Both the novice cyclist and the professional know the importance of tuning. With tuning, you can keep your bike at its best performance. This means that bike components such as brakes, speed control, headset, and other bike parts function smoothly. A bike tune-up can also include the regular maintenance your bike needs. But how much is a bike tune-up and why pay for it? Let’s break it down.
Why you should pay for a bike tune-up
Any sensible cyclist wants to keep their bike as safe and reliable as possible.
When buying a bike in a bike shop, you should understand that it is not a cheap pleasure at all. Whether you ride a car or a bike, your electric bike requires just as much attention as your car, tractor, or motorcycle.
A bike tune-up includes not only performance features, but also eliminates all the potential safety issues and can ensure the reliability of riding an electric bike.
In any vehicle containing moving mechanical parts, bike maintenance is important, which includes timely lubrication, preventing breakdowns, and ensuring productive operation.
Whether you ride on dirt or asphalt, a bike without a tune-up will fail very quickly. The solution to this problem is regular bike tune-ups.
In addition, bike tune-up allows you to detect problems before they can become financially costly. Due to the repair of some parts of the bike, the bike tune-up costs can be three times higher.
What does bike tune-up includes
It all depends on the local bike shop. Most local bike shops offer major tune-ups and basic tune-ups.
A basic tune-up involves doing these things:
– checking wheel pressure;
– adjusting the speeds and the brakes adjusting;
– transmission maintenance;
– cleaning and degreasing the chain and the bike;
– chain lubrication, etc.
A basic tune-up usually involves simple cleaning and tune-up. Serious bike tune-up involves adjusting brakes, replacing chains, and brake cables, and sometimes even disassembling parts.
Mountain bicycle owners are advised to tune up in after every ride. A road bike needs a tune-up every 3-4 rides. City bike periodically, depending on weather conditions, humidity, and time of use.
Headset adjustment
One of the key components of your bicycle is your headset. It directly affects the handling and is the intelligent part of the bike. With a well-tuned headset, you can enjoy smooth and precise steering.
A poorly tuned headset can cause an accident on the road. You simply won’t be able to ride fully if this part of the vehicle isn’t functioning properly. For safety reasons, it makes sense to check it systematically.
Be sure to get rid of the sand and dirt that collects on the headset. This will help to eliminate the failure of this element. Contamination can hurt the ride and take control of the bike problematic.
It is necessary to perform cleaning of the headset, including the bearings, so you will ensure effective and reliable control. Masters remove parts such as the stem and handlebar. At the same time, the fork will be removed from your bike. The bicycle is then wiped off the accumulation of dirt.
Bottom bracket adjustment
The importance of this part should not be underestimated. It is located where the pedals and bike frame are attached to transfer force to the wheels. With it, the bicycle can move properly.
Since the bottom bracket is part of the basic tune-up, most bike shops monitor its condition. A loose bracket will not work well. If there is such a problem, a technician will either tighten it or adjust it.
Front and rear derailleurs
These parts can be broken or worn. This is especially true for those bikers who travel over rough terrain. If there is a problem adjusting the derailleurs, the shifting process will prove very difficult. This, in turn, will create serious problems when riding over hilly terrain with slopes.
It is extremely important to adjust both derailleurs to ensure an optimal ride. Make sure that the master performs a derailleur check during the tune-up process. This will ensure that the chain will not slip during the shifting process.
During the tune-up process, the derailleurs are checked for wear and tear. If the part is severely damaged, it may need to be adjusted or replaced.
Brake pads, brake levers, and cables adjustment
The brakes, levers, brake pads, and cables are an important part of the complex mechanism that affects the ride. These parts should be adjusted to your needs, allowing you to ride your bicycle with comfort and optimum performance.
It is important to check the condition of the cables. They should not be sagging. If they are stuck, you should be sure to adjust their position. In addition, it is worth tightening the lever, calipers, and other parts.
The brake pads should touch the middle of the rim’s braking surface. This will eliminate unnecessary noise and squeaking.
Chain, cassette, and chainring
The chain is always the first to fail. Therefore, it requires special attention. If it does, a broken chain can aggravate the performance of the chainrings and cassette.
You should replace the chain once a year, especially if you use the bicycle systematically. The cassette and chain should be well-lubricated.
Hubs and truing wheels
Do systematic bike maintenance to keep the hubs and wheels in good condition.
For the wheels to work well, they must be securely attached to the electric bike. The wheels should be strong enough to support your weight.
Does your bike need a tune-up or can you do without one?
It all depends on how important the condition of your bike is to you. For those who like to ride on terrain, regular maintenance twice a year is a sensible solution. This will make it easy to determine if your bicycle needs repairs or replacement parts.
If you only need your bike as a means of transportation to get to work, then having it serviced once a year will be sufficient. This ensures that your vehicle is functioning optimally and avoids costly repairs.
In addition, bike tune-ups do not just ensure that your bicycle works better, but also ensure excellent safety while riding. Therefore, do not neglect to go to the store to tune up your bike.
How much is a bike tune-up?
Depending on your bike’s needs, you can choose a basic or major tune-up of your vehicle.
Most local stores offer these packages tune-ups for cyclists:
- Basic tune-up
If you don’t want to splurge on this service, then this package is perfect for you. A basic tune-up average cost about $40: it includes the standard cleaning and lubrication of components. If you need some sort of technical operation, then the price tag can go up to $90. Masters will be able to adjust the brakes, work on the transmission and torque, tires, perform wheel straightening, and more. For a new bike, a basic setup is enough.
- Standard tune-up
The standard bike tune-up cost ranges from $100 to $160. If you need mountain bike tuning, this service will be a good solution for you. The standard rate involves a basic tune-up and a deep polishing of the bike. You’ll also get the transmission stripped and degreased and the bike checked for other damage.
- Overhaul tune-up
Such a tune-up cost you about $150 to $250. Your vehicle will be well-checked for malfunctions and component problems. All parts of the bike will be well-adjusted to ensure the good performance of your vehicle. This is the best tuning that involves a set of different activities. It also includes deep cleaning, lubrication, and adjustments. You will get bearings and cables replaced so that your bike is better tuned.
Tune up a nearly new bike that will cost less than a used bike, so you should keep that in mind.
After having your bike tuned by professionals, you will undoubtedly notice a major change in your bike’s performance. Your bicycle will give you a comfortable and safe ride.
What you can do yourself
The only useful thing you can do to prolong the life of your bike is to keep it clean. Use water, detergent, a sponge, and a brush to do this.
Also, get a good decontamination product to get rid of excess grease and dirt buildup on the chain.
Before you clean your bike, wash all of its elements well with water. Use a special degreaser to treat the frame, chain, gears, and wheels. After washing, wait for your bicycle to dry well.
If moisture gets on the drivetrain, it will clog quickly. So take care to remove any accumulation of dirt from this part.
Polish the bike frame with a special spray and wipe it dry using a paper towel. This simple action will prevent dirt from sticking to your bike.
Remember one simple rule: no matter what you use your bike for work, weekend rides, or sports, it must always be clean.
Vehicles that are used in the field, off-road, and on rough terrain, as well as in rain and snow, need extra attention and require more frequent maintenance.
Adjust the seat
If you are not comfortable riding your bike, you may need to adjust the seat. It should be at waist level. If you experience friction discomfort while riding, it may indicate a need for a different, narrower seat.
Generally, women need a wider saddle. Preferably, there should be space inside to avoid friction while riding.
Also, you can check tire pressure, and brake condition and perform other minor work yourself.
Final Thoughts
If you are concerned about serviceability and safety when using your bike, you should visit a bike shop regularly. It will also help you avoid accidents on the road.
Many novice cyclists wonder how much a tune costs. The price of a bike adjustment service can vary. It all depends on what the bike tune-ups include. Before you use the services of the masters, it is recommended to think about the needs of your own bike. Because the tune-up costs are directly related to the needs and conditions of the transport.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a full tune-up on a bike?
The cost of a bike tune-up that includes full maintenance ranges from $150 to $250.
Is a bike tune-up worth it?
If you are a responsible cyclist who cares about your safety and it is important for you to know that all components of the bike are in good working order, bike tune-up is a must for you.
What does a standard bike tune-up include?
The standard tune-up includes cleaning and lubrication of parts. In addition, they perform a deep polishing of the bike. Your bike will be checked for any malfunctions.
How often should you get your bike tuned up?
For bike regularly ride with heavy-use cross-country enthusiasts, twice-yearly maintenance is ideal.
For the average weekend rider or bike commuter, tune-up once a year.