http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Unhelpful bike shop of the day award goes to.... en Sun, 31 May 2026 11:27:54 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457&page=2#post-16147 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 23:17:03 +0000 Cyclingmollie 16147@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yikes, that's worrying. Would it make any difference if I used the alloy measure instead of the steel side on my Rohloff II? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457&page=2#post-15858 Tue, 02 Nov 2010 15:14:50 +0000 thebikechain 15858@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>We just got some new Feedback Sports digital measurey thingys. </p> <p>More accurate than the Park we are decomissioning from service.</p> <p>Gives you a mill perfect reading. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-15853 Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:54:33 +0000 Arellcat 15853@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>More than you thought you needed to know about measuring chain wear:</p> <p><a href="http://pardo.net/bike/pic/fail-004/000.html" rel="nofollow">http://pardo.net/bike/pic/fail-004/000.html</a></p> <p>The upshot of that long, long page is that most chain wear tools are inaccurate.</p> <p><em>"The important issue of chain wear is that the spacing changes, causing the chain to ride up on the sprocket teeth. Thus, it is important to measure pin/bushing wear. However, bushing/roller wear does not affect chain performance unless it becomes so severe that it affects structural integrity. Thus, bushing/roller wear should not be included in overall wear measurements."</em></p> <p><strong>KMC digital caliper</strong> - wrong<br /> <strong>Rohloff Caliber 2</strong> - wrong<br /> <strong>Park Tool CC-2</strong> - wrong<br /> <strong>Park Tool CC-3</strong> - wrong<br /> <strong>ProGold Chain Gauge</strong> - wrong<br /> <strong>Speedtech CW-1089</strong> - wrong<br /> <strong>Shimano TL-CN40</strong> - right<br /> <strong>Shimano TL-CN41</strong> - right<br /> <strong>Wipperman</strong> - wrong</p> <p>So while I've been diligently measuring my chains with my steel ruler, and throwing them away after the 1/16" elongation stage, I've been doing things right. But since moving to a quick check using my Park CC-3 tool, I've been doing it wrong. In either case, I've been cleaning, lubing and measuring my bike chains properly for the past ten years or so, and have never had to change both chain and sprockets at the same time. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-15849 Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:24:02 +0000 chdot 15849@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"I get 2-3 chains per cassette if i change chain before 0.75 wear."</p> <p><img src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:6xYj7uNqczxZrM::www.starbike.com/php/product_info.php?lang%3Den%26pid%3D6029&amp;t=1&amp;usg=AFrqEzcRkW-mKQYIA_ceU3n9f21hnG4omg"></p> <p><a href="http://www.rohloff.de/uploads/media/Beschreibung_Caliber_2.en.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://www.rohloff.de/uploads/media/Beschreibung_Caliber_2.en.pdf</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.rohloff.de/en/technical/chaindrive/chain_wear/" rel="nofollow">http://www.rohloff.de/en/technical/chaindrive/chain_wear/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-15848 Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:17:37 +0000 2wheels1guy 15848@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I get 2-3 chains per cassette if i change chain before 0.75 wear.<br /> I was a bit shocked at his "buy a cassette or you don't get a chain" response.<br /> Very rude &amp; unhelpful place, looking forward to the "going out of business sign" </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-15537 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 10:17:08 +0000 ruggtomcat 15537@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I think it really does depend who serves you. I have a good experience 5 out of 7 times. *shrug* I still give them money occasionally. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-15536 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 10:16:53 +0000 chdot 15536@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Isn't it usually 2-3 chains per cassette?"</p> <p>Interesting question. </p> <p>Never actually seen that 'rule'. </p> <p>'Replace chain and block' is an easy instruction. </p> <p>It partly depends on a) whether you ride mostly in the high gears (wear quicker) b) whether you will tolerate a bit of skipping if you replace a chain and not block and c) whether you replace chain before it's too far gone and block/cassette is really 'worn out'. </p> <p><a href="http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1554">Bike maintenance philosophy</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-15533 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 10:05:11 +0000 Stepdoh 15533@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>He wouldn't sell you a chain, that just seems weird. Isn't it usually 2-3 chains per cassette? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-15521 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 08:14:35 +0000 Dave 15521@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Send them your wiggle receipt for the chain you bought, perhaps. ;-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-15515 Wed, 27 Oct 2010 23:03:53 +0000 2wheels1guy 15515@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've had problems with the bicycle repair man too, so have some of my mates.<br /> Wouldn't let me pump a tyre too, also wouldn't sell me a chain unless i bought a cassette as well or put it in for a service. (chain &amp; cass was new)</p> <p>When you see how it should be done like the bike chain for example, it's about building relationships that bring customers back. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-13888 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 09:53:12 +0000 recombodna 13888@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>That's great I'm glad to hear that. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-13857 Sat, 02 Oct 2010 17:54:27 +0000 Claggy Cog 13857@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>My gear shifter broke on the way to meet at the C'wealth Pool for a Saturday ride, so I cycled to the Bicycle Repair Man shop, where they sorted it out for me, there and then, allowing me to catch up with the others with a new gear shifter and cable. Marvellous, top service. I have never had a problem, but on the other hand I have never asked to borrow any equipment. I have discussed buying tools from them for repairs and the advice they have given me has always been sound. Their prices are reasonable and I find the staff just fine... I would recommend the shop to anyone. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-13843 Sat, 02 Oct 2010 11:02:53 +0000 1lesscar 13843@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I like the BRM. I have used him on many occasions over the years. I think if you had hinted at making a purchase prior to asking to borrow his pump, you would have had no problems at all. </p> <p>I have even been offered a coffee whilst waiting for some minor repairs adjustments etc. They are top blokes IMHO. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-13826 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:26:56 +0000 recombodna 13826@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've had a good craic with one of the guy's in BRM before and I'm sure if he'd been in there would have been no problem borrowing a pump.<br /> Alas I can't be bothered with tiresome bike shop politics so just go elsewhere and meet new friends.<br /> The old puch 531 racer's coming along nicely though just need some cableage and she's good to go. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-13825 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:14:44 +0000 Dave 13825@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I think that's fair. See here - Bicycle Repair Man seems to have a bad rep (deserved or not) while everybody is now going to the Bicycle Works for free crankbolts... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-13809 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 10:45:58 +0000 steveo 13809@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>As a bike shop worker on another forum I frequent once said, </p> <p><em>"Its always worth giving good service, even for free. If the customer is happy they might tell one friend how good we are if the customer is unhappy they will tell every one."</em> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-13807 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 10:35:47 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 13807@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Bicycle Works leant me their cable cutters after I'd fitted a new brake cable with no questions asked. Seems like that kind of place.</p> <p>Though I can understand places being reticent to lend out tools for the ease with which they might disappear or be wrecked. That said, I personally wouldn't think of a track pump as a 'tool'! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-13803 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 10:22:02 +0000 recombodna 13803@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Bicycle works guy gave me two crank bolts gratis this morning...... now that's what I'm talking about!! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-13785 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:57:37 +0000 LaidBack 13785@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>We have 3 track pumps on the shop floor for you to borrow here. </em></p> <p>That's good. Worth knowing. D </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-13781 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:52:47 +0000 recombodna 13781@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>We have 3 track pumps on the shop floor for you to borrow here.</p> <p>That's great. I wouldn't expect to borrow tools but pumps are a different matter. Anyone want's to borrow my track pump is more than welcome. It's just common courtesy and I suppose that's what annoyed me about the BRM. Their policy sucks the fat one. I'll try my best to help anyone in trouble at the side of the road no matter what their mode of transport. A winning smile will get you a long way in this world. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-13768 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 17:26:18 +0000 thebikechain 13768@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>We have 3 track pumps on the shop floor for you to borrow here. </p> <p>We don't lend other toold but are happy to adjust things on the shop floor with spanners etc - i.e. non workshop jobs.<br /> We will not touch brakes and stuff though - just raise and lower saddles and repair punctures etc,</p> <p>Anything that involves 'adult' tools is booked in to the workshop. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-13764 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 16:01:52 +0000 LaidBack 13764@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>But would you ask for a pump in Halfords?</em></p> <p>Or from a web shop?<br /> They could send you a virtual one for your iPhone... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-13760 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:00:56 +0000 steveo 13760@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>But would you ask for a pump in Halfords? </em></p> <p>If it was the only "bike shop" in the area probably though i'd rather go down to a local shop get my tyre blown up and get an inner tube from them if they would rather not have my business then i'd move onward. Would you ask it Tesco is the question. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-13759 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:51:38 +0000 chdot 13759@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"so it means that the trade lost isn't worth it in terms of something"</p> <p>Bike shops and lending tools is a difficult one. </p> <p>At least that shop has a 'no tools' notice. </p> <p>Some shops have had tools stolen. </p> <p>Some will lend to 'known customers'. </p> <p>Some chain a track pump outside. </p> <p>But would you ask for a pump in Halfords? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-13757 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:23:52 +0000 ruggtomcat 13757@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>they can be a bit odd in there, depends who's in. pretty dour tho. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-13756 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:22:59 +0000 SRD 13756@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"so it means that the trade lost isn't worth it in terms of something"</p> <p>Availability of tools/space when other customers call in? I suppose if an employee's been told 'don't let people borrow tools' then s/he's not going to contradict the boss, even if the shop is empty. </p> <p>Maybe they know they aren't going to get much business from the 'do-it-yourself' type, who probably buys parts etc elsewhere. </p> <p>At any rate, have always found them helpful when I needed an emergency patch etc and we've bought some useful bits of kit there too. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-13751 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:17:18 +0000 Dave 13751@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Don't get me wrong, I think a bike shop has every right not to blow up people's tyres and send them to a competitor - absolutely.</p> <p>I just think it's slightly funny business practice. I'm sure they're not stupid, so it means that the trade lost isn't worth it in terms of something (surely not wear and tear costs on their existing workshop pump??) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-13750 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:04:27 +0000 recombodna 13750@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Bikerepairman does say very clearly in the window "we don't lend tools'.</p> <p>does it? ........ yolks on me then.</p> <p>@Rabid Hamster You're right I should have sucked up to him a bit more but I didn't think he'd make such a big deal out of borrowing a pump for a few seconds.Ho Hum you live and learn. Life's too short for that sort of shenanigans... au revoir. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-13749 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:03:04 +0000 Rabid Hamster 13749@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The logic of 'carrot and stick' could be applied...</p> <p>Hi, Nice day? Can I buy a new tube please, oh and while I'm in could you put some air in my existing tyre please? Ta very much, have a good day. Bye. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1457#post-13745 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:58:54 +0000 SRD 13745@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Bikerepairman does say very clearly in the window "we don't lend tools'. </p>