Bike tune-ups are expensive!

[ablang]

I had just won a $27.50 Magna Grand Legend bike from an auction. Both tires were flat and the chain was rusty, and the brakes needed adjusting. I took it to Town & Country Bike & Skate at Calvine Rd & Elk Grove-Florin Rd. Here is what I paid:

Tuneup labor $65
Inner Tubes $8 ($4 ea)
Replace entire brake line $18.50

So basically I ended up paying about $118 for a used bike that I probably could've gotten cheaper at Target or Walmart.

Did I possibly pay too much for the labor and/or parts?

[Gomer]

Do it yourself next time
http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQindex.shtml

[shawshank62]

i just got new back brakes, gear tune up, 2 new intertubes, 2 new tires, new seat, rewrap of handle bars. came to $125 I paid 55 for labor, but i got a little mroe done than u did.

nice link gomer! ill have to give that a look next time i need a tune up

[daveleau]

Ron, you got ripped. In San Antonio, I got a nice ultra-light Diamond Back MB w/ all Shimano parts and snake stays for free. The tires were both flat, the chain rusted and the brake lines in need of replacement. I took it to my local shop where they told me about the bike (supposedly it was a very popular racing MB in the mid-90s) and they charged me $40 for all of the work and parts.

If you don't take Gomer's route of doing it yourself, I'd suggest finding another shop the next time you need help.

[John Prophet]

I am going to gather data on rates for several types of local businesses for labor etc....and when I open my comp store... those rates will be posted on the wall, lol....in case someone DREAMS of complaining.

I inquired about getting a property line surveyed...called around...found an old retired dude...he said he would need to go downtown to get the deed and a map etc...said it would be $60/hr FROM THE TIME HE STARTED HIS CAR......so any of us in the tech field shouldnt be afraid to charge whatever we think our time is worth....I promise you I can master surverying way easier than someone can learn to do what I do computer-wise.

JP