Rent Clutching/Gearing???

[sortastock]

Okay, just checking to see if anyone else is ever on the same wavelength I'm on.

Tuning is expensive. And it's really expensive if you're starting from scratch ( moving from doo to yami, etc) as you probably don't have a tool box full of weights...

So I'm wondering, would anyone be interested in the ability to rent tuning parts?
Say you've always wanted to see if your sled could throw 2 more grams, or you're putting pipes on, and you need to establish some base lines. Or you're going on a trip out west and need a new setup... Instead of dropping a hundred bucks or more, just rent them? Maybe it's 5 or 10 bucks per component, it beats buying them and never using them again. Rent 3 different sets of weights, send the two back that don't work, keep the third... credit card gets billed accordingly...

So I'm going to try out this poll thingy, see if it works.

I was just spending some intimate time with online catalogs and my calculator, and got a little depressed... had to see if anyone else ever knows where I'm coming from....

 

[Blk88GT]

I like the idea, but if it's not local, shipping charges will nearly pay for the parts.

A good set of adjustable weights is easier to play with.

 

[NoSecondChances]

I see what you are saying and think that its a good idea, adjustable weights are nice, but they don't make adjustable gears (yet). Dropping 2 teeth can make a big difference, so it would be nice to be able to take 5 different sets with you and see what works best, at about $30 a gear, 7 or 8 gears would be around $250, not including the different chains required. I do see some flaws in it (damages incurred etc). I will put a plug in here for Snowest though. That's one of the great things about this site, post your setup, ask if anyone has something similar, likely there is and they can help you get close. Someone may also have some used gears, helixes, etc that they are willing to part with fairly cheap as well. Lots of guys here like Big John, Winter Brew, etc that have lots of seat time, lots of set ups and can help big time. If you find a good shop, they sometimes will let you try a different spring or whatever and then keep the one you want, mail order stuff.....yeah, not so much. A good shop will help you get in the ball park too, so you can minimize what and how much you purchase. Guys on here can help you find a good shop in your area too.

 

[HIGHMARK]

Sounds like a great idea. The only downside I can see is that it would take a HUGE initial investment to be able to offer an adequate amount of combinations. You would also need to have a credit card number or full amount deposit up front to insure that you get your money if you don't get the stuff back.

 

[sortastock]

Yeah, the only real way to do it would be to charge the customer the full price for the merchandise, and only when the customer returns it would they get a credit back on their card minus whatever charges they receive...

But yeah, it would take a huge investment to get started the right way. But with that, a guy could have revenue from sales of new parts, renting parts, and used parts that have been paid for through rental, and could sell them as used for complete profit. Not a bad business plan.

 

[Killerk]

It sounds like a good idea.
I just don't like the idea of putting used parts in my sled unless I am the one who has been using them.
You may have 1 guy with a worn pin run a weight, then the next guy installs them and gets poor performance or does other damage or wear to his or the rented parts.
Sure, you can do a visual inspection, doesn't mean something couldn't be overlooked.
How would you be certain the bushings in the weights are tight and to spec?

 

[sortastock]

^^good point, they'd pretty much have to be sent with new bushings EVERY time they're rented to avoid unnecessary liability. Same with springs, they'd have to be rated frequently. I personally wouldn't mind running used stuff in my sled for baselines, especially if springs were rated and bushings were in good or new condition.

 

[Killerk]

I agree^
I think you will have to be on top of your game though.
If I "rented" some parts, received them in the mail and they didn't look right to me to the point that I was concerened about running them, I would be pissed.
What would be cool also is to not only have individual parts, but say "clutch kits" from companies who claim performance gains... Say a weight, spring, helix, etc. combo.
Try before you buy would be great.