Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dovah Cat on October 1, 2012 at 2:59pm

A few tire levers, CO2 cartridge and a tube or two probably cost much less. 

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Permalink Reply by in it to win it 8.0 mi on October 2, 2012 at 1:52am

CTA card, cab fare.  Never leave home without it.

 

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Permalink Reply by Dovah Cat on October 2, 2012 at 1:57am

Yeah, that too. These things combined shouldn't weigh more than half a pound. This service sounded like a decent idea until I clicked the link... doesn't seem like they're very helpful! "we will not deliver you new equipment, however we will dispatch a service provider with commonly available tools upon request". Yes, thank you, sir, that pedal wrench is really gonna help my busted tire. 

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Permalink Reply by S on October 2, 2012 at 2:42am

If you already have a spare tube and pump, then you'll be done fixing your flat before they could get in touch with a provider to come out.  However, the service where they'll pick you up and give you a ride sounds like it might be useful.  It depends on the coverage but being able to get a ride back if you're stuck out in the middle of nowhere could be really useful.

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Permalink Reply by Tricolor on October 2, 2012 at 4:42am

I had a thought a few years ago that a bike store could generate a lot of goodwill by sending out a few employees to ride along the lakefront trail patching flats for free or for tips, along with any other on the spot sort of work.

Figure the cost of some nice t-shirts, a few hours salary for some trustworthy employees with good with bikes and customers, a couple of patch kits and tubes.  How much more would it be than a newspaper advertisement?

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Permalink Reply by Crazy David 84 Furlongs on October 2, 2012 at 4:49am

The "roving Bike Mechanic" on the LFP is a two-edged sword.  If the person doesn't charge, then the costs, the lack of income and the like, will make this very expensive PR.     Remember that the cost of the newspaper add is offset by the fact that your employees are earning income by providing services, while free employee time both costs you the cost of the employee and takes away from income.   If the person does charge, even if reasonable, it has the risk of being viewed as a "heartless" business person taking advantage of someone in trouble.   (Sort of like the private Wreckers that used to descend on accident scenes....)   What would make some sense would be Bike Concessions in the Parks during the peak season.  

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Permalink Reply by Dovah Cat on October 2, 2012 at 5:59am

Similar thought this morning... how nice it would be if several snack stands along the path also offered Gu and Clif bars, maybe air pumps and a supply of tubes... and cold beers, too, while we're dreaming. 

Tricolor said:

I had a thought a few years ago that a bike store could generate a lot of goodwill by sending out a few employees to ride along the lakefront trail patching flats for free or for tips, along with any other on the spot sort of work.

Figure the cost of some nice t-shirts, a few hours salary for some trustworthy employees with good with bikes and customers, a couple of patch kits and tubes.  How much more would it be than a newspaper advertisement?

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Permalink Reply by Michele on October 2, 2012 at 11:58am

When I ride my errand bike, it's just in the city, so I know I can always get it and me home or wherever I'm going on CTA, Metra, friend, or a cab, if need be, so wouldn't have need for roadside assistance.

When I'm on my road bike, however, I travel outside the city. I carry tube, pump, and tire irons, but there are other types of breakdowns besides flats that I wouldn't be prepared to fix, not to mention accidents or illnesses that might render me or my bicycle immobile. The 30 mile transport option feels like it could be useful back up (and might help me convince my family and friends that I'm not totally insane riding like I do!) BWC says it has an average nationwide response rate of 38 minutes which seems pretty reasonable.

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Permalink Reply by Albert Tuskenis on October 2, 2012 at 2:18pm

I have had this service for a couple of years as an add-on to automobile roadside assistance through Better World Club. The cost is $17.00 per year as an add-on to the auto service.

As a suburbanite who rides mostly where there aren't public transit options to get home, it gives me peace of mind to know  this back up is available if I have a bike break down relatively far from home with no other way to get back. I also commute to work 14 miles each way so having the option of being picked up and driven to my workplace if necessary could prevent being very late (which on most days would be very bad in my case). 

 

Fortunately, I have not yet had to use the service, so I can't comment on how well it works, such as timeliness. 

 
Michele said:

When I ride my errand bike, it's just in the city, so I know I can always get it and me home or wherever I'm going on CTA, Metra, friend, or a cab, if need be, so wouldn't have need for roadside assistance.

When I'm on my road bike, however, I travel outside the city. I carry tube, pump, and tire irons, but there are other types of breakdowns besides flats that I wouldn't be prepared to fix, not to mention accidents or illnesses that might render me or my bicycle immobile. The 30 mile transport option feels like it could be useful back up (and might help me convince my family and friends that I'm not totally insane riding like I do!) BWC says it has an average nationwide response rate of 38 minutes which seems pretty reasonable.

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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on October 3, 2012 at 3:25am

It's 5 degrees, a 20 mile per hour wind and it is blowing snow so you can barely see your fingers, let alone use them ...

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