RogueMechanic

BC and the World Series (it's a stretch!)

While talking with my brother about the World Series today, he jogged my memory about something that happened at TBC that I had forgotten about that kinda ties TBC in the wildest sense (work with me here...) to this years World Series...Sometime in the mid 90's (I'm thinking 1995ish....) Julian Tavarez (who is a pitcher on the Cardnals) came into the shop (he was on the Indians roster at the time) that purchased something. My brother recalls that when he handed him the change, Julian dropped the coins on the floor and said that he "doesn't do coins...." and walked out. Based on his temperment durring this years playoffs, it appears that he hasn't changed much. A real class act. Another reason to say "Go Sox!" That's it for now. If I remember, I'll write about the time Bill Belichick (Browns head coach) stopped in to pick up a bike for his daughter. I gotta get back to work. Thanks for reading! -John

Someone to turn to.

One of the services that I provide is consulting. Now you have someone to turn to for an unbiased opinion about what bike/frame/component/wheels to buy that will best fit your needs. What works and what doesn't. What's the best bang for the buck. I cut thru all of the marketing BS and tell you like it is. It's refreshing and it will give you the piece of mind so that you can make the right purchasing decision. Unlike your local bike shop, I do not have rows of bikes and shelves of components that I need to sell. Unfortunately, when you walk into a bike shop, they are going to recommend something that they stock or carry no matter if it's right for you. This is certainly not unbiased. Now you can walk in and tell them exactly what you want knowing that it's the right product for you. Period. "What's all of this going to cost me?" you ask... I typically require a mere $50/hr. Anything over and hour depends on the beverages that are being poured... When you are considering a bike purchase over $2k or a wheel/component upgrade over $1,500, this is a small price to pay to know that you are making the right purchase. Think about it. We can meet anywhere that is convenient for you. Typically, I've meet clients at the local Starbucks, pub, restaurant, home or office. For those of you that are out of town, the phone works too. All you have to do is call me at (440)503-6257 or send me an e-mail at roguemechanic@hotmail.com to arrange an appointment. That's it for now. Thanks for reading! -John

What I do.

One common question that I am asked is what services I provide. Well...here goes in list form...

• All common maintenance issues.
• All repairs short of major frame repairs.
• All Component installations.
• All suspension work including rear pivots.
• Wheel building.
• Insurance estimates.
• Expert witness for legal cases related to bikes.
• Consulting

There you have it. This is a very condensed list but it will at least answer some questions. I pretty much do everything...and then some (with the exception of BMX. You have to draw the line somewhere!). Thanks for reading. -John

Fun with PhotoShop 2...

Fun with PhotoShop 2...

Please explain...

Instead of dancing around the subject, I'm going to get right to the point. Why is it that some cyclists, who are more than your run-of-the-mill enthusiasts, those who own bikes that are on the north side of $2k and are associated with some sort of team or club with a sponsorship, are willing to entrust their bike maintenance/repairs/upgrades to someone or some place that most of the time does sub-standard work and lacks the experience, knowledge and integrity that one deserves? Where the main focus is to sell you as much a possible, if you need it or not. Where the main enticements is the "Holy Discount". Without the discount, would they still support the shop? Maybe, maybe not. I can understand wanting/needing some sort of discount, especially with bikes, accessories and such. But not when it comes to actual work done on your bike. The discounts given on repair work has to be recoopted from somewhere else...usually in low wages for mechanics and quick turnaround with your repair. Turn 'em and burn 'em. Get them in and out in the shortest amount of time possible. Quality be damned.... I find this disturbing. I see this way too much. Bikes assembled improperly and the same with repairs. Are people ultimately willing to forego high quality work and standards for the lowest price? I want to believe that is not the case. I believe that people seek out excellence and integrity. With this comes confidence. Confidence that the work performed on your bike was done properly and to each manufactures specifications. Confidence is paramount. Especially when dealing with components that push the envelope in material science (were your stem bolts or crankarm bolts torqued to manufactures specifications? When was the last time they were checked?). I believe that this piece of mind is important. My focus is to provide you the highest quality work possible with integrity and at the professional level that you should expect and deserve. Period. That's it for now...I have bikes that need my attention... As always, I welcome your comments/opinions here or at www.roguemechanic.com Thanks for reading. -John

Not sure...

IF the Sox and the Astros make it to the World Series, I'm not sure what I'd like to see more....Clemens winning a ring or Pedro stepping into the batters box ... :)

Prediction #1

Within the next 12-24 months, Trek is going to have at least one Factory/Company store in the area. Columbus already has one with a second opening soon. This store most likely will not be owned by Trek, but rather branded as a Trek Store with all of the signage, POP and such. The ownership won't change. I think that John Burke (Pres. of Trek) will offer Eddys a financial offer that he won't be able to refuse to convert the Stow location to a Trek Store. Concurrently, one-third of the current single location stores will close. I guess that only time will tell...

As if we didn't see this coming...

I just heard a few days ago that another shop in N.E. Ohio is closing its doors. This didn't come as a suprise...I'm suprised that it lasted as long as it did... If you really want to know who it is, you're gonna have to ask...

Venti...

This morning it's a Venti. Usually it's a Grande...but after staying up late to watch the Sox and Yankees game, finishing up on some quotes, working on this blog, and bills, I need a little extra this morning. Thank God for Starbucks. As for the game, I want the Sox to win, but I still hate Pedro more than the Yankees. It would be neat to see the Astros vs Sox in the World Series. It would be great to see Clemens win one with Houston. Anyway, here's a few more things...for your convenience, I can be reached via IM. MSN=RogueMechanic and Yahoo=johnlsatory. Hey, check out the poll on the bottom of this page. Help me out by taking the poll. Thanks. -John

Fun with Photoshop

Your Fearless Leader.