Taking too long?

[bluecamel]

Some of you gave me a lot of advice when I first got my bike a couple of months back and was trying to fix the charging system. About four weeks ago, I decided to just leave it with the local shop (the guys there were extremely nice and helpful while I was going through all of that, so I figured I'd just let them have a go).

I waited about a week and called to see if they had gotten anywhere. They said that they hadn't even looked at it yet. So, I waited a few more days and called again. This time, they had spent a little while but hadn't really figured anything out. I had never expected things to take that long and told them that I might come get it and see if I could figure anything out over the weekend. That same day, I was offered and accepted a new job offer. That weekend was a little crazy and I decided not to pick up my bike after all, though I forgot to tell them this.

So, I called another week after that and they hadn't done anything because they thought that I was still going to pick it up. I told them that I had decided to leave it with them and would like them to try again. It's now been a little over a week since then and I've still heard nothing.

So, after the super long explanation, my question is if that is normal for this sort of thing? It seems like they're just taking a very long time, but maybe I'm seeing things differently since my only other mode of transportation is pedal power. What do you guys think?

[nate1714]

bike shops are rather odd...or at least all the mom and pa ones i have been too....they are very very laid back and would rather talk to u all day then work on ur bike...not because they are lazy but because they like other bikers...most tend to take their time in addition parts usually do take some time to find and come in....but then again who knows thats just me...

[badinfluence63]

blue camel,

I have had mixed experience over the years with dealerships versus mom and pop shops. Both have given good and bad experiences. Even to this day after 30+ years of riding there is no quanratee which will give you the best bang for your buck.

I do know that neither do as good a job as I can do for myself. However when time is an issue inevitably you sub the work out. I would say experiment. If you find either a dealer or a mom and pop shop that gives bad service go some where else. Don't be afraid to travel a little either. I use to take a 3 hour one way ride to have a mom and pop guy do my work but he's too old now so I am back to a dealer. And not to the local one either. I go to the one about 1 1/2 hours away.

You either have the time but not the money or money and not the time.

[Bubba]

Sounds like you are at the bottom of the list.
I'd suggest a ride down there and talk to the owner or manager and don't be too nice about it.

[Sev]

Being not nice about it just gets you pushed further down the list.

[Bubba]

Then take the bike elswhere.

[Sev]

Gotta settle your bill first

[KingRobb]

you are suffering from garage triage.

First comes simple maintenance
then easy fixes/easy money gets fixed and out the shop
then tougher jobs that you know the problem
then the jobs that are an unknown problem

See no shop can afford a bike that they don't know whats wrong with or how long it will take to fix taking up repair space while quick jobs for easy money can be done to pay the bills.

it wil be the same most places...so either commit to a shop and give them a whirl or learn to fix em yourself...like most long term riders seem to end up doing.

[badinfluence63]

I agree with sev and bubba.

[bluecamel]

Thanks, all, for the advice. I'm going to show up tomorrow and see what they've done. I really like these guys, but I really want my bike.