done immediately for free

 

[Euan Uzami]

only exception to that would be ifyou bought the (possibly perfectly reasonable) bike from halfords.

 

[punkypossum]

Wrong. Clamping the top tube in a workstand will cause you to fail your bike mechanic exam and may well invalidate the frame manufacturers warranty. Scott, Trek, Cannondale to name just three. If some 'cowboy' were to squash my thin wall Scandium top tube and its $250 paint job in a work-stand I would be insisting on a replacement.

Unless its physically impossible one must clamp the bike using the seat post, even if this means moving it and/or having to remove light brackets etc. It's best practice.

Argh!!!! My lbs clamps the top tube (with a nicely thick wad of padding, but still...). Don't tell me I have to find yet another lbs - not many options left in Preston!!!

 

[PaulSB]

You could try Ewood Bikes in Blackburn, I've been going there for 12 years or so. Not quite local though.

 

[fossyant]

What's all this - taking a bike to a LBS for maintenance...erm what......

Best option - Do It Yourself.......

 

[alecstilleyedye]

my lbs, i can usually phone the night before and take it in first thing and have it done by lunchtime. small jobs like adjustment are often done there and then, if i help put all the second hand bikes out on the pavement.