Bike shops still overwhelmed

[SwampYankee]

On a whim I called a bike shop in MSP for some info as I was planning to come through in early June. He mentioned if I want any service (new cassette, chain, tune-up) best to book it now. They are booking service appointments into late May, have a back order of over 1,500 bikes to build for customers and would not be able to help me on short notice.

So, I did book a check-up / tune-up, but would not normally have done that until a week or so before arriving. Just FYI so ya’ll don’t get caught.

SY

[toadmeister]

This whole COVID apocalypse situation prompted me to build my own bike this year from frame and components, and do my own maintenance.

A learning curve for sure, but it's been rewarding and educational.

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[BikePacker]

Just FYI...

Good heads up. Thx.

[SwampYankee]

This whole COVID apocalypse situation prompted me to build my own bike this year from frame and components, and do my own maintenance.

A learning curve for sure, but it's been rewarding and educational.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

Ah, I wish I had your perseverance and discipline. That is the best way to do this I think. Good idea!

[HikeBikeCook]

It may seem like over kill, but I tend to chew up wheels, so I have carried a chain whip, hub tool, and spare spokes with me on trips and wound up replacing several rear wheel spokes in a hotel room in Homestead, PA and truing the wheel using pens taped taped to the rear seat stays (disc brakes - pull brakes just use the brake pads). I carry spare nuts, bolts, an all purpose alien tool, a Leatherman, and adjustable spanner.  I also have a small roll of all purpose metal strapping with holes that can be used as a rack stay, etc. and of course, duct tape. We ride a lot of Rail Trails and it is a long walk to the next town and many places do not have LBS. Having ridden for over 50 years, I have a pretty good set of Park Tools, including a stand, wheel jig, spoke tension tool, etc. There is nothing more satisfying then building your own wheels, and finding that you don't break spokes on wheels that you build.   I also carry spare Jagwire cables for brakes and shifters.

Murphy's Law says if it can break it will, and it will break from the furthest point from the nearest LBS. With 8 bikes and a trailer on our rack I would go broke at the LBS - plus daughter and son-in-law & grandkids add another 5 bikes.