Member Question: Bike Tune Up

author : FitWerx
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How often should you have a bike tune up and what should be included? Is it unreasonable to expect a refitting as part of the tune up?

Member question from Benet
First of all thanks for being part of the BT community. My question is: How often should you have a bike tune up and what should be included? Is it unreasonable to expect a refitting as part of the tune up? Thanks!

Answer

A properly assembled bicycle should have a tune up a minimum of once per year. A rider that rides year round should have tune ups two or more times per year depending on cycling volume.

A routine tune-up should include the following:

  • Check and Adjust Shifting.

  • Check and Adjust Brakes. Replace brake pads if needed.

  • Lube Cables.

  • Check for Tire Wear.

  • Check for Chain Wear.

  • Check Wheels for True.

  • Check Bolts for Tightness and Proper Torque.

At least once per year, a more advanced tune-up or overhaul may include:

  • Wash Entire Bicycle.

  • Overhaul Bottom Bracket and Hubs

  • Overhaul Headset

  • Soak Drivetrain in Solvent and Scrub Clean.

  • Check All Bearings for Grittiness and Play.

  • Check Spoke Tension

  • Grease/Carbon Paste Seatpost.

It will depend on the shop you’re working with, but a refitting won’t typically be included as part of the tune-up. Regardless of when you have your bike tuned-up, you should have easy access to your bike fitter for feedback or concerns regarding your fitting.

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date: November 5, 2008

FitWerx

Fit Werx offers the most scientific and complete bicycle fitting services in New England, the Northeast and beyond. Regardless of where you are from (Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Australia, Macau...) a Fit Werx' bike fit is guaranteed to be worth the trip.

avatarFitWerx

Fit Werx offers the most scientific and complete bicycle fitting services in New England, the Northeast and beyond. Regardless of where you are from (Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Australia, Macau...) a Fit Werx' bike fit is guaranteed to be worth the trip.

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