Listed here are routine maintenance tasks that your bicycle needs to keep running smoothly.
Please note that the cost shown includes labor, cleaning supplies and lubricants – parts are not included. If I determine a part is in your best interest we will talk about it. You then have the option of obtaining and providing me the part to install or not. In some cases I will buy, upon your request, parts on your behalf for an additional fee.
Cash payment is required when you take delivery of your bike.
Chain • Derailleurs • Brakes • Tires/Tubes • Hubs
Chain • $10
Over the course of many years of cycling and maintaining my bikes I have yet to see any of those fancy-schmancy-on-the-bike chain cleaning gizmos come anywhere close to a quality off bike chain cleaning. Following is my chain cleaning procedure. I “break” the chain to allow its’ removal from the bike. A thorough cleaning is performed using a degreaser. With the gunk removed I look for damaged and/or stiff links and measure for “stretch”. After passing this inspection, most do unless they have several thousand miles of use or have been abused, a high quality spray lube is applied. The chain is then left to set overnight allowing the lubricant plenty of time to penetrate into the pins.
During this procedure I highly recommend installing a “quicklink” – the modern day equivalent of a masterlink. This inexpensive part makes future chain cleaning a breeze by allowing quick removal of the chain. If I install one your next cleaning will be discounted $2.
For my riding, which is limited to dry road conditions, shifting becomes sluggish after 400 miles which is a sign to clean the chain. For the casual rider an annual cleaning typical suffices. There is nothing like riding with a freshly cleaned and lubed chain. Hearing that rhythmical whirring noise of a smooth running chain rather than the squeaking and creaking noise of a neglected one.
Derailleurs • $20
If all the components of the drive train are not clean and running smooth there is no point in adjusting derailleurs. In fact quite often once the drive train is cleaned and lubed you may find your balky shifting has magically fixed itself. This fact is why I include a complete cleaning prior to making any tweaks to derailleurs. The chain (see above for details), chain rings, cassette cogs and derailleurs are cleaned then given a visual inspection. After that inner and outer limits are adjusted to ensure chain doesn’t fall off. Then gear-to-gear shifting is dialed in for clean crisp shifts – to the extent of the equipment that is.
Brakes • $10
Pads, cables and cable housing are inspected for wear and damage. Rims will be cleaned of any buildup that may be hindering braking action. Calipers are cleaned, lubed and adjusted as needed. This price includes both front and rear brakes.
Tires/Tubes • $5
When repairing flats I carefully inspect the tire to ensure there is no remnant of the thorn left to eventually cause another flat. The tube will be patched unless replacement is warranted. Tube and tire are given a generous dusting of talcum powder. The powder acts as a lubricant reducing the friction between tube and tire. As an added benefit it gives the bike that fresh after shower smell! OK, that might be a slight exaggeration.
Hubs • $10
If your hubs need servicing it is likely they are the old school ball bearing type. Most quality bikes manufactured over the last few years have sealed cartridge bearings which need very little user maintenance. But if it is cones, races and balls that you have I can do that! I will disassemble the hub then clean and inspect all the components. Afterwards parts will be reinstalled, bearings will be repacked using a high quality bicycle specific grease and then final adjustments made.
To schedule your service, discuss your needs or ask a question please use the Contact Greg form or call/text 657.464.3246.
