High bike service costs?

**rok-the-boat** · 16th May 2006, 13:19

I am new to NZ and slowly learning what goes on etc.

Straight to the point: A friend of mine paid a ridiculous amount for having his bike serviced. I could not believe it and told him to buy a set of tools.

Anyway, if anyone is interested, maybe I could offer to show people what tools to buy and how to service their own bikes. Say, $50 for my time, two to three hours on Saturday afternoons (max 2~3 people, North Shore, Auckland).

If you have high service costs, it will save you money.

What do you think?

**GR81** · 16th May 2006, 14:13

when it comes to warrantys, sometimes you have no choice but to pay bike shops.

**bobsmith** · 16th May 2006, 14:21

Hell I would pay you more (depending on how through it is, I already know how to change engine oil light bulbs, etc...) but I'm in Palmy.... travelling to Palmy anytime soon?

Damn I miss living in the shore. No where quite like it in NZ

**Motu** · 16th May 2006, 15:12

There are far too many bike shops in Auckland,about time we sent some of them down the gurgler.

**Lou Girardin** · 16th May 2006, 15:44

Originally Posted by Motu

There are far too many bike shops in Auckland,about time we sent some of them down the gurgler.

Yeah, God forbid that they earn enough to stay in business.
Perhaps he could also supply the diagnostics to interrogate ECU's as well.
Or even a complete set of special tools for all the bikes of all KB'ers.

**Squeak the Rat** · 16th May 2006, 15:53

Haha! And he'll use the money to get his bike serviced

Fair call, each to their own. I prefer to pay some one that I can trust to service my bike.

**SARGE** · 16th May 2006, 15:58

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

Yeah, God forbid that they earn enough to stay in business.
Perhaps he could also supply the diagnostics to interrogate ECU's as well.
Or even a complete set of special tools for all the bikes of all KB'ers.

yea lou... great idea .. then when they stuff something up.. and the warranty wont pay out..we can sell MORE BIKES!!!!!
( GIGGLE)

**ManDownUnder** · 16th May 2006, 16:04

rok-the-boat

I love the attitude mate - you'll fit in around here.

Yeah the DIY stuff is for those so inclined, and if you haven't met him, introduce yourself to FROSTY our resident... errr... senior member/racing lunatic/bike fixing teacher and so on.

Lou and SARGE boith work for bikes shops (can you tell), and they have a habit of being less than completely subtle... but they have a point. Leave the advanced stuff to the experts.

Of course if you happen to be an expert and care to share then even better!

Welcome aboard
MDU

**SARGE** · 16th May 2006, 16:09

Originally Posted by ManDownUnder

rok-the-boat

Lou and SARGE boith work for bikes shops (can you tell), and they have a habit of being less than completely subtle...

MDU

i resent that MDU.. im subtle as a brick

seriously.. under warranty.. get it serviced..

after warranty.. DYI

i actually leave the simple shit for the workshop.. oil changes and routine service gets done here cuz i cant be stuffed..

modifying gets done at home...loose lips sink ships..

**ManDownUnder** · 16th May 2006, 16:11

Originally Posted by SARGE

i resent that MDU.. im subtle as a brick suppository

seriously.. under warranty.. get it serviced..

after warranty.. DYI

i actually leave the simple shit for the workshop.. oil changes and routine service gets done here cuz i cant be stuffed..

modifying gets done at home...loose lips sink ships..

Can't arguewith any of that mate.

Stay put I'm coming over to the shop in 10 mins... need some wet weather
gear (can you work out why???)

MDU

**bobsmith** · 16th May 2006, 16:15

Originally Posted by ManDownUnder

Can't arguewith any of that mate.

Stay put I'm coming over to the shop in 10 mins... need some wet weather
gear (can you work out why???)

MDU

Damn I wish my work paid me to sit there and browse KB...

**SARGE** · 16th May 2006, 16:18

Originally Posted by bobsmith

Damn I wish my work paid me to sit there and browse KB...

I'm in separate windows updating my advertising and bikepoint today...

**ManDownUnder** · 16th May 2006, 16:39

Originally Posted by bobsmith

Damn I wish my work paid me to sit there and browse KB...

You work??

**Jantar** · 16th May 2006, 16:42

Originally Posted by rok-the-boat

I am new to NZ and slowly learning what goes on etc.

Straight to the point: A friend of mine paid a ridiculous amount for having his bike serviced. I could not believe it and told him to buy a set of tools.

Anyway, if anyone is interested, maybe I could offer to show people what tools to buy and how to service their own bikes. Say, $50 for my time, two to three hours on Saturday afternoons (max 2~3 people, North Shore, Auckland).

If you have high service costs, it will save you money.

What do you think?

I generally find that most bike shops are quite reasonable in their charges for servicing a bike.

I do tend to do most routine jobs myself. Things like adjusting the chain, wheel alignment, cleaning the air filter etc, are not beyond most people, and it is quite suprising how doing these simple things means that there is less for the shop to do. Also, take your bike in to the shop in a clean condition. It makes it easier for the guys working on it, saves their time and yours, and will often make the cost of a service $10 - $20 cheaper in saved time.