An idea I expressed in a different kayak forum . . . and I wanted to share it here, too:

Most kayakers who can afford pedal powered high-end kayaks would likely be "all for" the idea of being able to take their drives to a national bike retailer (big national Schwinn/Trek retailers come to mind) for both standard greasing/cleaning and normal service; that, and for any rebuilding efforts where seals/gears/bushings and bearings need to be replaced.

For certain, there are those who like to tinker with these things, but most of us . . . not so much. Still, the mechanics who work on bikes would be naturals and quickly learn to perform these tasks.

If, on average, these two primary pedal driven kayak manufacturers (with more coming every day) retail around $3,000 give or take, then add another $1,000 for the typical after-purchase rigging, suddenly one has an investment very similar to a high end racing bike.

For the Native Propels, it makes perfect sense knowing that the drives are more or less recumbent bikes, anyway, with gear drives instead of chain drives.

Thoughts, anyone?

Brad

I would think they want to keep the business "in house" to make more money. They could lease the service out but then they have to worry about extra costs especially liability.

Great idea though.

Might be worth talking to several bike shops to find one willing to take on the task. A good bike mechanic might be willing to figure it out. Otherwise, I wonder what the overall demand would be for a shop to get someone trained to do it...at least I would think the bike shops might be concerned about low demand.

I am trying to figure out where you are going with your comment. It doesn't sound like you own either product that you mentioned. I can comfortably say that the Hobie and Native dealers in the D/FW area are more reasonable (or sometimes too cheap) on their service rates than any full service bicycle shop. I am sure that this is the norm all over the USA.

Neither the Mirage or Propel drive systems are complicated to self maintain or repair so a specialist is rarely needed. Most shops will sell you the needed parts and then be glad to show you how to do the repair yourself to help you to save on labor charges.

You don't go to the dentist for your annual physical nor to the MD for a toothache. Although both are licensed doctors, each has their own specialty and expertise to get you healed or maintained. So...why in the world would you want a bike shop to maintain a kayak accessory?

Thanks to Youtube and dealers selling parts... No need for a "mechanic". The drive systems ar enot complicating at all, and for those that have the money... They take them to the dealer.

I am with Mike on this. The service is simple and the kayak dealers ( who do not in fact charge enough ) are as readily accessible as "high end " cycle shops. While I don't tinker with them for fun, I can't imagine going out without a clear understanding of how to do field repairs and taking some of the basics with me. With a dozen years of pedaling Mirage drives I have only been forced to do in water repairs three times, but all three times I was alone and miles from my vehicle.

Sure, I own one, a Native Propel 10 and I have been one of the lucky ones: no issues at all with mine.

But, correct, if the dealers are able to perform service and re-builds, no need to expand the service network.

I guess I haven't seen much of that on Facebook and other pages where it almost always appears that the service work, other than total failures, have been aimed back at the owners for maintenance.

I'll check and see what the D/FW retailers offer . . . never seen anything touting these services at either Angler's Pro or the big Dallas operation.

Good to know!

Brad