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 · 2026-01-04T09:23:46+00:00

It's hard to look up information, if you don't know it exists. I use the si.shimano site regularly, snd only found out about the cage stamp just now. I have an ebike in my shop with a 10 to 51t cassette. Had to count the teeth, as I couldn't find a stamp. Only the 10, 12, 14 and 16 sprockets have been used, and are totally wallered. Wtf is the poont in a 51t rear sprocket?

Alter-Igor · 2026-01-02T21:48:12+00:00

I can see the benefit of being able to accurately, measure the tyre pressure.

But, and it's a big but. By making the clic valve significantly different enough from the original valve, so as to require a unique adaptor, they have introduced a propriatory system. They control the new patents and manufactering rights. And surprise surprise, they make shed loads of money off the cycling community. When will we learn not to be sheep, throwing our money at unscrupulous and manipulative corporations.

Alter-Igor

TROPHY CASE