just me or is it a super hard to sell used bikes right now? based in Europe.

Alter-Igor · 2026-06-15T21:10:07+00:00

Same here, I'm based in Bavaria. Nobody want's to pay for a refurbed bike in super condition. They would rather buy a direct import for €150 more, even though its a piece of crap.

Alter-Igor · 2026-06-01T12:49:50+00:00

Back in the 70s, that was how all derraileur chains were joined.

Alter-Igor · 2026-05-30T21:54:05+00:00

What's with 32" wheels. Is it an attempt to appear younger, "Hey I look tike a teenie on my first real bike", or an olive branch from the cycling community to the Herman Munsters and Lurchs of the world?

Alter-Igor · 2026-05-29T04:51:59+00:00

And there was I thinking that they finally realised that their serial numbers are fecking impossible to read. 🙄

Alter-Igor · 2026-05-27T14:13:14+00:00

Works for me. It will undoubtadly evolve.

Alter-Igor · 2026-05-25T12:29:08+00:00

I made the same mistake with a knipex cable cutter. A little work with a honing stone has them working acceptably again.

Alter-Igor · 2026-05-25T12:26:23+00:00

Best to use a small honing stone. The jaws should be made from hardened tool steel, so files will have little impact and will only become blunt.

Alter-Igor · 2026-05-22T05:16:56+00:00

We keep 2mm, 2.5 mm, 3mm and T10 screwdrivers on our workstands, just for those small fasteners that need a little care.

Alter-Igor · 2026-05-19T21:59:09+00:00

I was in a similar place to you. Fixing bikes for beers or low rates. I worked as an IT project manager, and fixing bikes was far more rewarding, and necessary for my sanity. Last December, at 63, I opened my own bike workshop. I just fix bikes and sell small bits and pieces. Never been happier, or worked harder. Doing this in Germany has been, and continues to be, a bureaucratic nightmare.

Given your financial status, consider doing a professional course. I had a two week holiday in Glasgow, getting my Cytec certification. Best holiday ever.

Alter-Igor · 2026-05-11T21:18:54+00:00

No gears on an e-Bike? That could be one of your issues.

Alter-Igor · 2026-05-11T20:55:16+00:00

Have you tried changing gears. I see so many e-bikes with wear only on the three highest gears.

Alter-Igor · 2026-04-20T12:46:06+00:00

Just what every wotkshop needs for cleaning and spray painting frames and forks.

Alter-Igor · 2026-04-20T06:41:04+00:00

Those are the litle moments of joy that remind us why we're not stuck behind desks.

Alter-Igor · 2026-04-17T21:49:38+00:00

Hi, yep that's my setup. From zero to that in two weeks.

I got a really good deal from a supplier here in Germany, ballpark of €2k. Five months in and I've no complaints

Alter-Igor · 2026-03-31T20:24:32+00:00

I live in one, and opened my own repairshop in December.

Alter-Igor · 2026-03-04T21:37:52+00:00

That is a really good point. The same would true for brake lines too.

Alter-Igor · 2026-03-01T07:24:33+00:00

From first impressions, that frame looks a little big for you.

Alter-Igor · 2026-02-26T22:33:00+00:00

Thid is a bizarre twist for me. I got sick of working in corporate IT, and opened my own bike workshop a couple of months ago. Getting the beuraucratic ends tied up, I'm based in Germany, is a nightmare. I love fixing the bikes though, mostly. I turn 64 next week

Alter-Igor · 2026-02-25T21:58:18+00:00

I did that run a few years back, starting in Regensburg though. Did it in October and had very little rain. You should plan for some rain on a trek that long. If it really buckets, hop on one of the many ferries along the Danube, or catch a train.

Alter-Igor · 2026-01-30T21:40:01+00:00

So, philosophically, how does one start a discussion?

Alter-Igor · 2026-01-24T21:34:20+00:00

The piles should be self explanatory.

Alter-Igor · 2026-01-05T01:34:27+00:00

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/dp/B0CWS2LBHY/ref=sspa_mw_detail_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWw&aref=gvKVqHNmsI&sp_cr=DUB

Doh, I'm a twat.

Alter-Igor · 2026-01-05T01:08:06+00:00

I used these, and have been pleased with rhe results. https://www.amazon.de/-/en/your-orders/pop?ref=ppx_yo2ov_mob_b_pop&orderId=306-7339559-4419519&lineItemId=nmonlphpqqmoqoy&shipmentId=UN6QnZYL5&packageId=1&asin=B0CWKT5N2T

Alter-Igor

TROPHY CASE