05/11/2026
I often hear from customers about how they had a bad experience with getting a bicycle repaired in the past. The common issues are: 1. Took too long 2. Something that was supposed to get done did not get done 3. What was supposed to get done was not done right. 4. Not sure anything was done
Here are some tips to help customer have a more successful outcome when having their bike repaired.
1. Bring your bike in for service in the off season. That’s usually October through February. Bike shops/mechanics tend not to be too busy during this time and most customers are not in a hurry to get their bike back.
2. Write a checklist of what you want done and attach it to the bike. This cuts through the noise and mental filters associated with verbal communication and acts as a reminder.
3. Get to know your mechanic. You don’t need to bring them cookies or invite them over for dinner. But when you pick up your bike, ask if you can speak to the mechanic. If you are working with a mobile mechanic you automatically get to talk to them. Establishing a rapport with your mechanic can help keep things going smoothly. They get to know if you want a detailed estimate every time or if you just want it done right. You get to know that when they say it will take five minutes they actually mean an hour.
4. Communicate things that you are particular about. I once had a customer who had to have his seats rotated two degrees counter clockwise otherwise he would end up with back pain. If you like your brakes really tight, let your mechanic know. If you don’t have the ability to text message, that is good to know.
5. Test ride your bike right when you get it back, before you leave the store or before your mobile mechanic leaves. It is much easier to sort things out right then and there. And then there is less question about whether or not something happened to the bike after you got it back, like the derailleur hanger getting bent in transport.
6. Ask what is going to be done. Customers can't be expected to know what is included in a tune up. But that can lead to assumptions about what is included. For examle, most shops don't include a detailed cleaning in their least expensive tune up package. If you were hoping to see your bike looking showroom ready but when you get it back and it's still got dirt on the frame and the chain is black and gooey, you might feel disappointed.