|
|
| *Vultures Knob>>>Mountain Bike |
What does a "tune up" for a mountain bike entail and how much should it cost? |
Looking to service a five-year-old Trek mountain bike. Nothing appears to be wrong with the bike but the break pads are a bit worn and certian gears rattle a little bit. Thanks! There are 3 levels of tune ups on a bike... At least annually, a "checkup" should be performed. This includes all the typical adjustments like cables and wheel truing and that kind of stuff that typically needs attention just from riding the bike. This usually costs between $20 and $30, and many shops do free checkups for the first year; Every 2 years, you should get a "tune up". This is a checkup, plus additional work that may include replacing cables, brake pads, and usually overhauling the headset.. the headset is the most abused part of a bike. This service is often around $50 plus parts, but can be a little less if you take it to the shop where you purchased the bike in the first place; Every 5 years, you should really consider an "overhaul". This basically means that the bike is torn completely apart, cleaned, relubed, and reassembled with any worn parts replaced. Most shops charge between $90 and $100 plus parts for this service, but it is well worth it especially if you ride a lot or if the bike is more than a thing that hangs in your garage. After an overhaul, the bike is pretty much like new on all the things that count. Even if you don't ride it much, lubricants pick up crud or dry up, and things that are usually ignored tend to age and possibly even fail unexpectedly. Bikes are precision machines and must be maintained for proper performance and safety, just like your car. Source(s): 27 years in the industry As a tune up is a package, it can vary from place to place. Generally it includes: Truing of both wheels, adjusting of both derailleurs, adjusting of both brakes, light cleaning of the bike, and test riding. It also includes various little things like lubing the chain and putting air in the tires. Price varies a lot by region, but expect to pay around $40-$60. Some shops include replacing brake pads (labor only), and some include replacing cables and housing for derailleurs and brakes (labor only). More expensive tune ups usually add various bearing adjustments, and/or cleaning of the drivetrain. You'll need to ask at a particular shop to know what you're getting. A good shop will look at your bike for free to tell you what it needs. It may need less than a tune up, in which case they should have prices for individual services. for a good tune- up to $85. How about calling your LBS and ASKING them? Mirage guitar had good advice. At 5 years, you should consider repacking and of course checking and adjusting all bearings. check for chain wear for sure. check all cables/housings for need of replacement. Lube for sure. basic wheel/tire checkout and fix all known issues. with an annual checkup, should last another 5 years of enjoyment. Problem is this time of year the real good bike shops are swamped; my guy has a 3 week wait and is getting grumpy over his inability to help everyone. Take some nice cookies for the shop. |
| Tags |
| Kids Bike Schwinn Bike Cruiser Bike Road Bike Folding Bike Mountain Bike |
Bike Categories--Copyright/IP Policy--Contact Webmaster |