i pay because i have the $20 more easily than i have the 20-ish
minutes fixing a flat - i've fixed flats before, it's not rocket
science

It's not rocket science to know that if you flat on a ride and don't fix it
yourself, it's going to take a lot more than 20-ish minutes to let the bike
shop do it. Unless, of course, you're riding to the bike shop and getting a
flat once you get there. Then it might take less time to let them fix it.
Geez...




the point was - ever get 3 flats in a row? what's with that? is that
normal?

Define normal? When **** happens is that normal? Yes, it is normal for ****
to happen. And what about extra ****? Is it normal for extra **** to happen
sometimes? Er, yep. Sometimes **** heaps up upon ****.


think the shop is screwing up and missing something that could be
causing the flats (always the back tire) - like a spoke sticking
through the wheel or something?


Well, if you think they are screwing up, remove them from the equation and
screw up yourself. Or, perhaps you'll be more motivated than they are to
make sure YOU don't flat out.


doesn't it seem a little odd?


Yes, that you're willing to pay $20 for flat after flat after flat?