It’s better to maintain your bike rather than simply repairing it, but it does require a good understanding of what the difference is between the two terms. And I’m convinced that not enough people understand that very crucial difference.
Let’s take the typical repair customer. They bring their bike to the shop on a regular basis and get it fixed. They might push it there because it doesn’t work anymore. And they have to get all the work done then because it’s that or push it back home. They are rarely satisfied with the bill or the inconvenience and often mention how other things in their world are broken too, like cars, computers, relationships and such.
Now let’s examine the maintainer. They bring their bike in every few months just because. They can improve some or all the issues that are starting to become bothersome with their bike and let others slide because the bike still works. They have given themselves choice in the matter and can exercise control over how their machine functions. That control leads to a better experience for them and for the shop because they are empowered during the whole process. And they rarely talk about how the other elements in their lives are all breaking at once.
I’m convinced that the way people treat their bike can be indicative to how they treat the rest of their life. Some like the predictability of maintenance. They understand the necessity of it. They see that machines are just machines and they all wear out. Other folks live in the chaos of constant triage and repair. They tend not to fix their bikes or their cars or their relationships.
So, if I’m right, keeping your chain oiled might just be the key to happiness. Or at least get you a date.
Erik West is a certified bicycle riding instructor and mechanic, who teaches alternative transportation for the Greater Portland Council of Governments, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and The Bicycle Workshop. He generally has his nose in most things related to promoting pollution-free transportation in Maine. To learn more check out www.thebicycleworkhshop.com or email him at erik@thebicycleworkshop.com.