Bicycle Mechanics - Tune-up Questions...

I have inquired at several of my LBS's and most run around $30, but one runs $75. What could the difference be?

Also, I'm going for one of the $30 jobs and then I would like to maintain my bike myself for the rest of the summer. Is there a good book that explains a basic tune-up?

Thanks!

Michelle

You might call and ask what they cover for the price, since they vary. Generally, my approach is:

Bearing adjustments
Wheel truing
Brake adjustments
Drivetrain/shifting adjustments
and a certain amount of cosmetic cleanup, plus air tires and lube chain, check likely bolts for tightness

A tune-up often covers some or all of the labor charge to replace run-of-the-mill items like shift & brake cables, tires & tubes, or installing accessories you purchase at check-in (new bar-ends or whatever).

The $75 job may be a tune-up that includes extensive cleaning and a wax job on top of the mechanical aspects.

Basic tune-up consists of: cleaning the bike first and foremost; adjusting brakes and shifters; trueing wheels on the bike; adjusting headset; removing seatpost and applying grease to avoid seizure; inflate tires to recomended pressure; check hubs for any play, adjust as needed, tighten crank bolts to recommended torque; apply lube to chain and other moving parts.

This runs about $40.00. It depends on how dirty the bike is. If really bad, I charge $45 if it's a clean well maintained regular customer's bike, price drops to $30.00, maybe $25 if they pick it up close to closing time and bring me a bottle of microbrew!

A complete tune-up, includes all of the above. but includes removal of wheels and repacking bearings at hubs, and headset. Truing of wheels in the stand to tight tolerances, also checking for proper dish; checking alignment of derailleur hanger; and removal of the chain for a soak in degreaser and a complete and thorough drive train cleaning.

Cost for that is $100.00. Less for regular customers. (down to $80).

L8R

Originally posted by BikerDawg
I would like to maintain my bike myself for the rest of the summer.
Michelle

Yeah, I like your attitude, girl!

There's a book called "Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance" by Lennard Zinn. I borrowed all 3 of his books from the library and they were awesome. I already learned how to adjust the gears, brakes, and replace brake cable on my old crappy bike.

The $30. job would be what a2 said. The $70. job should include complete disassembly and all new cables, grease and, perhaps, HS and wheel bearings too.

Around here - you get an annual tune-up for free where you purchase a bike. Includes true wheels and adjust drive chain or anything you mention. After the first wheel true, my only continuing annual request is sloppy gear changes. And I have found that turning the barrells CCW takes care of the problem. IMHO - it tunes better while you're riding so this is the one thing I was determined to get a handle on. In fact if the wheels stay true - I won't go back for the freebee - I just like to take care of my own stuff

Thanks for the suggestions! I am going to let someone do the initial tune-up since it hasn't been done for several years (just getting back into it), and anything MAJOR will be discovered. :D After that, I'll do my best!

I just wonder which one would be best? The $40 or the $75. I think I'll stick with the cheaper one....I would rather put $75 toward a new bike!! ;)

Oh, and Tippy, my bike came with free annual tune-ups, too, but I moved from Philly to (the middle of nowhere) Ohio, and there isn't a store anywhere near me. :(

Originally posted by BikerDawg
Oh, and Tippy, my bike came with free annual tune-ups, too, but I moved from Philly to (the middle of nowhere) Ohio, and there isn't a store anywhere near me. :(

:eek: Come back!!!

LOL, mightypudge....I did love it out there. I came back home to Ohio to go to massage therapy school (since PA has no licensing requirements and less education). Now, I've opened my own business....so, I'll just have to come back for visits. I lived in KOP/Norristown for four years!

Originally posted by BikerDawg
LOL, mightypudge....I did love it out there. I came back home to Ohio to go to massage therapy

Massage therapy?? OK, now you REALLY have to come back. ;)

LOL ;)

ljbike, dissasemble of the bike with full cleaning and replacement of cables and housing, overhaul of bearings is a $150 to $200 job and takes four to five hours (Where I work).
Pricing of repair work seems to be very sensitive of location.

Rev.Chuck. I think I'll move to NC. and get rich. $75. is what I charge here in Maine.

You will not get rich because your apartment will cost you $1000 a month or a house(in town) will be over $200,000. I just work in the shop(Service manager) and make less than $30,000 a year AND almost live in the next county so I can afford a house.