My bike is a bit like Trigger's Broomstick from Only Fools And Horses - it's the same one I've used every day for 10 years. But it's had about 4 new wheels, 2 new chains, new brakes, new seats... etc. etc. etc.
But one thing it had never got replaced was the crankset, and after 5 years of living outdoors with only 10 mins use a day, the sudden change to an hour's use a day in London's winter brought reality home. My old warhorse was dying. Crack noises with every pedal rotation. Ouch.
The American-accented man at Cyclecare shot me a look of tut-tut when I brought my bike in, which I didn't appreciate - but promptly he realised I was too hardcore with my old Raleigh to absorb any lecture, and the tune changed to one so rare in London bike shops - helpful willingness to mend a bike on the cheap.
The next day he replaced my crankset, pedals and all - with some new gear mixed with some old bits he had lying around. Massive same day repair done for only £65. My worn-and-torn bike is barely worth that price but it rides well now and could well last another decade thanks to his MacGyver repair skills.
Make Do And Mend. read more