Fixing bikes for mates sucks!!

[wysper]

I try and avoid fixing friend's computers as the perception seems to be that we are all computer geeks who know everything about anything vaguely computer related and love being rung up at anytime of the night or day for ongoing advice. I am a technician - I fix hardware, software is the cause of me drinking too much. Not really , but someone has to take the blame.

I hear you. I have a mate (he is on this fourm) he is always happy to help with my comp when I am having issues. While I am ok with comps he just knows more. I supply good coffee, junk food and smart arse wisecracks. Seems to work for us.

I am in the hifi game. I get people asking to fix/set up there hometheatres/stereos all the time. If they are good mates I am happy to. Or good friends of friends I will usually try to help out. I don't charge. However if they want me to FIX something (which is not my strong suit) I stress that while I wont charge them there is a chance that item A will NEVER work again LOL

And to the OP, I can understand why you wouldn't wan't to help anyone any more, but you sound like a good bastard. I hope you get the good karma you deserve.

[Spyke]

Ixions got it.

It's when inexperienced people get older things that need a bit of love to keep them going good, but they don't understand how to do those little things to keep the old thing running, they get someone to fix the problem on the cheap, which means normally temporary fixture and is a little touchy!!!! (which non mechanically illiterate can't handle)

They're much better buying a brand new bike and not being tight and taking it to a shop for check ups.

conquiztador helped me change a gear selector shaft for my ts185, we used old parts so I'd expect the job to be not entirely perfect. But as long as I realise the parts aren't brand new and I may have to keep an eye on it or have a little tamper with it, it should be great.

Conquiztador are you still keen to help with the front wheel?

My little imput.

[NOMIS]

Just a thought here.
Perhaps you could do their work for them in exchange for English and spelling lessons?

I could , but then I would have to take lessons on giving a shit as well.

Or lessons on how to push delete and finding the motovation to fix my spelling mistakes,

Then again not.

[fire eyes]

Really you should be grateful to his mum.

Her story will be a disincentive to like minded leeches among their mates. Hopefully you will be left in peace as a consequence.

bloody good point! bling bling

[Patrick]

Then I hear that I did a crappy job and the bike is now not working as a result of my workmanship... (That is what his mum is telling ppl)

Really you should be grateful to his mum.

Her story will be a disincentive to like minded leeches among their mates. Hopefully you will be left in peace as a consequence.

Pritch is spot on. You did a bloody good deed and if they can't see that, and want to stay away, a top result coz you don't need em.

One night, in a really crowded room, ask that big mouthed mum for the change she owes you from the $5 blow job she gave ya... that'll shut her up.

[Conquiztador]

Ixions got it.



Conquiztador are you still keen to help with the front wheel?

My little imput.

Yep, You know how to get in contact with me.

[gammaguy]

in my experience doing work for mates or acquaintances is a thankless task.now i make sure that i charge for my time and if they dont like it they can take their machine to a bike shop.having said all that i am now very fussy who i do private work for and never work on anyones"project"or handyman special as it always ends in tears and unrealistic expectations dashed.
ya cant polish a turd,and too many people see their turds thru tinted glasses,and blame you when they still stink.

[Mom]

I recon I have done the last "I can help you mate" one. So thats it. From now on I charge. And do nothing for "mates".

Please dont stop helping less than knowing people out.

Getting great big dollops of shit dumped on you after the fact would be more than enough for me to say Fuck it! That is the last time I ever do this too!

I am sorry you got bagged for what you did, all I can say is some folk are dick heads, and would not know a good thing if they tripped over it.

It is people like you that give, that make this world a nicer place.

Thank you.

[The Stranger:Me]

in my experience doing work for mates or acquaintances is a thankless task.

Ok, we are a bit different. I respect your position, however I have a different position.
In my experience, doing work for mates is by and large very rewarding. Knowing I have saved them money and that the job is done properly is a bonus.

now i make sure that i charge for my time and if they dont like it they can take their machine to a bike shop.

In my whole life I have never charged a friend for my time and as long as my arse points to the ground I wont be.

having said all that i am now very fussy who i do private work for and never work on anyones"project"or handyman special as it always ends in tears and unrealistic expectations dashed.
ya cant polish a turd,and too many people see their turds thru tinted glasses,and blame you when they still stink.

I see where you are going there. However see it a little different.
I am old enough and no longer that hungry that I have to do rough work.
I turn down any work - paid or otherwise - where there is an expectation that I will do a quick dirty fix or supply parts based soley on lowest cost.

[Mom]

I am old enough and no longer that hungry that I have to do rough work.

I would have agreed with all of that but, you used the old word! I am aged (like fine wine and good cheese) enough to agree with the not so hungry comment though!

[The Stranger:Me]

like fine wine and good cheese

Like vinegar and mould?

[Mom]

Like vinegar and mould?

Yeah! My faves....

Oh those challenging ports...those nasty Stiltons....

[Conquiztador]

Some posts to consider. And also heaps of support. Appreciated.

I don't really give a shit that I got nothing. I wanted nothing. What pees me off is that suddenly my wokmanship is in question for something I have nothing to do with. And nothing has been said to me. It is all behind the back.

I was thinking that I was really thick skinned. But I can still feel it.

I actually enjoy sitting in the backyard in the sun fixing a bike and having a beer. If I could I would do that instead of work. (and some writing). There is something about creating something, fixing a broken thingimabob. And then having the satisfaction to see it work, knowing I have sorted it. I do that often to my own stuff. And I am glad I can do it, saves $$'s and also keeps me happy.

So perhaps the solution is to only do it for my own enjoyment and only do my own bikes. Then if/when sold to give place for something else, sell it as strictly AIWI with no come backs...

Clearly a change of attitude. But would solve this problem.

[Max Headroom]

Ok, we are a bit different. I respect your position, however I have a different position.
In my experience, doing work for mates is by and large very rewarding. Knowing I have saved them money and that the job is done properly is a bonus.
In my whole life I have never charged a friend for my time and as long as my arse points to the ground I wont be.
However see it a little different.
I am old enough and no longer that hungry that I have to do rough work. I turn down any work - paid or otherwise - where there is an expectation that I will do a quick dirty fix or supply parts based soley on lowest cost.

I have a similar philosophy. I would prefer to do work for selected friends for free, because I know they appreciate it. I know this because they willingly reciprocate.

I got bitten recently by an aquaintance with a bike the same model as mine. He saw my bike parked at an event and told me he "wanted what I had". I made the mistake of assuming several things: firstly that he had a grasp of how many $$$ were involved; secondly that he had those $$$ in the bank; and thirdly that he would make some contribution to me for my (not inconsiderable) commitment of time, resources and experience.

Eighteen months after stripping it down and giving him a rundown of the stuff needing attention (complete engine overhaul, gearbox overhaul, forks, carbs, electrics etc) I have discovered he has no money.

Haven't been caught like this for quite a while......

[geoffm]

Like many others, I work on the sweat equity basis - yes I will help you, but you have to help. It might not be much more than passing tools and beer, but bring old clothes. You will be doing the grinding and sweeping the floor...
It is amazing how many people disappear when they ahve to be involved.
Geoff