PSA: I had to pick between a full rebuild or a quick fix on a vintage Raleigh last month.

The bottom bracket was shot, but the customer needed it back in 2 days for a charity ride. I went with the quick fix using a sealed unit I had in stock, which got them rolling but felt like a compromise. How do you guys handle time pressure versus doing the 'right' long-term repair?

3 comments

3 Comments

wells.alice1mo ago

You said it felt like a compromise, but getting that bike rolling for the charity ride WAS the right repair. The perfect fix in a week helps nobody if the bike is stuck in your shop. Sometimes the best long-term choice is making sure the bike gets used at all.

allen.quinn1mo ago

Exactly! A bike sitting in the shop is just a fancy paperweight. That charity ride needed wheels, not a perfect museum piece. My need to do the textbook repair almost got in the way of the whole point. Sometimes good enough today beats perfect next week, even if it makes my inner mechanic twitch a little.

elliotb5719d ago

Wait, you almost didn't get the bike ready for the charity ride? That's wild!