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Bike Update

So last week I went to a free class at REI on Basic Bike Maintenance.  And am I glad I did.  One look at everything it took just to fix a flat tire, and I decided right then and there to hire it out instead!  So I called and made an appointment with their bike shop and took it in the other night.  I told them to give me the works - new tires, a performance tune-up, fix the seat that is a little loose, and anything else they could think of.  I figured it would be worth it to know it had been done right.

Segue to last night.  The shop called late, and here's how it went.

John the Bike Guy: We've been working on your bike today...
Me: Yes...
John: Well and while we were working on the brake calipers...the bolt broke off.
Me: Ok...
John: Well, it's one of those that's actually welded to the front fork of the bike...
Me: Ok...
John: Well, and we don't actually carry any like that.  We recommend replacing the entire fork...And since it broke while we were working on it, we'd sell it to you for cost.
Me: (Thinking "Thank goodness for small favors") Well, let's do it then.
John: Well, the problem is that we don't carry any forks like that, so we'll have to order it...It will probably take a week to get it in...Even then we're not sure the bolt will be the right type for the brake caliper...
Me: (Seeing dollar signs flashing by and sensing a replacement for the brakes is in order) Ok...I guess we gotta do it then.

So...the bike is gone for at least a week, I'm going through withdrawals, and by the time they're finished with it, I probably should have just bought a brand new one instead.  D--n.  It had better be one sweet ride when I get it back.

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