How to annoy your mechanic in less than 10 seconds

Ignorance is sometimes very brave. Other times, it is lack of inhibition that gets us into trouble. Because there is nothing more common than standing in the workshop and blurting out the first thing that comes to mind to the mechanic. Their look, a mix of surprise and disbelief, is usually enough to make us realize that we should not have opened our mouths.

The role of the mechanic in a cyclist's life

Mechanics are also human: they feel, they suffer... and they get angry. If there is something that particularly irritates them, it is when you arrive with a problem caused by your own recklessness and, with a straight face, ask them to fix it. And even more so, if they know that you were perfectly aware that you were messing up.

A good mechanic is a treasure. An Italian proverb about friends said it, but it applies here too: "whoever finds a trusted mechanic, finds a treasure". The top teams know this well: their mechanics are among the best in the world, and they are paid whatever they ask for because their value is not in tightening a screw, but in knowing exactly which one to tighten. They are pure knowledge: every piece, every adjustment, they master through years of experience.

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However, if you don't want to receive a scolding the next time you walk through the door of your workshop, take note: here are 7 things you should never say to your mechanic.

7 things you should never say to your mechanic

Can you have it ready for tomorrow?

The classic. You arrive on a Friday at the last minute, just as they are closing, and expect your bike to be ready to go out on Saturday. Rushing is the worst enemy of good work. Respect the mechanic's time and plan ahead.

It's too expensive, I saw it cheaper online

Few phrases are as devastating. The mechanic not only charges you for the part, but for their knowledge, their time, their experience, and for keeping a small local business alive. Pulling out your 1000 euro phone to show them that it's five euros cheaper on a certain website is simply disrespectful.

But it was just tightening a screw

It's not about the screw, but about knowing which one and how to tighten it. That precision is what sets an amateur apart from a professional. The value is not in the tool, it's in the experience.

Tell me how to do it over WhatsApp

No. Explaining a complex repair through messages and with two blurry photos is impossible. This job is not suitable for remote work: go to the workshop and talk face to face.

Give me a discount, okay?

Another stab, although less cruel than the online one. You don't ask for a discount at the supermarket checkout, or at a clothing store. Why do it with a mechanic who makes a living from their trade and personal service?

Lend me that wrench, I'll bring it right back

A mechanic's tools are not just objects: they are part of their daily work and need to always be at hand and easily located. Asking to borrow them is like someone in your office wanting to take your computer mouse "for a moment".

I don't know, I went for a ride and heard a noise

This one at least brings a smile. Because both of you know it's not true. It's okay: the mechanic is not a judge or prosecutor, tell them what really happened. The more information they have, the easier the repair will be.

In summary: a mechanic not only fixes bikes, they also save your rides, your safety, and often your pride. Respect them, trust them, and avoid these phrases if you want them to keep looking at you as a customer and not as a suspect.