This is Why Bike Mechanics are Always Grumpy...

It's mostly because we get paid bullshit.

Seriously, do you have any idea how annoying it is to get bitched at about the cost of a tune up when you don't make shit?

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Permalink Reply by Andrew on February 11, 2014 at 10:44am

I'm guessing Liz meant "appalling."  Assuming so, I think she's spot on, particularly with that last paragraph.

Liz said:

I personally think its pretty appealing that a bike mechanic would make so little.  I see no problem paying more for a service if it means that the person providing that labor gets paid a decent wage.  

It is BS that someone working as a cashier makes more than a bike mechanic.  I've been a cashier and worked plenty of costumer service jobs while I was in school, they require very little skill or knowledge even at a company that focused on being able to provide excellent costumer service. 

I don't think Doug is unhappy doing what he is doing, he's simply pointing out that it can be frustrating for a costumer to rant about an $80 tune up being overpriced to a mechanic providing the service who has to take on a 2nd job to cover the bills.  

Also for those who don't know Doug has other employable skill sets that he doesn't utilize because he did make a choice to be a mechanic and is actually quite content in his cheap lifestyle.

Yes he made a choice to be working as a mechanic but that doesn't mean that we as a cycling community shouldn't be considering paying more to have work done at a shop where the employees are good mechanics and well paid for their ability. 

Permalink Reply by Liz on February 11, 2014 at 10:50am


Ha I did indeed mean to type appalling 

Andrew N said:

I'm guessing Liz meant "appalling."  Assuming so, I think she's spot on, particularly with that last paragraph.

Permalink Reply by in it to win it 8.0 mi on February 11, 2014 at 10:56am


It doesn't matter what I think, nor does it matter what you think.  It matters what the market will bear.


notoriousDUG said:

Let me ask you this: Do you really believe that a bicycle mechanic is a position so devoid of skill it should pay down at the 'working in fast food' end of the spectrum?

Bikes aren't exactly as complex as a car but it still takes a certain level of skill and knowledge to fix them well; you don't think that deserves decent compensation?



in it to win it 8.0 mi said:

"Seriously, do you have any idea how annoying it is to get bitched at about the cost of a tune up when you don't make shit?"

No, I don't.  I chose a profession where I make above shit.  

If you choose to remain in a profession that has a certain pay scale that you cannot influence then you will remain grumpy.  Hard to believe there is only one profession that fits your contentment profile.

Permalink Reply by Sarah D. on February 11, 2014 at 11:03am

I'm so sick of "the market" dictating (all of) our lives.

Utopian society, anyone?

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on February 11, 2014 at 11:49am
My favorite group here is iggys barter/share/give.

favorite rides: world naked ride and bike the drive.

yes I'm a utopiatist (is that a word)?

Sarah D. 1-3.3 said:

I'm so sick of "the market" dictating (all of) our lives.

Utopian society, anyone?

Permalink Reply by Tom Dworzanski on February 11, 2014 at 12:16pm

It's been tried. "Utopia" wasn't exactly the result :)

Sarah D. 1-3.3 said:

I'm so sick of "the market" dictating (all of) our lives.

Utopian society, anyone?

Permalink Reply by El Dorado on February 11, 2014 at 1:28pm

I've been weary of bike shops ever since they tried to sell me brake pads even though mine were not completely worn down yet.  They tried selling me expensive Salmon brand ones.

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on February 11, 2014 at 1:40pm

Salmon is not a brand of pad it is a type of pad and they work better in wet and dirty conditions.



El Dorado said:

I've been weary of bike shops ever since they tried to sell me brake pads even though mine were not completely worn down yet.  They tried selling me expensive Salmon brand ones.

Permalink Reply by Gecko on February 11, 2014 at 1:41pm

Sometimes it doesn't matter how worn down they are.  The pads really should be replaced if the rubber has hardened or gotten lubricant of some kind on it, or if the pads have worn unevenly.  Something your friendly local bike mechanic would have known when they were trying to sell you pads.

And as far as Kool Stop Salmon pads, they're supposed to work better in nearly all weather conditions.  Maybe he picked up clues that you're a commuter(?) and tried to actually save you a few bucks in the long run by selling you good quality stuff that will keep working better for longer than the cheapo stuff.

Not everyone is trying to rip you off.  And for crying out loud, they're not that expensive as far as brake pads go.  Sheesh.

Permalink Reply by El Dorado on February 11, 2014 at 1:50pm

I do think Kevlar belted tires are worth the expense though. Knock on wood, I haven't had a flat in a while.

Permalink Reply by Gecko on February 11, 2014 at 1:55pm

Wow.  So spending a little more so you won't have a flat is more important than spending a little more to be able to stop safely?  I think your priorities are a little off here.  I guess you'd rather crash because you couldn't stop than have to change a tire in the middle of a ride.  Sheesh again.

Permalink Reply by J.P. on February 11, 2014 at 2:30pm

How long does it take to do a tune-up? 15 mins?

Complaining to the mechanic about the price is mean and unnecessary. You should know ahead of time how much you are spending and can make a decision base on that.

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