BIKE TUNE UP

I guess it depends on what you mean by "tune-up."  I take mine in at the beginning of the race season for a full once-over (check the cables, derailluers, shifting, check/replace brakes pads and adjustment, pull/grease the bottom bracket, etc.) 

During the rest of the year, I clean the drivetrain every 2-3 rides (and try to wipe it down immediately if ridden in the rain) and wash it 1x/week. I replace the chain every 1500 miles, so I never have the shop do that. And I grease my pedals (Speedplay) every 3-4 months (although I put dry lube on the cleat contact points more often, probably every 6-7 rides, but it is very dry/dusty around here.) I replace the tires when I notice they have any suspicious deep gouges (around here, they get beat up from the gravel and get slices/gouges before the tread wears out, at least for me.)

ETA: I should mention that if my derailluers start chattering or shifting poorly, I take it into the shop for those adjustments. I've jacked up my derailluer settings too much (I seem to have some mental block that allows me to adjust them) and I think it's just easier to have them do it. In fact, I just had them do that on Saturday, and the mechanic found that my rear derailluer hanger was slightly bent, causing part of the problem. There is no way I would have ever found that (I don't have the right tools) so I was glad I hadn't tried to muck about with it.

Edited by lodewey 2009-08-03 8:49 AM

I take mine in once a year/season for a tune up.

I would say that once a year should be enough as long as you keep the bike clean, clean/lube the chain frequently and keep everything nice a tight (checking things over once in a while to make certain that all screws/bolts have not loosened over time). Before each season, I do replace all wires, replace the chain and take everything a part to relube it all (headset, bottom bracket, brakes, etc.), basically making certain that I will have an uneventful season (from a mechanical point of view at least)

If I can jump in on this thread;

Besides the chain maintenance (along with the gears) is there really any maintenance that needs to be done on the bike if you take it once a year for a tune up?

I don't ride a ton either.  I keep it clean along with oiling and wiping down the chain & gears every couple rides.

In the spirit of bike tune ups, what are some average numbers for replacing bike parts mileage wise. Specifically chains, bb's, cassettes? I assume FD, RD, and chainrings last much longer than the previously mentioned items.