the hidden cost (or not)
 

As some may know I frequently assist others with there bikes, on the understanding they do the work I provide the tools and "oversight" (normally this ends with me having greasy hands mind, but that's besides the point), most people will have a seized bolt here or there need a bit of loctite, dab of grease, blow a fuse or two, all little enough, but cumulatively it all mounts up.

Anyway last Friday I was tidying up after one such visit, and found I had not a single fuse left, so did a little stock take; resulting in ordering some normal and mini blade fuses, superglue stuff (fixsal), Loctite, more copper grease, E clips & R clips and 8 tins of WD40, insulating tape, and some stainless nuts & bolts.

if the past is anything to go by I doubt any (or very little) of this stuff will go near any of my bikes, but you don't half notice when the bill is nearly £100.

Cheers Mark.

Re: the hidden cost (or not)
 

My bikes on the drive Mark if you want to come and sort it out ;)

Re: the hidden cost (or not)
 

When somone offers you a "drink" for fixing there bike take it.
Im.sure good old apreseation must be there among the bike community.
I hope

Re: the hidden cost (or not)
 

sure mate find a day I'll willingly come down watch (Oh if it's not at my place tea is a minimum requirement), although you'll have to detail what you're doing so I can make sure I bring the right tools.

Oh I get presents, I'm not complaining as I enjoy passing on skills, but it's bit of a shock when it comes together like than as one bill.

Re: the hidden cost (or not)
 

hi great to hear some one like you offering to help others out , wish you were near me when i wanted some help advise , im sure if you said to people you would charge them £10-£20 for your help and to cover any bits you might have to give them , im sure nobody would complain about that , look what your local garage charge , why should you be out of pocket ? well done and keep up the good work ,

Re: the hidden cost (or not)
 

+1

I'd love to be able to do my own work on the bike, but have neither the patience or aptitude to follow a Haynes manual without help.

Re: the hidden cost (or not)
 

:-({|=

Re: the hidden cost (or not)
 

You need to also add in the cost of "Specialist" tools.

I know these examples are not bike related. but in the past year I have bought

Car front wheel bearing removal tool ~ £80
Car track rod remove/refit tools ~ £80
Car alternator pully tools ~ £50

etc. I know these are the costs I incur in doing the work myself. and offset/justify their cost against the saving in putting the vehicle into a professional workshop.

I don't think of paddock/abba stands as being hidden costs as they are essential to bike ownership. However, the chain riveting tool definately fits into the hidden cost.

Thye problem being, that once people know you have the goodies, they want to borrow. Easily forget it cost you in the first place.


Now if I could get my -

neighbour to return my sledge hammer.
Son to return, circular saw, 110v transformer
Brother to return my cement mixer

etc.

Re: the hidden cost (or not)
 

were ya gona park it lol

http://smythstoys.static.s3-website-...s/100095_M.jpg

Re: the hidden cost (or not)
 

not really interested in charging to be honest, but have asked for the odd tool type bit, for example I got a 12mm 3/8 socket recently, perhaps not a good business move as I'd spent an hour working on his bike, but as my one had been lost by someone else; it was needed.