Semantics?
 

I'm curious about the term "Tune UP" and what our members think it means.

Members have suggested that they receive free tune ups; or I just had a tune up. What was actually done?

A related question is: What is an "Overhaul?" Is it the same as a tune up? Or something different altogether? What is actually done?

I know what it means in my shop, but I'm curious as to what the general membership thinks it is.

I assume it includes wheel trueing, cable adjustment, lubrication, and general checking for anything that may be going wrong.

Tune up: Cleaning, lubing, derailleur tuning and adjustment, brake tuning and adjustment, sometimes new cables, tape and brake pads [pay extra].

Overhaul: Repack/replace bearings, disassemble, clean, lube and reassemble components [specifically RD cage and pulley wheels], new chain and cassette... and all the things in a tune-up.

Tune ups are rarely worth the fee if you do your own work. Overhauls are nice if you don't have the time or inclination to strip and rebuild your bike.

I am going with V on this one. :)

Yep, that's what it is in my neck of the woods as well.

I know where you're coming from on that one, ljbike. People have differing expectations, don't they? :) Nothing wrong with that, of course, just got to make sure they understand what's included...

I developed my own systematic tune-up approach, FWIW:

• I love using these bulletted lists, if no one guessed yet :)
• Bearings. In my rationalle, properly-adjusted bearings are the foundation for most of the other adjustments. If the bearings are an adjustable type, they get adjusted to their best potential, but not taken apart and regreased or overhauled.
• Wheel truing. The wheel is the brake rotor, so straightening it comes before brake adjustments.
• Brake adjustment.
• Drivetrain adjustment.
• Wrap-up. Lube chain if needed, clean the bike to a reasonable extent, test-ride if feasible.

For the places where I worked, an overhaul entailed a tune-up combined with taking the bearings apart where feasible, and solvent-tanking them. Many customers were disillusioned to find that a tune-up did not include the overhaul of all parts :(

I was just talking with a buddy of mine at my LBS about tune-ups. After hearing what he told a customer I asked him, "Since alot of bikes now have hydraulic brakes, should the tune-up not also include checking and adding fluid if needed?" He just smilled and shook his head.
Slainte:beer:

THANKS! for your comments. In reading your replies, it occurred to me that my original question was flawed. It should have included the question: What is "Routine Maintenence," is it the same as a "Tune UP?"

...because in my shop. Routine Maintenence is what you are calling a Tune UP, and a Tune UP is what you are calling an Overhaul. Our Overhaul includes the replacement of all non-sealed bearings, cables, brake pads and H'Bar tape if the customer wants it.

Thanks, again, for your input. Except for the semantics, I think we are pretty much in agreement.