MTB too expensive to continue....

[pedal menace]

I just got of the phone with my LBS where I took my MTB for a service on Saturday. And the bill..... R1912. Apparently the cassette, chain and middle blade needs to be replaced. But heck...I just replaced some of this with my previous service. I wash my bike and lube it after every ride I do. My gosh, I cannot afford this for every service. This is going to force me to give up what I love so dearly!!! It costs me more to maintain my MTB than my actual motorbike (and she is BIG). I feel like screaming, even crying...and as the shop states...you under no obligation to replace these parts...but if you don't...well you pretty much will be grounded soon. And trust me, my LBS doesn't charge unnecessarily big. I checked and that is what these parts will cost. I need to vent, as this is killing me. I so wanna ride MTB, but the maintenance is going stop this...really soon. OK...finished venting...I can breathe again...I WANNA CRY!!!!!

[Wazza]

I'm doing a basic bike maintenance and servicing course this week. Cost is R300 and I hope never to have to send my bike in for a service again. This is where the lbs are gonna start making their money. The less they make in new bike sales the more they'll start charging for services etc.

[Thug]

You're right, maintaining an MTB is expensive (R800 for an XT middle blade) !

 

Either learn how to maintain it yourself or find someone who will help you out for a six-pack

 

[Azonic]

A bikeshop sees my bike maybe once a year, and that's when I'm too lazy to clean it myself. Otherwise I service all of my bikes myself.

 

Couple of clean rags, soapy water, some turps for the chain and a chain cleaner, and you're styling.

 

[TheLegend]

 

ya, maintaining a bike can get expensive but the three most important things to reduce the money oyu have to spend are as follows:

1) clean chain and cassette often and lube it

2) replace the chain regularly,  before chainrings and cassette are worn out too often

3) don't beleive your bike shop too much cause they easily exhcange parts that can still be ridden for a long time. a way how they make money!

 

 

TheLegend2008-10-06 07:23:03

[Spinnekop]

Pedal Menace

 

It should not be that expensive.

Well, the parts will be but I have not replace ANYTHING during the past year.  Also wash and lube after every ride with no issues.

 

I cannot see how the components can be shot in such a short while?!

 

Good luck!!

[Flea]

I heard the other day - someone had done a costing of maintaining their mtb - R2.00 per km. Anyone done an actual costing?

[Willehond]

Also go with LX components (chains clusters, blades etc.) rather than XT/XTR which are nearly as good and nearly as light, but way cheaper!

[joaquin]

where are you doing the course? i am very interested as I would like to do more of DIY on my bike

[Mellow]

...and one thing to look forward too is the western cape rainy season to end soon! I hope. The mud is killing my bike mechs Just hang in there!

[Jules]

I agree it can get bliksemse expensive.

 

 

 

But I think the problem people make is they aren't prepared to downgrade.

 

 

 

IanJ was saying he got a whole Truvative crankset, blades included for R250 the other day.

 

 

 

Also, if you want to replace your cassette, go for Deore or cheaper. It works EXACTLY the same as higher models. The only difference is the weight. And weight really doesn't mean much, despite what the manufacturers would like you to believe.

 

 

 

 

[pedal menace]

And that is exactly what I am doing after each ride...water and soap...chain cleaner with degreaser...new lube and bob's your uncle. Now the shop says you can continue as is, but.... I was riding fine before I took it in. I needed to replace tires (not included in this price BTW)so I asked them to service at the same time. Now if I leave it as is I am going to wonder if she will fail me somehow during the Sabie Experience pre-ride I am doing next week. So I have no choice I guess....but damn this is expensive. I am a mere mortal and cannot afford this with every service. Does a chain/cassette/middle blade only lasts 1000km? And this is/was winter so hardly any mud to speak of.

[Wazza]

where are you doing the course? i am very interested as I would like to do more of DIY on my bike

 

I'm doing it through SingleTrack MTB shop in Silver Lakes. The R300 includes drinks and snacks, a Park Tool multitool and the course itself. It's this Wednesday 18:00 to whenever. PM if you want their contact details.

 

They cover (amongst others):

Gear adjustments

checking the brakes

post crash inspection

chain wear

chain rings

basic maintenance etc.

and then they are open to any questions or topics you would like to discuss.

Definetely worth the R300!

[Johan Bornman]

I've been wondering when I'll find the first honest person to question the cost of cycling. I too think it has become ridiculous but then I immediately point the finger at the public. They've bought into excessive weight saving, the latest 9/10/11 speed groupsets, titanium sprockets, carbon bikes, disk brakes and other nonsense. It is now all about the bike and not the ride.

When last have you heard someone here talk about a a great route or outing? It is always about the latest toy they've either just bought or the next one they absolutely must have.

Keep the cost of cycling in check by:

Buying a retro 8-speed bike with good components but V-brakes. An 8-speed chain costs R80 vs R250 or more for a 9 or ten speed chain.

Keep your old bike forever.

Service it regularly and learn how to service it. With respect, a R300 course can't teach you enough. Two intensive days and my students are only 750% there, the rest they must gain through experience.

Lubricate with free engine oil you find in the dustbin at garages.

 

Don't be fooled by stupid light parts. Stick to what you've got.

 

Fix your punctures.

 

Never buy tubes. These are free at races where spendthrifts discard them because they're punctured.

 

Buy the right tools for the job.

 

Use car grease and cheap Prepsol degreaser.

 

Start enjoying cycling and forget about the bike.

 

 

[clinty]

I'm doing a basic bike maintenance and servicing course this week. Cost is R300 and I hope never to have to send my bike in for a service again. This is where the lbs are gonna start making their money. The less they make in new bike sales the more they'll start charging for services etc.

 

I'm intersted in this course. If it's not in Cape Town - does anyone know of courses being offered for maintaining bikes in Cape Town?

[splat]

I thought I was doing a great job of cleaning my muddy bike after each ride. But I was doing more damage than good 'cos I wasn't rinsing the degreaser off properly, so it chowed the new lube off. I have trashed my chain, casette and middle blade in 4 months!

 

VERY expensive lesson!